I've "lost" money in both real estate and in the market, I've also "MADE" money in both. If you have a long term horizon I'd fully support the markets, not gambling in the markets... but buying solid stocks and riding them out until "the story" that made you pick that company in the first place (you did your research right?) changes.
I only really review my investment choices about twice a year, I'm lazy with them. It controls my desire to want to change things, sometimes for the worse and sometimes FTW. It's what allowed me to "hold" Qualcomm (qcom) for the better part of the last 20 years. I could retire off that one pick alone. Patience is your friend in investments, I don't think you'll become insanely rich by jumping in a mutual fund but it certainly beats whatever bank rates or bond funds are out there (again, long term outlook).
I've learned something here as well, I still contribute too much to my 401k. My company only matches 6% but I put in 22.5% along with 10% into our SPP (a guaranteed 15% return minimum). I've fallen down on my IRA contributions due to lack of "extra" funds and should really be managing more of my own money due to the tax consequences when I get older (I've been ignoring that fact). My company has a ton of 401k choices, some very good but nothing like making individual investments.
If you can take the time to educate yourself on the stock market at all... it really is a wondrous place to put your savings (if young a majority of all your money). I'm about 0% liquid.... if I need money I leverage it. I don't budget at all but between extravagant purchases am quite frugal.
Anything saved anywhere is better than money blown with no thought of your future. ALWAYS take some off the top (before you get it sent home) be it through work deducting it directly from your pay or an allotment to your savings institution of choice. It's the most important thing you can do in life IMO.
