[eggzz]

Assuming this is not your only investment vehicle, and also assuming that if you don't hit your goal, it won't be the end of the world this is my recommendation--EDIT--I just read your ransom post, however, I still start off on this route---END EDIT: Buy stock in a great blue chip company through its Dividend Reinvestment Program.

I am in ExxonMobils and the transaction costs are nil. Here are the stock prices over the last five years:

7/00 - $79
7/01 - $88 (11%)
7/02 - $41 (stock split - return 0% for year)
7/03 - $37 ( -9%)
7/04 - $45 (12%)
7/05 - $61 (14%)

Ok, this is only 5.6% average return over five years, but what about the consistent dividends that the stock pays? From what I can tell about the historical dividend I think that should add the equivalent of at least 2% to the stock appreciation raising us to 7.5%? I don't know how to figure that out.

I guess the two year span of a negative return didn't help this post too much, but this was during the economic downturn, and many blue chips struggled during this same time. I think 10% (plus dividend) really is the norm for this strong company, and I'm happy to stick with them, and keep plugging away whether the stock is up or down.

I think you would have a good shot at getting your 9.5% plus with this company over the next five years, with relatively minimal risk.