I would like to invest a small sum of money that I can see returns on over the next five years. Reason being that I'm 51 and would like to start filling in the years 57 through 62 with other forms of income. My goal is FI at 57.
As I get $500 here or there I would likely place it in the same place to keep it simple and since I feel I'm diversified, but conservative. I have two rental incomes, a life insurance annuity, and the DW has an income that are working for us now (and I'm fully employed at over $100,000 as well). I have SS (after 62), a 457K (government version of a 401K) (after 59.5), my pension (after 62 unless I want to take early retirement hit), I own two homes that I can either sell when I retire or continue to rent, my life insurance annuity continues until I croak, and will fully own a 3rd home by age about 60. All that after 62 stuff is about equal to our current income.
So, I need to invest in something that may help me avoid some taxes and keep me a little above inflation. In this short period I'm not comfortable with the stock market, especially since it is so high now. I can be talked into that though if it makes sense. In other words I am open to suggestions. However, I do like things simple!