"Although I'm no expert on investing, the comment on "todays market" implies that 'todays market' is not a time to invest in equities. The richest stock investors became that way on one major principle : when everyone is panicking and selling BUY! Stocks are cheap now. If I was 30 years old and had available cash, I'd be pouring the money into the market. " (Per rshoffer).
Ah, but hubby and I are not 30 years old and to take the money that puts a roof over our head and going to the blackjack table doesn't work for us. We currently know a gentleman in Florida who invested in a second home to flip and the housing market in FL, (he is not in The Villages), flopped and it has made a serious mess of their retirement funds and life. He only wishes he had that to do over again. You may have a very high risk tolerance and gambling on the market could possibly make you very rich but the FDIC is not involved here, no guarantees to protect your home or principle. If you have lots of money to play with, stocks would be the place to be. I think you're final decision will depend on your portfolio balance and how much you can afford to lose. Hopefully, you would win.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26330135