Real Estate!! yes, it is true that the housing market is flat at this point. but i bought my first house at 20, eventually moved on but kept it and now it is paid for and i own it free and clear. Yes, i have taxes insurance and maintenance, but they comes straight off my tax liability. And I have the rental income.

the ING account is liquid, and 5.05% is great for a liquid account...check into no load mutuals. some of the charles schwab accounts have been very good for me. This year especially...

but it has never been a better time to buy a home. I got my nephew a hud repo...check out www.hud.gov...he paid $158K, and it appraised for $178K, and he just finished the basement and did a 2nd mortgage appraisal and it came in at $219K...this is not common, but is so possible. with you being a teacher, check out the teacher next door program. they have an officer next door program, and i helped a cop to advantage of this program, and he got a home for $48K and now it is worth $110K...yes you have to buy and teach in a targeted area, but you only have to stay for 3 years and then you walk with tons of equity...www.hud.gov

hope i have helped to stimulate your thoughts...Good Luck!!