Fear of losing your money to such an extent that you don't invest in the stock market or manage your retirement account can actually be worse than investing. Just watching or hoping your retirement account will grow is like watching the weather or predicting who is going to win the World Series in two years.
The right tools are required for safe investing. It's natural to be afraid of losing; no one wants to lose anything, much less money or even a life's savings. But money under the mattress will be worth half if that much after 20 or 40 years. The answer is to invest safely and profitably. And no this is not easier said than done, but neither is it extremely difficult.
The first key to successful, safe and profitable investing is to know that anyone can do it. Anyone. You.
The second key is getting and using the right tools. Thanksgiving dinner requires the right tools, ingredients and recipes. Remodeling a home requires tools, materials and know-how. The same is required for successful investing.