Unless the economy gets into a prolonged funk, the sheer power of compounded interest over significantly longer ladies' life expectancy [assuming investment in a broad index fund] would make it impossible to lose.
Sexism Lives, I see...
/giggle
Yes, many of those who are saying not to get in the market don't realize that from 1995 to 2005, the market, both the DOW and the NASDAQ went up 260%. That includes after the rise and fall of 2000.
In Feb 1995, the DOW was at 4011, this Feb it was 10800.
In Feb 1995, the NASDAQ wad 793, this Feb it was 2100.
Even the S&P 500 went from 487 in Feb 1995 to 1200 this Feb.
So yes, if you put your money in all at one time, in Mar 2000, then you are still down a little in the Dow but quite a bit in the NASDAQ. But by dollar cost averaging in, like it is recommended for 401K's and IRA's, then you're probably doing quite well.
Do the math, do some research and I believe most will agree that the market provides the best (and a historically reliable) return over the long haul.