The only sure thing in the US economy — once you concede that western civilization is in steep decline, so we all are doomed anyway; and I am not being sarcastic — is that, over the long haul - meaning a 20 to 25 year period - the US stock market is the best investment. So, who cares if there should be a 40% drop next week, so long as you are not intending to cash-out 100% of your holdings next week? Choose ten-to-fifteen stocks in which to make small purchases automatically every month; make most of those stocks blue chip; ignore the daily stock market; and live your life.
Research DRIPs. Did you read that? Go on the web and research DRIPs.