You wouldn't necessarily know it from watching the ads on tv - but investing isn't just about retirement. Most of us have short-term goals as well - the down payment for a home or a new car, a dream wedding, a special vacation or your kids' education. You can invest for those as well, just not in the same way. Although the stock market has, historically, proven to be a good home for long-term investments, there are other places you can invest if your time horizon is shorter. The rewards typically aren't as great. Then again, neither is the risk.