utilities are a safe bet especialy being a long term bet, if suddenly a power plant went up the govenment would step to help secure power for your area, utilies would be a nice 15-30 year investment. their are some new gas companies in canada that yeild like 45% for the time being, something like that you would have to moniter closley and make it a short turn around time. altho mutual funds are the best and safest way to invest, a good stock broker with a nice track record can accomplish this for you