Although it can be tempting, putting ones net worth into a mattress is not the best move.Or you could go hiking along the Seneca Trail and bury your savings, but other than hiking being good exercise–this is an even worse idea.   Even in the middle of a recession, there are still plenty of options for places to put savings where the dollar value will grow significantly instead of staying the same. If investors know where to look, there are plenty of opportunities waiting for them.

Gold and silver are one opportunity with the potential to make a lot of money, but not without some risk. While both gold and silver have steadily increased over the last few years, there is no telling as to whether or not this growth will continue, or whether or not the bubble will pop. While gold and silver have practical value on their own, investors may be better off investing in mutual funds and stocks that hedge the gold and silver prices instead of purchasing gold and silver bars.

Mutual funds present a low risk way to play the stock market that offer steady (but not phenomenally large) growth. Mutual funds are usually comprised of 10-20 different stocks, all managed by a trading professional. Investing in mutual funds is a way of giving money to a professional who will do the most good for all those who have invested in him. Although they are relatively low risk, they are also less likely to make any overnight millionaires, as the goal is slow and steady growth.

Finally, for those who hope to roll the dice and have it pay off big, putting money directly into the market can be their best option. While investing in individual companies carries with it the most risk, it can also carry the most reward, as all of the top blue chip stocks were once very affordable. With a keen eye and willingness to take risk, investors can make a lot of money in a down economy.