I would suggest 25% in the TIAA Traditional Account (an account with a guarantedd minimum rate of return of 3% per year backed by what may well be the best financed insurance company in the nation),

Kris & other newbies, 

Just to clarify for the uninitiated: Even though the TIAA Traditional Account guarantees a minimum rate of 3%; during its very lengthy life it has always delivered a reasonable return well above the guaranteed 3%. For example; today it pays 5.25% in its liquid form, and 6% for its long-term form.

(After retirement; if a person purchases a Life Annuity; the guaranteed minimum drops to 2.5%)

I invite (or challenge) anyone to list another investment that pays a guaranteed rate of 6% in today's environment.

Sy