I've been invested in the stock market for 20+ years. When I started, the market was at 6,000. Now the market is at 17,000+, so the stock market has been very good to me. But the most important thing about the stock market is that it is a long term investment. You don't go into the market for months; you go into it for years, and if you do, you will make money.
Fees are pretty low, in my opinion. It is best to get help with your investment--I have Wells Fargo Advisors and it has been excellent.
Did your average yearly returns over 20 years outpace inflation? (To calculate inflation use the CPI formula that accurately reports food /fuel and healthcare and not the FUD they normally propagandize- 5-10% compounded annually per year should need to be beat)
My returns easily outpaced inflation. I'm currently living off these returns!