My 401K is strinking

Have you checked your 401K since 9-30-2008? It is steadily strinking.

How old are you. Are you 69 years old and ready to retire? If so, I would make some change soon.

But if you are young and will not be retiring for another 35-40 years, I would not make a huge stink about it. It will recover over time. By micro managing things in this scenario you are causing unneeded stress on yourself.

Marty wrote:

How old are you. Are you 69 years old and ready to retire? If so, I would make some change soon.
But if you are young and will not be retiring for another 35-40 years, I would not make a huge stink about it. It will recover over time. By micro managing things in this scenario you are causing unneeded stress on yourself.

I will be eligible for retirement in 10 yrs. and I am stressing because I lost 1,200.00 within three months. 6/30/08 -9/30/08.

Look back at all the downturns in history.
Those who stayed in got their money back and made a profit within two years. That timeframe may hold true again.

Those who panicked and sold out while the market was down lost their money and it was just gone bye-bye forever. This fact will certainly hold true again. Anyone who sells low gets beat. Period!

Dex, thanks for the advice and marty too.

Word To The Wise wrote:

<quoted text>
I will be eligible for retirement in 10 yrs. and I am stressing because I lost 1,200.00 within three months. 6/30/08 -9/30/08.

I know it's unsettleing in these times, especialy today when the market took a huge dump. You just have to grit your teeth and ride it out. And, unless your older than 57 1/2 you'll take a big hit in taxes if you pull your investments now.

Many years ago when the market went sideways I lost over $13,000, but I hung on and more than recovered my loss. Good luck.

Word To The Wise,

Diversify, have a portion in bonds, money market funds, etc. If all you lost in three months was $1200.00. You are doing good.

Word To The Wise wrote:

<quoted text>
I will be eligible for retirement in 10 yrs. and I am stressing because I lost 1,200.00 within three months. 6/30/08 -9/30/08.

You did good if you lost $1200 Im down $10,000 No other choice but to go down like a Sub.

Word To The Wise wrote:

<quoted text>
I will be eligible for retirement in 10 yrs. and I am stressing because I lost 1,200.00 within three months. 6/30/08 -9/30/08.

Don't panic. You have time. This mess will recover and you will be in good shape. In about 5 years you will want to start shifting to income producing investments. Leave the stocks to the youngsters, go out and play golf.