The Dow has been a roller coaster ride over the last few weeks. Many of us have seen our investment portfolios PLUMMET! I am certain we are all crossing our fingers/toes/arms and rubbing our rabbits’ feet to see if this upward move can sustain for a few days.
I have to admit, I began to panic a little on last week, though I didn’t make any drastic moves. I am surprised at the number of people who decided to withdraw their funds completely-despite the huge penalties and the future damage caused to their long-term investment strategies.
I even considered the withdrawal options, but during my contemplation I reached out to my financial advisor, here was his reply:
With regard to your investment strategy, our firms approach to investing is that of a ‘long-term, buy-and-hold’ strategy, particularly when there are many years between now and retirement.
I have reviewed your holdings and while we have seen significant drops in value consistent with the overall market decline, I do not recommend any changes at this time. History has consistently shown that major market declines and recessions are followed by periods of economic expansion and market growth. Only by staying invested and avoiding market-timing decisions can the real long-term average returns of the market be realized.
Did you make any major changes to your portfolio?
Are you considering more changes?
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2 responses so far ↓
Lynn // November 1, 2008 at 4:20 am |
One of the better attributes about being older is that you have gained a lot of experience. I have been investing in mutual funds every two weeks since 1978. I have survived a couple recessions, inflation and deflation, poor real estate markets and good relestate markets and above all poor times to invest during the historical bad times. Dollar cost averaging, that means investing regularly in good times and bad times, has paid major dividends for me over the years. Yes, I have changed some of my mutual funds to lesser aggressive funds as I have aged. I am looking at retiring in three more years but I am still investing every two weeks in my 401K and my mutual funds.
I see the current market condtions as an opportunity to buy at lower prices and if history repeats itself and I beleive it will, I will again be rewarded when the investment environment improves.
Anthony // November 3, 2008 at 4:48 pm |
Lynn,
Thanks for sharing your investment strategies and the success that has resulted.