this is killing me!!!

wendy · #1 10-06-2008, 05:15 PM

I know that I'm young enough that my investments have time to bounce back, and I know the ups and downs in the market are normal, and I know that we can't drag our money out when things turn sour BUT I am SO tired of getting my financial statements and seeing my money shrinking. Each quarterly statement drops me down by several hundred dollars per investment group. I'm truly expecting that I'm going to get one soon that says "funds expired". I wish I could call the companies and just tell them to hold my statements until things get better. I'll gladly live with my head in the sand for awhile.
Anyone else dreading the mailbox these days? And did I hear 800 point drop today?

__________________
W~

"The best way to make it through with hearts and wrists intact is to realize that two out of three ain't bad..." FOB

Sugr · #2 10-06-2008, 05:19 PM

I hear you. DH is in the business and he told me not to open the statements. He said you don't want to know.

M.Opaliski · #3 10-06-2008, 05:26 PM

Wen, things will improve and you have time to get there. Chin up, you're not alone ...

It was down just over 800 points at one point today but finished at just over 518 points lower that the close on Friday, so yes it dropped a good bit today, it's under 10,000 for the first time since 2004.

Trouble with the news is that it effects things that really have no basis in the Market, and even folks who have nothing to do with the Market start thinking doom and gloom, that's the news, doom and gloom, and it sells ...

Jessica · #4 10-06-2008, 06:20 PM

I feel your pain, Wen. The average return rate on my 401K has been in the red for a year. So, I increased it.

Yeah, increased. I know. I'm optimistic to a fault, but the way I look at it is like this: even though the investments I am buying into a loosing money, I'm still buying into them. I'm buying low, and when this thing turns around (which it will, although no one can say how soon) I'll have taken advantage of that purchasing power.

My advice is this: don't look. Take the unopened envelope, file it away (or shred it for added satisfaction) and thank your lucky stars you're not a year or two away from retirement!

__________________
No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.
--Eleanor Roosevelt

kittykat · #5 10-06-2008, 07:29 PM

I get emailed statements weekley , but i just moved mine to a stable fund after i lost 9 grand.

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wendy · #6 10-06-2008, 08:12 PM

thank your lucky stars you're not a year or two away from retirement![/quote]

Tell me! This is one of the few times that I can say I'm glad I'm not retiring soon!

__________________
W~

"The best way to make it through with hearts and wrists intact is to realize that two out of three ain't bad..." FOB

motherof3 · #7 10-06-2008, 08:27 PM

My mom works in the finance business and she had a REALLY bad day. My dad is only 2 years from retirement and their investments are down over 40% and one is gone entirely now. My dad is hell bent on retiring (and I can't blame him) but in reality they just can't afford it unless he turns around and gets another job making the same kind of money. It's scary for them. We are young enough to ride it out and be thankful we have jobs and a house, but my mom is seriously stressed. I just hope my kids college funds improve by the time we need them. I'm so glad we made paying off debt a priority a few years ago. But we're still always broke! The way I look at it is it could always be worse and for someone out there I'm sure it is. So I'm thankful for all that we have right now.

hockey · #8 10-06-2008, 08:28 PM

Wendy... I refuse to open my Fidelity and Vangard statements anymore. I just put the sealed envelopes into a file. I won't even tell you how much $$ those accounts have lost over the past few years... it makes me puke.

Ignorance = Bliss

M.Opaliski · #9 10-06-2008, 08:34 PM

It could always be worse ...

*Ah, there's my glass, half full as usual

All Cash · #10 10-11-2008, 10:25 AM

In hard economical times like these. I'm in the safest investment vessel. Treasury Bills. Even though they are not paying much. They are safe, secure and do pay somewhat depending on the term of the bill. Presently I'm in 13 & 4 week bills.

Lastly, as Matt said/ You have time on your side. If your not retiring for 30+ years. You won't even remember when this all happened.

this is killing me!!!

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