Investing in a Bad Economy

Enough is enough. You've lost money steadily over the last few weeks and now it's time to do something about it. But...what?


Experts from around the nation have given their advice to investors struggling through the economic woes that have cost them thousands. Here's just a sample of what they had to say.

In Your 20s
Take comfort in the fact that time is on your side. In truth, while you may have lost quite a bit of money, you also have a lot of time to make it up. Don't confuse the principle of investing aggressively with making risky investments. Talk to your adviser and play it smart.

In Your 40s
Prioritize smart investing, even if that means you need to stop spending. Don't abandon the stock market at this point in the game as doing so would be financial suicide. It's important to keep your assets diversified and don't take any unnecessary risks (note the word unnecessary.)

In Your 60s
Your position here is a little tougher, but not without options. Some strategies to help you here are to put off Social Security as long as possible, consider a part-time job, and adjust your expectations so you can reevaluate your strategy. Cut spending and boost your savings where you can.

No one is going to tell you which stocks to pick or what fund to go with. Those decisions you're still going to have to make with the help of your adviser. But what the experts can tell you is to cut your spending and maximize your savings-including your investments. Yes, the market's down, but look at the stock market trend over the last 30 years. It will bounce back, make no mistake.

What have you done with your portfolio in this time of crisis? For those who've pulled out of the stock market completely, do you ever see yourself jumping back in?