"What do we have to look forward to in 2009?"

 

Every where you look, the erratic swings in the market are leading the news. For those of you who are intimidated and worried sick about your Employee Retirement Plan, were here to reassure you. If history has taught us anything, it's that market conditions will improve along with the bottom line on your portfolio.

 

 

It's not that we have a crystal ball, but as experienced 401k plan advisors and veterans of the past market turn-downs, we know it's not 'If the market and your portfolio will go back up but 'When'.  Once the recovery begins to set in, usually the first biggest move in the market will have a significant impact on your gains.  That's assuming you have stayed invested- the key to success is not to back out.

 

 

You'll hear financial pundits continuing to debate and sensationalize the market ups and downs, throughout '09. DO NOT LISTEN TO THE CHATTER.  When it comes to your Employee Retirement Plan (whether it's a 401k, 457b, 403b or TSP) the use of sound, investment principles and 'staying the course' will sustain you. DO 'LOOK AT YOUR PLAN STATEMENT-we know it's hard, when the bottom line is down, but do it anyway.  Make sure the mutual funds you've seleceted match your investments profile.  You want the correct asset allocation.  Be diversified in asset types and rebalance, if you're weighted too heavy in any one area.

Then STAY STEADY for the long term and you will reap the benefits in the future.