If you've looked at your 401k, IRA, pension fund or investment account statement lately, you're probably in a state of shock. 2008 was a tough year for investors.
I was a financial planner when the market crashed in the late 80's. I remember how scared clients were. Although the market decline hasn't been as sudden this time, the results are the same. Most people really don't know what to do.
In any critical time, you want to make sure that you don't do anything foolish. Now is the time to move cautiously and rely on proven strategies. That's why I was so happy to see an article by John Bogle appear in the Wall St. Journal online edition. Mr. Bogle is generally given credit for creating the mutual fund as we know it today. He was responsible for Vanguard funds and is a big proponent of index funds. If you were looking for good investing advice, you'd be hard pressed to find someone who knows what's going on and is willing to share it with you.
Mr. Bogle points out 6 lessons that he has learned from the recent past. If he's learned these lessons I think that I'd be wise to learn them too! You might want to check them out and add them to your knowledge base.
Keep on Stretching those Dollars!
Gary
