My Retirement Account Update 

I checked my retirement account today, just to see what shape it is in. I knew it was going to be down, but I didn’t he an exact number. I check my portfolio in detail about once a quarter. So far this year, my portfolio is down 21.07%. I’m not happy about it, but I’m not panicking. 

Looking at the big picture we see that the average return from the stock market has been 11.69% from 1928 to 2007. Past performance doesn’t predict future prospects with certainty, but it does give us an idea of what to expect. 

Another reason I’m not going to pull money out of my retirement fund is because I’ll be hit with tax penalties.

How Dollar Cost Averaging with Investing Helps

Each time you invest, you’re buying a bit at a time. Many choose to automate their investments at a fixed rate. The same amount is spent but the amount of shares you buy changes. I like index funds and when the price is low, I can get more shares for the same price I’ve been putting in.

As time progresses, I’m hoping that overall my investments will grow and put me in a better position to retire (either earlier or have more cash).

Photo Credit:  NessieNoodle

Be Sociable, Share!

• 

• A Defined Contribution is Better for Us If we are in our 20s and 30s then a Defined Contribution Pension Plan may be a better option for us than a Defined Benefit Pension Plan. As we graduate from college and enter the workforce we will need to choose our employee benefits which may include health and......
• Basic Investment Advice: How to Choose the Best Investments for You Good Morning Green Panda Friends! Today we are discussing basic investment strategies as well as different types of investments that are designed specifically for our personal financial goals. The most basic investment advice that I can provide to anyone is to buy low, sell high, and stay invested for the......

• Choosing Short Term Investments And Strategies Choosing the right short term investments and strategies depends upon the investor. After analyzing and determining the amount of the investment, the term and the risk that is tolerable, this process becomes easy. Once the investor knows what he or she wants it is simply a matter of comparing the......
• New to the Workforce? Contribute to Your Retirement If you are a recent college graduate that has just entered the workforce, you have an excellent chance for a comfortable retirement if you begin contributing to your retirement as soon as possible. If you are 24 years of age or younger, you have at least 35 years until you......