What I Would Do With My Investments-401K, IRA, SEP or Your Own Investments In Light of the Collapse of 2008-2009

By Sherman C. Weeks, PA, EA. 603.432.9222

I would NOT ignore my investments anymore! I may never get anymore! I have to protect what I have left, and try to have it grow. If I don't, I'll have nothing when I retire!
I would NOT trust the "experts," or the "account managers," or the stockbroker, or anybody else to "manage" my money! Most of these people have failed us! They said they were watching and to "trust" them. They said, "Don't worry, it will come back!" "Markets go up and down, don't worry!" "The whole country has lost money, it was unavoidable!" THESE ARE ALL LIES!
I would make sure I knew what I was invested in, and not be afraid to get out of it at any minute. I would "KEEP IT SIMPLE, STUPID!" (KISS IT!)
I would have a "Self Directed IRA" if I could not self direct my investments in my accounts. This is a simple thing to do, you can do it! You are not "dumb," you can do this!
I would not believe in "Dollar cost averaging" - it's a lie! What sense is it to buy High? What sense is it "win some, lose some?"
The idea that "I am young, I have time!" is not true!!! A loss is a loss, young or old!
We need to buy as low as possible, and sell when it goes up to a certain level. We are trying to make profits not loses!
I would put it in standing "Stop Loss Orders" on all stocks, thereby limiting my loses. As stocks go up, I would move up my "Stop Loss Orders" in order to keep my hard earned gains!
I would keep at least a 60 day emergency living expenses in cash, readily available, not tied up in CD's.
I would never buy an Annuity!! The charlatans that sell these get tremendous up front commissions & this is why you can't draw on them, usually, for at least 5 years.
I would know where my money is at all times! And I would be able to control it, physically or electronically at all times!
1.I would keep 20% or so in cash, money markets, etc.
I would not try to pick my own stocks for the rest. I would not listen to friends! I would not go on a "hot tip!" Instead, I would trust a very conservative adviser such as the one I use, Richard Band at www.rband.com. I would follow his advise, sell when he says sell. Buy in the ranges he suggests. You can subscribe for a very low amount per year - approximately $250 for the monthly newsletters, and on-line emails during the month.
Since most 401k's cannot be managed by you, I would set up a "Self Directed IRA" at Scottrade, or similar firm, where you are 100% in control of the account. Then I would do a "Trustee to Trustee" move of the funds from the 401K to the Self Directed IRA. Then I would invest as above, the proceeds.
I would continue to participate in my 401K or SEP or SIMPLE plan through my employer on a yearly basis, to get the write off on the taxes. I would have all the new monies taken out of my pay invested in money markets, or CD's, or some other investment that will not go down in value! Every year, one time per year, I would do another "Trustee to Trustee" transfer from the 401K to my Self Directed IRA, and then invest as above.

I cannot guarantee the above advise, but I am writing this from the perspective of "what would I do?" as asked by client after client! I do think you will be happier, have more peace of mind, and will be in control of your financial future! You can do it! Don;t allow these "experts" to lose nay more of your precious hard earned money!

Very truly yours,

Sherman C. Weeks, PA, EA.

What God hath promised

What God Has Promised

God hath not promised
Skies always blue
Flower-strewn pathways
All our lives through.

God hath not promised
Sun without rain
Joy without sorrow
Peace without pain.

But God hath promise
Strength for the day
Rest for the labor
Light for the way;

Grace for the trials
Help from above
Unfailing sympathy
Undying love.

Annie Johnson Flint

Hebrews 13:5 . he hath said, I will never leave the, nor forsake thee.

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