Ugh...sold low and kicking myself

[project15]

Well I'm an idiot. I got scared and sold out tonight. At the peak in October, I had about $7500 in mutual funds which is now only worth $7100. I just submitted the sell request and should be getting the check soon. The reason I did it is because it's part of a down payment for a house I'm planning on buying this spring and I would rather not see it go down any further. I don't think the market will recover enough by this spring to recoup my loss. I know, I know, I should've sold like two months ago, or even two weeks ago. I'm kicking myself. Any consolation?


Hindsight is 20/20. It's only $400. It's basically the same amount that I had last February so I guess that's kind of justifiable, except I didn't meet inflation.

[sweeps]

I'm sure you realize you shouldn't have had money you need in 3 months in the stock market. Could've been much worse -- I wouldn't sweat the small loss.

[Taribor]

down $400 on a $7000 investment in this market isnt' too bad....be happy you got out and live and learn for next time.

My fund is down $2000 but it's an IRA for the long term so I am not concerned.


Congratulations on the soon-to-be home, you should be in a great position to buy: lower prices and lower rates!

[safari]

I am down $20K just this year, but I realize that I am investing for the long term, so this bear market doesn't bother me much. There will be many bull and bear markets by the time I am ready to retire.

[dardhel]

I agree, the lesson should be invest money needed within the next couple years in bonds / cds / moneymarkets. However, I agree with sweeps, the $400 loss is really no sweat. Least you can add that to you upcoming mortgage interest deductions to save on taxes next year.

[project15]

I'm sure you realize you shouldn't have had money you need in 3 months in the stock market. Could've been much worse -- I wouldn't sweat the small loss.

Yeah, this is money that my parents put in the market during my childhood, so it's just been sitting there for years. I had been debating taking it out due to it being down payment money, but never got around to it. It's only 1/4 of my total down payment, so it's not too bad of a hit.

You live and learn. I guess this $400 mistake isn't too hard of a lesson to swallow. My parents said that they're portfolio is down $35k due to the market.

[Ima saver]

I am down about $35,000 the past 6 weeks, it could be worse!

[Blue Leader]

I am down $20K just this year, but I realize that I am investing for the long term, so this bear market doesn't bother me much. There will be many bull and bear markets by the time I am ready to retire.

I actually just started (in the last 6 months) my ira, and I am kinda glad I started now....I am getting all the funds on the cheap.