Finally looked at our portfolio

[disneysteve]

I just checked our holdings for the first time since all this mess started.

In the past 10 days, we're down about $16,000. That's about 4%. Of course, that is an overall percentage that includes our non-stock investments that haven't fallen. If I figure the drop in the stock portion only, I'm sure it is several points higher than that.

I'm 18-20 years from retirement so not terribly concerned.

[jIM_Ohio]

I'm waiting until Dec 31 to check account balances- that is when I calculate year end performance.

I am sure I will be off some 20% or so. But if I want the +30% returns I need to take the -20% returns too.

I would advise people to look less often and then it does not seem like such a roller coaster ride- more data points does not make one a good investor.

[disneysteve]

Jim, I agree with not checking too often if it will mess with your mind or make you do something you'll regret later. Personally, it doesn't for me. I have a financial spreadsheet that I update at least once a month with current values of all holdings and accounts. I rarely make any changes to my plan which is mostly on auto-pilot.

[maat55]

I'm waiting until Dec 31 to check account balances- that is when I calculate year end performance.

I am sure I will be off some 20% or so. But if I want the +30% returns I need to take the -20% returns too.

I would advise people to look less often and then it does not seem like such a roller coaster ride- more data points does not make one a good investor.

I'm in your boat and am not watching.

[jIM_Ohio]

Jim, I agree with not checking too often if it will mess with your mind or make you do something you'll regret later. Personally, it doesn't for me. I have a financial spreadsheet that I update at least once a month with current values of all holdings and accounts. I rarely make any changes to my plan which is mostly on auto-pilot.

Yeah- too many data points can distort reality.

I have a global warming theory along these lines. The average temperature is increasing (or so we are told), but where are all these thermometers- most people live where it is warm so of course these people in warmer climates with more themometers will bring up the average temperature.

Doesn't take a mathematician to figure that out. LOL.

[LivingAlmostLarge]

I watch it once a month for my blog. Whatever. Even if I were retiring I wouldn't be worrying. Life is too short, if you are saving and have a diversified portfolio, you are doing the best you can.

[disneysteve]

Even if I were retiring I wouldn't be worrying.

If I were retiring, my allocation would be somewhat less aggressive so the market conditions would have a smaller impact on my portfolio.

[LivingAlmostLarge]

I'm down 16% in the 401k for the year. I just checked. I am not sure right now but I can look at our other money if you want. I usually do it end of the year, but I'm guessing 10-20%.

[moneybags]

I refuse to look. I know it is not good news, and I don't want to ruin my day. It's easier to just be disgusted by the downturn in general than actually attach a dollar amount to it.

[srblanco7]

Some great perspective by the posters in this thread. Do not let fear drive your decision making...

[noppenbd]

Hope you didn't get out yesterday, S&P 500 up 46 points at posting time.

[disneysteve]

Hope you didn't get out yesterday, S&P 500 up 46 points at posting time.

And that's why you shouldn't watch your portfolio too closely.

Yesterday I was down $16,000. Today I gained back $7,200 of that.

[M-squared]

I refuse to look. I know it is not good news, and I don't want to ruin my day. It's easier to just be disgusted by the downturn in general than actually attach a dollar amount to it.

Me too. I had actually logged on to look yesterday (just out of curiosity really) and then decided that I would wait for year-end.

[cipixul]

Don't look at your portfolio daily but you should look monthly in order to keep track of where you are and what you need to do to reach your longer term goals. Not checking the portfolio seems stupid, no disrespect guys...

[M-squared]

I don't know that not checking is stupid. I *know* it's tanking right now and I know that I am not going to reallocate either. I've got an appointment to meet with a TIAA -Cref advisor when they are on campus next month. I figure I will look at it with him/her.