To continue to contribute to Roth IRA?

[BPASWA]

I'm curious to know if my girlfriend should continue to fund her Roth IRA. during these difficult times. She came to me for the answer and I don't know it. I'm not familiar with IRA's the question was asked like this " I keeping sending these people money and I'm losing money" She sends off about $300 a month. Should she park that in a savings account instead.

I guess I could ask the same question about my 401K my company does math 100% up to 7.2% I contribute 8% of my pay. So should I lower my percentage or put a temporary freeze on it. Or ride the BIG wave to the end...

[disneysteve]

The goal is to buy low and sell high. Since the market is currently at a low point (actually the market has recovered a bit the past week), now is exactly when you want to be putting money in. Sitting on the sidelines now makes no sense if you have a long-term outlook. This is a buying opportunity that only comes along once or twice in a career. Assuming you are both many years from retirement, keep contributing, buying more shares now that prices are down and you'll be well positioned to benefit from the eventual recovery.

[Broken Arrow]

Unless your girlfriend is planning to retire in about five years or less, the answer is a resounding "Yes!" Please keep contributing, and do whatever you guys can to max it out.

To elaborate what Steve said, we're seeing the market break into territories not seen since 1932! One never knows, but it's quite possible that we just might not get another opportunity this good again, in our lifetime!