[mitchntx]

Since about 30, I've been saving, scrimping and hoarding pennies, working 2 jobs, 3 sometimes, all so that I could retire at 55.

Everything ... mortgage, debt, housing amenities, shop, tools ... everything was set up on this idea that I could retire with reasonable comfort and then work as I wanted, when I needed and do what I liked.

The last year has seen that dream slowly dwindle into the reality that I will have to work at this stinking job till I'm a hundred and 55. (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/unsure.gif)

My job is great ... been there since March of 1982. I really like what I do. Unfortunately it comes with it's share of migraine headaches, mostly with the title of Manager attached somewhere.

I was talking with a very good friend yesterday and he made some really good sense. Might as well pull all the money from market accounts and buy a new car. The drop in value couldn't be any worse.

Oh well, just thought I'd rant a while ... kind of feeling sorry for myself. So I want all of you to feel bad, too. (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/drink.gif)

[mitchntx]

401K ....
January 08 - $650K+ across fixed, US and International funds.
As of October 3rd - $480K across the same funds

When all my stock was purchased after the buy-out 2 years ago, I placed 40% in a fixed fund and spread the remainder across domestic and international funds.
3% return looks pretty damn good now.

Rayman, I already have a bad knee, so with my luck, they would call it a pre-existing condition and give me nothing.

[Jeff94TA]

401K ....
January 08 - $650K+ across fixed, US and International funds.
As of October 3rd - $480K across the same funds

Percentage wise you and I are about the same year to date. I just looked and as of yesterday I'm down 27% for the year, yippie! I know it's going to come back but the question of the century is when and how much. I'm 45 years old and running the numbers I know that I will not be able to retire until at least my mid 60's.

[AllZWay]

401K ....
January 08 - $650K+ across fixed, US and International funds.
As of October 3rd - $480K across the same funds

Percentage wise you and I are about the same year to date. I just looked and as of yesterday I'm down 27% for the year, yippie! I know it's going to come back but the question of the century is when and how much. I'm 45 years old and running the numbers I know that I will not be able to retire until at least my mid 60's.

Yep... I am in the 20-25% down. I am 41, so I have a minimum of 15 years left and realistically about 20 years left to work.