[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)

[sgarnett]

I agree it's a good time to buy (well, maybe not this morning (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) ), but as Mitch said many of us aren't just sitting on a big pile of cash to plow in.

For anyone who is already retired and depending on selling for current income (though hopefully interest and dividends help reduce that need), anything but up fast is going to hurt. For anyone still employed, it would be nice if stocks just went sideways for a while. More paychecks have to come in before more can be invested (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

Of course, the ideal would be if the market spikes up the day of my layoff, whenever that may be (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)