[jcommin]

John,

Define long term for me. Gold's value has been around longer than anything you describe. I was historically speaking. America isn't that old.

I live in an upper income area outside Chicago. My intention is/was to downsize as my family is grown and I'm about 8 years away from retirement. My house has plummeted in value 35%. I bought my house in 1998 and I'm probably at 2001 prices. My investments got hammered in 2000, I lost 40% of my largest 401K account. Admittedly, I was very heavily loaded in companies that disappeared. I learned to diversify after the experience. I had recovered about 60% of that loss until the 4th quarter of last year. I'm down again. I feel that this a lost 9 years for me personally. I'm also 9 years older. I'm runnin' out of time and need to heavy up on money. Not that easy. I'm probably emotional here but a mattress looks good right now.

What do I learn from this? I'm not going to retire early. About 2 years ago, I decided what is important to me and it isn't 'stuff' so I'm livin' very lean right now and I'm ok - actually I'm kickin' myself for not starting earlier. My values, what's important to me changes as you get older; I'm going back to basics - something my parents drilled into my head.

So I think everyone's situation is different. The younger you are you certainly have time and I wouldn't panic. The economic situation we are in impacts us differently depending on age, assets, etc. There just ain't no sure thing - except what you can carry and the 'gold' in your pocket.