QUESTION:

change IRA portfolio

I have lost about 50% of my IRA in the last couple of years. Should I put it in an IRA money market to keep it more secure. I am pretty low income so I don't have a lot in there, only about enough to live for a few years and I am afraid of loosing the rest of it before I can do something else with it.
asked by larrieann, 2/6/2009
Categories: Retirement Investing, Pre Retirement
ANSWERS:
Answered by: Editorial, 02/10/09
Overall Rating: Be the first to rate it.

I am sorry to hear about your monetary losses. You might take solace in knowing that you are asking the exact same question as the great majority of other people with retirement savings -- whether it be millions or thousands.

The hard part is that NO ONE really knows what to do right now. No one can predict what will happen. The US and indeed the global financial markets are in an unprecedented situation of uncertainty.

I have heard experts say that now is a good time to rebalance your investments. You will need to sell off your investments at a low price, but you can also purchase potentially (though not certainly) better investments at a low price.

If at all possible, I would suggest that you enlist the services of a financial advisor. NewRetirement can match you to one here:
https://www.newretirement.com/Services/Professional_Financial_Advisors_Advice.aspx

You also mentioned that you are low income. If you own your home, you should consider a Reverse Mortgage or Mortgage refinancing right now. Interest rates are at record lows and these products could add significantly to your financial health.

Find a Reverse Mortgage lender, here:
https://www.newretirement.com/Services/Reverse_Mortgage_Advice.aspx

Also, if you have not yet begun Social Security, you might want to consider delaying the start of your benefits to maximize your monthly income later in life. Learn more here:
http://www.newretirement.com/Services/Social-Security-Benefits.aspx

And finally, if you are able to work right now, you should make every effort to work as long as possible to strengthen your retirement security... As well as other benefits:
http://www.newretirement.com/Services/Working_In_Retirement.aspx

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