Would you invest extra money in the stock market?
If you had extra money would you invest in the stock market? (PHOTO CREDIT: TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP/GETTY IMAGES)
From CNN's Jack Cafferty:
Despite the plunging stock market, a majority of Americans still think stocks are a good place to put their money for the long term.
A new Gallup Poll shows 53% of all adults and 67% of stock owners agree that stocks are a good long-term investment.
However, although most people say they back investing in the market in theory, actually buying in this down-market is a whole different story.
When stock owners were asked what they plan to do with their money in the next month, only 21% say they plan to buy more stocks. 73% say they plan to hold onto their stocks - but not buy any more right now.
It seems it will take more than bargain-basement share prices to lure investors back into the market. Stock prices are driven by corporate earnings, and until there is some indication that companies are going to start making money again, don't look for a turnaround on Wall Street.
Truth is, no one knows how long it will take for the stock market to recover, and so many people have the jitters, that they're just standing on the sidelines waiting. The market continues to take a beating in the last 2 weeks, the Dow Jones Industrial Average has lost more than 735 points. And this Gallup poll shows 20% of Americans think it will be at least 4 years before the market recovers.
Here’s my question to you: If you suddenly came into extra money, would you invest it in the stock market?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Meg from Troy, Ohio writes:
Jack, I don't think so. I just don't have confidence in the stock market right now. I would be more likely to invest it in life insurance for myself or my family, or perhaps in something concrete like my home. The guys on Wall Street are responsible in so many ways for the bad economic situation that we find ourselves in today. I wouldn't trust them with my money any time soon.
Ray from Florida writes:
Bet your bottom dollar, Jack! Now is the time to buy, stocks are dirt cheap! If you’re smart about it, you can buy now. And even if they drop some, in a few years from now you'll be a happy camper. These are the times when real fortunes are made!
Don writes:
I did, Jack, and it's not extra any more. It’s gone.
Kevin from Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania writes:
I'd invest extra money in the market. Seriously, after all the cost-cutting (including layoffs), companies are very lean, and ready to bounce back to profits within a year. You heard it here first.
Denny from Tacoma, Washington writes:
Absolutely not, at least until the stock market becomes more realistic and not like a bad fairy tale.
Karen in San Jose writes:
Absolutely, I'm 36 years old and I'm still putting money away. I am buying for less now, which will turn into more later. Things will look positive again. If I was near retirement age, then I'd have to call my accountant and ask his opinion first.
Susan from Sequim, Washington writes:
Jack, I just did! I got a windfall and put 20% in stocks and 80% in municipal bonds. The stocks I bought? A clean energy index fund. I figure if it doesn't take off, we're all doomed anyway!
Amy from Elkridge, Maryland writes:
Absolutely. And since we’re on the subject, Jack, can you tell me where I can get some extra money?
@jackcafferty on Twitter
Yes. I would be buying up those treasury bonds the President is selling to pay for our bailouts and the stimulus package.
Lets see....Bernie Madoff...Alan Stanford....uh, I don't think so. If I knew there were some rules of behavior and engagement that regulated the market, maybe.
If it were Google, Qwest, or some corporation with a track record of legal and responsible behavior. Corporations that break the law not only set themselves up for costly law suits, but they give themselves a black eye PR wise with potential customers.
Sure I would hate to see those theives go hungry like the rest of us.
The news keeps telling us we're all in the same boat, but I want to make sure they're not in my boat. Everyone keeps worring about wall street when they have never contributed anything to the GNP.
I would if I was younger. The economy has ups and downs and someday it will go up again. I just might not live long enough to see it. Someday there will be people talking about the fortunes they made as a result of this crisis.
Only if you give it to me.
Jack: Sure I would--I would invest my money in the financial insitituion of Michael, Christopher & Justin, LTD--That firm is located in the Maxwell coffee can under my bed-–You have got to be kidding with that question-Would you invest your extra money in FOX NEWS?
Generally, I have a pretty light and friendly mood. However, my mood turns decidedly "ugly", if I lose money! Losing thousands of dollars might make me "go 'postal'"! No, dear Mr. Cafferty...I'm not interested!
Absolutely, and I'd put it all in Microsoft. They're at an 11 year low, and the world as we know it would end if they went under. So Microsoft for the long haul.
I wouldn't do it at this moment. People is talking a lot about what's been going on with the stock market. Why is it getting worse everyday? The truth is, the majority of the people back the presidents policies and ideas, but we all have been losing faith on Wall Street and every bank with put our money.
Deinitely. Stocks are cheap. The market may go lower – maybe a thousand points – but now is the time to start incremental buying.
Not yet. A wise man advised me to never buy while it's still going down. Secondly, stock value is a function of price to earnings and in this economy, corporate earnings will be reduced. If there isn't any E there won't be any P. I think I'll wait until the economy begins to turn around.
Ed Reed
Port Aransas, TX
No Jack I wouldn't because my banker has told me about these magic beans and a goose that lays real golden eggs! That's where my money's going he's never steered me in the wrong direction before.
Oh YES! Buy low, and sell high... I learned that much from Business School..
I think not, and mainly as a small investor, I wouldn't even know where to begin investing. There are three cable TV financial shows currently running 24/7, and I would ask you if anyone on these shows could tell the avg. American what is going on with the stock market. The multitude of financial "experts" don't know what is happening. Talk about the blind leading the blind. Marlene in Mich
In a heartbeat I would–and most of it would be in the automotive industry to show my support. Even if they go bankrupt, just look on the streets. There are plenty of people who drive American made cars and believe in them.
Knoxville,TN
If I had it, yes.
- But not in this stock market: its reputation, as well as the reputation of the government agencies charged with its supervision, is in the dumpster.
YOU BET - If I was 35 instead of 70 I'd sink every extra penny I had in good - note I said "good" stocks with deflated prices ". As in ones that are historically solid performers and pay (and still pay) a reasonable dividend - The price of stock is based upon what people are willing to pay (speculation), not what it is worth – and when you speculate you're gambling and can loose your ass in a heartbeat – The bottom hasn't been hit yet, but it is a false number, just like when the NYSE was 14000 + -
I feel bad for the people who were millionairs on paper (honest, I really do) and now are thousand-airs –
- Look at the price of gasoline last summer - over $4.00 per gallon because people were speculating - Why did we (the taxpayers) bail those speculators out when oil went from $145 per gal to $40??
RB Knoxville TN
If I had the extra money to gamble with, perhaps. Otherwise, not at this time as everything is so iffy. Corporations that have been around forever are looking towards bankruptcy and many could disappear altogether. Feel guilty though, as, if we can now trust Wall St, we
need to invest in our future.
Jack,
First you have to have extra money which is not going to happen right away. And no sir, I would not invest one penny in the stock market. I would sooner take a chance in a casino in Vegas.
Judie
St. Augustine, Fl
Absolutely not. I've been in a 100% cash position for 2 years, this "downturn" came later than I expected. If I came into some unexpected money I'd draw interest on it. The return may not be much, but it's safer than anything I've seen in quite a while.
Yes, Jack, I would. But I'm not sure when. As soon as the market indicates that it is ready to trade, i would be in. You know what they say, "buy low!" Boy, is this low or what? I feel that the market is being manipulated for the reasons of keeping any improvement from appearing it has anything to do with the President's efforts at economic recovery. Anyone who watches CNBC has witnessed exactly what I'm suggesting. We who watch soon learn that the 'talking-heads' on the TV are full of it and don't know what they are talking about, either; but they get paid to talk and talk they do. And trying to predict the market is foolish unless the predictor has manipulated said market position. It is not talent, nor skill, nor knowledge, nor ego, it's luck or long-term patients.
Asher Bob White, Hays, KS
In the market ??? NO !!! Would I invest in specific companies where I believed in their product, the management, and the workforce, in that case, yes.
Sure – of course. I would continue just as I have for the past 2 years shorting every stock that the analysts recommend. First there was emerging economies, then the auto industry, then homebuilders, now banks. Why do people think that investing in the stock market means only buying stocks – the market has two directions and you can make money either way.
I have never invested in the stock market since I believe it is like playing Russian roulette. You put your money into the hands of a broker and CEO's who make bad decisions. During the good times everyone jumped on the wagon and invested and I do not feel sorry hearing them whine how much they lost. Sorry you gambled your money away.
Since Bush has bombed the stock market back to the stone age it has almost nowhere to go but back up again. At this point I most certainly would invest. How much lower can it go? On second thought, don’t answer that – can I get my money back…
No Jack! And let's define "extra money." These days, any extra money for me is called savings, just like extra money for the government is called "Chinese funding." But let's not get caught up in semantics. Either way it goes, "extra money" has become a FOREIGN concept.
Yes I would – this is a good time to invest when the share prices are low & at some point things will turn around. Frankly, I think the market prices were way over valued a year ago – probably from speculation too.
Absolutely! There are lots of great deals out there and now's the perfect time to scoop 'em up. This is probably one of the best times in a lifetime to buy some equities, not only including, but especially bank and financial firms stocks.
Sure Jack ,........ after I`ve paid my bills, which are, gas& electric, home owners insurance, property taxes, food bill, etc....... Then, and only then, would I use the fity cents left over and invest in the market ......
Yes, I would invest extra money, just as Warren Buffet suggests. In fact, many hurting Main Street residents realize it may be the first time in their lives that they can afford to play with the big boys.
If I came into extra money I would use it to pay down debt. What, it doesn't sound exciting because its the responsible thing to do?
Yes, Yes, Yes. A thousand times yes. It is definitely a buyer's market. In fact, it is the best buyer's market in the history of the NYSE. When this mess is cleared up, and it will be cleared up, the market will rebound stronger than ever. The economy will be on firm footing. The nation will have better infrastructure, better schools, better banking and a well planned health care system. It will be an era of open transparency and accountability. Our government will work hand in hand with businesses again and it will open the door for unprecedented growth and prosperity.
I know I sound like a pie-in-the-sky optimist, but I am completely confident in the future and I'm putting my money where my mouth is and investing now.
Tough call. On the one hand, there are bargains galore in the market, which will eventually rebound. On the other hand, I would hve to deal with someone in the financial industry, which makes my skin crawl.
Nope. I've watched 3 of my blue chips spiral downward last two weeks. Enough. I know the "smart money" says now's the time to buy. So let them buy. Me? I'm just hanging on by my fingernails.
Marnie
Lancaster PA
Jack;
Buy on bad sell on good. Be an investor, not a trader. In other words stocks are cheap now and will probably reach greater lows, so buying opportunities abound. I would, if I could, buy it and forget it., than wait for the profit picture to become more vibrant. I would avoid instant gratification at this point in time.
Sorry not a chance I have lost to much already.
If I had a million dollars just laying around in my house, not one penny of it would ever go near the stock market! That has always been my feeling....not just recently. The stock market is too tricky to manuever.
Ummmm, NO!
Jack, you funny man!
No, I would not invest any money into the stock market before or now, but I will and can sell you a box of "air" that I can promise you will be worth more next year and the year after that. That way you can pretend that you are getting richer, even though your not.
The Stock Market is, and it always will be nothing more than a giant PONZIE scheme.
Welcome to the Depression of 2009'
Greed can never regulate itself, and never will!
At least in San Diego, Ca if you loose your job or home, the beaches are nice this time of year.
Rich Monk, Carlsbad, San Diego, Ca
Highly unlikely. Hiding money in the mattress is safer.
Yes I would. It's only a matter of time before people start needing and wanting to spend again. Here in Austin I had to go to a national brand home improvement store, and a all in one superstore had just opened next to it. Both had lots of people getting needed things. The restaurants and fast food places I passed were busy. I think once Main Street is noticed by Wall Street the market will pick up. Right now Wall Street is going through it's normal "Sky is falling routine". If I had some extra money and I had my financial bases covered it's a good time to hit the Market.
This is where I think a large divide exists in this country and why so many people just don't agree with certain Republican talking points. If I came into say $50,000 tomorrow the last thing I would do is risk loosing it all int he stock market even if this happened in the best of times. It's my money and the last thing I am going to do it let some Wall Street hot shot who only cares about his family's welfare play around with my money. Put it in savings, use it sparringly, and have security. That's what makes sense to me.
If the current trend continues, then Obama will succeed in another historical first; the first president to eliminate the stock market. At the loss of around 100 points per day, it will take about 4 months for the market to reach ZERO. That's when another historical first will take place; having achieved his goal, this COMMUNity organizer will have achieved a COMMUNist government.
Jack: I absolutely would and do. I bought Ford at 3.50 and it is only down to $1.75. Yes i know it is a 50% paper loss yet the company is the most secure of the big 3; makes a great car. Consider AIG at 36Cents. It is only 360 bucks per 1000. shares. It insures everything worldwide including the grass in your backyard. It will not go under, and if it does, nothing matters anyway. That's All! Folks, Just get over your little fears and thing BIG.
Jon in Calif.
Yes, and I'd buy Citi and GM realizing that this form of gambling ususally ends up in a loss.
Right. I'm sure little ol' me can outsmart Bear Stearns, GM., Lehman, AGI, Merrill Lynch, etc. The truth is that our system is gamed. The well connected game it. They don't call them INSIDERS for nothing. They fly in jets, pull the strings in D.C., skew legislation their way, pay themselves millions, and that money comes from all of us who put in our "extra money". If I had "extra" money, the instant I bought into a gamed market like this, I'd no longer have "extra" money.
Actually I would. Anyone have any extra money they want to loan me?!
Extra money? What's that?
Let me repeat myself:
If the current trend continues, then Obama will succeed in another historical first; the first president to eliminate the stock market. At the loss of around 100 points per day, it will take about 4 months for the market to reach ZERO. That's when another historical first will take place; having achieved his goal, this COMMUNity organizer will have achieved a COMMUNist government.
So, no, if I HAD money, I wouldn't invest in this country or it's stock market with the community organizer in the White House.
Right now I would find it unconscionable to listen to the false prophets on Wall Street who has made profits off sweat money. When the corruption gets cleaned up, then I would consider it. Jim Logansport, In.
If you suddenly came into extra money, would you invest it in the stock market?
I did, I bought Citi for $2.25 a share when it was announced that they wouldn't be nationalized and look where it is today..
Did I get screwed or what!
Think I'll invest in the market anytime soon?
Jenna
Roseville CA
Warren Buffet says be greedy when people are scared, and scared when people are greedy. But holy cow Jack, I don't think he was thinking this scared. No investing here except in food, shelter, fire.
We are at a turning point. Cleaning out the old greedy corporate heads and lobbiests! When NEW clean solar, wind, high effieciency auto corporations get in on the market and JOBS stay in the USA and we have National Health Care, I will support ALL those companies!!
GET rid of the BAD, GREEDY banks too!!!
Extra money? That in todays climate amounts to an oxymoron moment.
Roy
Olympia, Wa
Yes, in stocks that have no reason to be down except going with the trend of the overall market. Stocks like Disney, Proctor & Gamble, Microsoft, Apple will always be there. There can be a world without GM, but very few people understand what the world would be like without Microsoft. No matter how bad the economy, your son or daughter will want to go see Mickey. Actually, some adults do too...
Whenever the market goes down the pundits tell us it was due to this or that bad economic news or somethimes it is just due to a lack of confidence in the future. Why isn't it due to the fact that the companies are losing money? We seem to have a double standard when it comes to stock and real estate. We all know real estate was priced unrealistically high, but we don't seem to realize that stocks are still priced too high, even after the huge recent losses. Add to that the news stories of stock scams, of manipulation of prices by various insiders, and of "cooked books", and it becomes difficult to justify investing in the stock market at this time.
What extra money is that,Jack?
Jack,
If I had any extra money, I think I would rather put into US Savings Bonds. I don't know why the country doesn't bring back the idea of buying US Savings Bonds like it used too. It was great when I was in the service as it was a payroll deduction for a monthly $25 bond for only $18.75 or $6 and change if you paid quarterly, and better yet the money stayed here!
ABSOLUTELY! A person would have to be nuts not to at these prices. I predict a 5,883 bottom and GM's only $1.83. What's GE? Even the bank stocks look good. What do you have to lose $100, $500, a $1,000 and in five years get maybe $500, $2,500, $5,000 back? Buy! If the economy doesn't come back we'll all be jumping off high bridges anyway. What's to lose? Ralph, Yakima, Wa.
Yes with proper recommendations~!
Let's see what are the other options... put it in a bank, but which bank... Given the condition of the FDIC, maybe that's a gamble. Hmm... how about putting it under the mattress... but what will the dollar be worth in another year? Naw, I'd probably spend it frivolously and then be left with some pleasant memories of the good old days.
Harry,
Ky.
Bet your bottom dollar Jack!
Now is the time to buy, stocks are dirt cheap!
If your smart about it you can buy now and even if they drop some
in a few years from now you'll be a happy camper.
These are the times when real fortunes are made!
Sure, if I had any extra money.
Heck no!!! I have never been an investor, thank goodness, and I don't intend to start now. The stock market is going down hill faster than a champion skier.
Jack,
I have been an active stock trader for years. in fact I was able to retire early from my regular job a few years back with the money I made trading stocks.
I would NOT put ANY serious money into ANYTHING until this market has made a bottom and started a general uptrend which could take YEARS and THEN, like with many internet stocks that topped in the late 90's and then crashed, SOME of these beat down companies may NEVER come back.
right now is NOT the time to try and pick a bottom only to get cut by a faling knife. much better to be patient and buy on the way up sometime in the future.
YES
some of these stock prices are ridiculously low. They have to go up eventually, Jack.
buy, buy, buy
even if you lose a little at first, the long-term gains will be awesome!
An investor friend told me that the best time to invest was when the market was in the soup. I just might if I had the money, but I'd be pretty careful where I invested. No investments in companies that rewarded their CEOs for failing, no investments in companies that ship important jobs offshore - that would be cutting off my nose to spite my face!
Yes Jack, I would, but I'd have other priorities first. I'd invest in Solar and Wind producing/collecting companies, Auto companies that used both or at least solar, adn any other company i could that used green technologies. I'd also invest in Intel. I have a feeling that, if their programmable matter concept works, they'll be incredibly big and influential in the immediate future.
i am going to buy stock right now who am i going to purchases AIG and Citibank they are as good as a penny stock right now. and if I know my government will do all they can to help them grow back there strength this time I am coming on for the climb
Absolutely not, at least until the stock market becomes more realistic and not like a bad fairy tale.
After housing, health care, auto maintenance, food, utilities and Xmas gifts, yeah, sure I'd invest extra money in the market. Seriously, after all the cost-cutting (including layoffs), companies are very lean, and ready to bounce back to profits within a year. You heard it here first. You have my word on it.
I have already invested some extra money in the stock market, realizing I need to leave it in the market for an extended period of time. I would hate to lose the money, but I realize that could happen.
If a lot of the blue chips do not go belly-up then, it would be an excellent time to invest a LOT of money right now.
Jack,
Yes, I would invest part of the money in the stock market. Americans love to buy things on sale. From where I sit stocks are being offered for sale at close to "bargain basement" prices. It would be worth a try, right?
Kathleen
Houston, Texas
Yes, but only for B&I with a culture of innovation and an observable social conscience. Why invest in any B&I plagued by cultural inertia and an entrenched sense of entitlement? They have to accept that we moved their cheese: ie – GM and Sunflower Electric Power (KS) comes to mind.
Would extra life vests be needed when the Titanic sank? No! The stock market is sinking and only when THE bottom has been reached is it time to invest. Just as in a sinking housing market, no reason to buy until the bottom has been reached or you risk losing equity! It is a crap-shoot when there is no transparency in investments. May as well invest in monte carlo street games because the outcome may be as uncertain!
Not yet. The stock market hasn't finished its dive. The smart investment is in gold, because when the US is hit with a tsunami of hyper-inflation (thanks to all the bailouts), the price of gold will go through the roof.
Jack–
I don't think so. I just don't have confidence in the stock market right now. I would be more likely to invest it in life insurance for myself or my family, or perhaps in something concrete like my home. The guys on Wall Street are responsible in so many ways for the bad economic situation that we find ourselves in today. I wouldn't trust them with my money any time soon.
Not this time, Jack. I'll pay a few bills, stuff some of it in a mattress, maybe take the family out to dinner. But, the Stock Market? Nope.
As soon as I get the extra money you mailed to me I would do it in a heart beat.
The stock market isn't any place for an honest person. With many of these characters having the morals of an alley cat it just doesn't seem smart for any ordinary person to play amongst all these greedy and dishonest people.
Yes I would but not at this time. I beleive the market will continue to spiral downward. Once there are signs of a recovery, that will be the time I bet the farm and invest everything. It will be either Boardwalk/Park Place or Mediterraneam Ave.
Not while I still have my faculties in place.
What money? I would if I were a billionaire. I am ready to retire and the stock market has destroyed my account.
Absolutely...I'm 36 years old and I'm still putting money away. I am buying for less now which will turn into more later. Things will look positive again. If I was near retirement age then I'd have to call my accountant and ask his opinion first.
That would be the last place I would put my money, and I'm beginning to worry about my money that supposedly is insured by FDIC.
I wonder if there will even be a stock market when all of this has blown over. How much lower can some of these stocks really go? Does anyone have any faith in anything?
Up until this week, I would have said yes. I truly thought Obama and his followers had seen the bad effect talking down the market has had on this country. I now believe they are either totally stupid (I know they really aren't) or have some sort of evil agenda to destroy the country.
I did Jack, and It's not extra any more.... Its gone.
Jqack,she's no Hillary Clinton???That my friend is a great compliment!!!!!!
Some of it, yes.
I know the pundits continue to tell us day in and day out the economy is going to get worse, but it will get better. I would like to be on the ground floor when that takes off. (As well as the fervent wish my retirement fund will put on some of the weight it lost. It looks like anorexic right now.)
Yes. I would continue to invest money shorting the Financial Sector.
Hi Jack;
Only if they finally start investing in "green businesses" like solar installation and wind turbine manufacturing here at home. Oh yeah, We the People need a Universal Healthcare system so we can get on with our lives and not worry about getting ill or injured.
It's a shame these same "investors" still don't know what the people want. What do we have to do, paint the town GREEN.
Maybe they don't deserve the bonuses, they suckered their bosses into paying them for. Maybe they need regular Americans showing the investors where the money is at when investing.
The People!
Kim Virginia
No. We got out last Fall and do not plan to get back in. I'm concerned now about banks being FDIC insured after reading yesterday on Yahoo headlines the FDIC warned banks that their insurer may be broke by the end of the year. Too much uncertainty. Everything is too volatile at present.
Jack, I wouldn't invest in the stock market with your money, and I'm sure you have plenty to lose,I don't, and that bunch are still trying to find a way to get filthy rich, off of someone else, watch oil prices!!
No way. Since the greedy executives who createdthis mess are still in their jobs I wouldn't risk a red penny. if the executives are replaced then I would still have to wait and see.
hi jack
yes when ever your ready to send me some extra money i will invest in the market or when i get my bailout.
clearwater,fl
Never ever. I am not that stupid fall in trap to another Madoff. I would rather buy some farm land grow fruits and raise cows on my ranch.
I am even tempted to use my birthday money to buy those 35cents a share stocks.
If I had discretionary money, which I don't, I would first save (which I have not been able to do). Then I would be sure to pay off everything owed. Then, and only then would I consider the stock market which I consider to be a good idea only if I can afford to lose.
The stock market has fallen over 2000 points since Obama was elected. Why would anyone want to invest extra money in the stock market if they're going to have to give a big chunk of it to the government in taxes? Obama's Neo Socialist views are going to hurt everyone's savings and 401K's.
Nah. If I didn't lose it in the stock market the government would take it anyway. I ain't rich and I'm not allowed to get rich in this country without penalty, unlike the born rich.
I would, because I'm young enough to actually realize actual gains, the ones who are 55 and over are the ones who are really screwed. Sorry Jack.
Not if my life depended on it. I don't trust anyone. I'm worried now who has my pension.
Extra money your lucky your still working once your retired your mind can no longer can have that thought.
OK, in one. NO!
If I found a quarter in my shoe, yes, but that's it a quarter. Since most of my Retirement is now gone, and my house's value has fallen by $7,000.00 I think the Stock Market is for the wealthy. I'll keep what I have left in the Credit Union money market or my mattress. So unless they close down the credit unions, or reposess my mattress I will at least have something left to get by on when I retire in about six years.
Not much, but something.
Not at the moment. The markets are too unstable.
What is extra money Jack!
You bet, Jack. If I had the extra money, this would be an optimum time to invest. That one was almost rhetorical, wasn't it? Problem is I'm unemployed and when I do get another paralegal position, the salary offer will be ridiculously low. Because the "haves" are still sucking up more and more off the bottom. Hear my cry, "It can't keep coming off the bottom!" I keep wondering where all those trickle-down $$ trickled down to? Gosh, could that be part of the problem with the stock market, do you think?
I would invest in Mattress Firm...which should make a good home for any extra money that might come my way.
I wonder what the Wall Street symbol for a company like that would be?
zzzzzzzzz
Jack :I wouldnt invest a dime till all the crooks have be ousted and strung up to dry in the hot Texas Sun.That includes the leader of their pack who started this mess,who now lives in Dallas. Any guesses?
I think I would try half of it. I won't retire for 20 years, so I think it would have a good shot to grow. And things are mighty cheap out there right now. Just be careful
Excuse me, unemployment hits low since 25 yrs ! Where the heck is all this extra money and where do I sign up? I am one breath away from destition and death.
George Bush and Cheney and all their buds sitting back high on the hog should be perscuted for all this for 8 yrs of misery and death to the people. They belong in jail!
Define extra money?? Do you mean $5000 or $500000?
In a word, NO! I lost a bundle in ENRON and KMart when they went belly up, so if I happen to come into more (like winning the lottery), I'll stuff it in a mason jar and bury in my back yard. It may not earn interest, but those money grubbing stockbrokers won't get their hands on it.
I certainly wouldn't invest any MORE. I inherited my Dad's IRA when he passed away, and lost 37,000 dollars in October. If I take it out, I have to pay penalties, if I don't take it out, I could lose a lot more. I've just resigned myself to getting whatever I can every year out of it.
If you were suddenly given a new car, would you go drive it off a cliff?
Investing in stocks is more than just buying them. You have to if companies are actually run well and viable. With all the companies now tanking and going out of business I won't touch any stocks until the market and economy stabilizes.
No way Jose!
Absolutely. Anybody whose lived long enough and understands how economics work, knows that NOW is the absolute best time to invest not only in stocks but in just about every other area. We haven't hit the bottom yet but we're pretty darn close and that means theres only one way to go Jack and thats up. It may take some time but for those young enough to ride out the storm this is the absolute best time to sink extra dollars into the markets.
I'm not investing in the stock market – it hits record lows daily. I'm already giving money to banks, the auto industry etc., I'm tired of flushing money down the drain.
Jack....EXTRA money???? What the hell is that ????
Jack
I would be just as likely to invest with Bernie Madoff. The stock market is no different. It has been the plaything for the rich since it began. Ever heard of "pump and dump"?
jack in Boynton Beach
No, until the market can respose some confidence in me.
No. It's more expedient to just flush it down the toilet.
Not until Wall Street and the SEC deliver their mia culpas and some heads roll. I think Madoff is the tip of the iceberg. There are very few CEO's interested in rolling up their sleeves and taking a decent salary. Everyone on Wall Street is looking for their bonus and those are just the ones not taking their bonus fraudulently. The SEC has yet to investigate all of them and if they want people to invest we need to know we won't wake up in the morning and find out about some toxic investments. (New word for me this year).
Go get the predators and make them pay ...big time! Then clean the house. I'll be happy to invest knowig the REAL RISK I am taking.
No, I would not invest it in the stock market. Fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice shame on me, most people have learned their lesson. These are hard times we are living in and hard to trust anything or anyone!!
At this point in time, investing in the stock market would be no better than smoking that cigarette in the guy's hand in your picture. Either way, it's up in smoke.
Do you mean if I "suddenly came into extra money" like the super-rich bankers and big corporate officials have from recent Bailouts for the rich and super-rich? If I did come into such a windfall, I would do precisely like the corporate officers are doing with the money – I'd forget about buying worthless stocks and put it all safely away in the form of platinum, gold, silver, or maybe precious stones. I sure wouldn't fall for the "paper gold" scam that is advertised all over the airwaves though. My gold will be in solid form that I can touch every so often to make sure it is real and not only worthless paper documents claiming that some schemer is holding my gold for me.
Brownwood, Texas
Stock market is an indicator of confidence, not economic health. Confidence follows economic health by up to a year. The economic health, currently, is very poor. Therefore, no one's going to jump into the bargain market because the bargain market is probably going to get worse over the next year.
As a recent graduate with a, surprisingly, stable job, I could invest in the stock market and 10/15 years from now, I'm sure my investment will pay dividends above anything else I invest in right now. However, I doubt it'll be worth nearly that much in a year so why not invest in a year from now instead?
No but I would check with the Postal service for bargain houses,
and ask if they would throw in a couple of those cute LLV's
that the carriers Drive.
Sorry Jack but with the lead Republican stating that he wants Obama to fail I think that the Republicans will do everything in their power to make this government fail. I am not likely to invest with the current attitude of the worst group of persons in politics in my 70 years of life.
Jack, for the past several years, nobody around our house has even been able to use the words "extra" and "money" in the same sentence, so I doubt it.
No. I work in tax, muni bond financing, and banking. The money I call "smart money" is ALL in cash and may stay there, except to buy short funds as hedges, and gold (notably GLD, the EFT for gold).
Even though I locked in losses this year and last, I got out, fully out, of the markets, and the market has tanked considerably since.
I continue to poll the "smart money" (including a lot of the pundits you see and hear recommending stock) and they are ALL on the sidelines with no immediate plans to go back into the market anytime soon.
No way because between the media on wall street saying pres obama has a war on all businesses and job losses it wouldn't be wise.
Every penny! Healthy companies have been incredibly oversold. Price is what you pay. Value is what you get. It sounds like most of America still needs to learn that when it comes to their investments.
Jack,about the only stock I would invest in right now is livestock!At least then I would have something to eat!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
If I could buy stocks and not need that money in the next ten years absolutely. If you buy stocks now and the market recovers back to amounts it was 10 years ago then you've made a lot of money.
Only to short the market.
A good question for John D. Rockerfeller. See where that kind of thinking got him?
Now you're asking me to dream. I dare not dream in this economy... I'm barely hanging on to my election season Obama "Hope". Nice try, Jack!
Yes, I want to take my hard earned cash and invest it in stock to people on wallstreet who have squandered or stole it from millions of hard working Americans for the last decade. Why worry, the next option I'd have is to commit suicide.
Back in the Clinton days, I did the penny stocks and did well. (I had a good job then). I advised my son that now is the time to start looking at what's low and around in 5 – 10 yrs.
No only no, but hell no. The end of the quarter is coming up and I don't want another penny of my taxdollars going to a Wall Street scum bag for their bonuses.
uh uh. no way. never. in your dreams.
susi
tucson
If I had alot of extra money (smirk), yeah I would...... I'm only 29, so I have faith the markets will eventually recover...... Now once the markets detox off the super steroids they've been on for 20+ yrs., we'll get some real time recovery, business will make record profits, fairly, and this will cause honest investors, to yield honest profits.......
I'd probably put some in the stock market, put some in a the bank for a rainy day, and use some to buy a house.
There's nothing wrong with investing in the stock market, just don't be stupid and put all of your life's savings there and never ever put money in the market that you can't afford to lose.
Now? Absolutely. Wish I had some.
Tino, NYC
wHAT THE HECK IS "EXTRA" MONEY?
Susan
Tuscaloosa, AL
If I came across extra money I would invest it in a safe.
The stock market, Jack? I'd be better off putting my extra cash in the fireplace.
NO WAY! The stock market still has a long way to fall in my opinion. I see levels going in the 4000's very easily as we will see more banks fail, auto companies fail, and how much more money can we really throw at AIG. Just wait until oil starts going up, a knock -out blow to the economy for sure. I hope that people are getting liquid, rather that watching long term savings diminish in value.
Jack,
Only if I had money that I could lose and right now thanks to NOBAMA I don't have enough to even get by let alone waste or lose! With NOBAMA and his wasteful spending and adding generations of debt to our once fine country. This guy is a LIAR and a FRAUD
all my extra money is going under my bed . when it looks like the smoke has cleared then sure.
Absolutely! Stocks are cheap compared to historic P/E's and there are still good companies out there with positive cash flows. These are unprecedented times and no can predict the bottom or when a turn around will occur. Why not buy at guaranteed low prices rather than wait for everyone else to do it and drive the prices up while you're waiting to get it for a few pennies cheaper?
If I had extra money I would invest. That's the trick...having extra money.
The money lost in the stock market didn't go disappear, it just went to somebody else. For every 400 people that lost their shirts there are 4 people now on a beach in Rio.
As for me I would invest in Water. Water every where. Water treatment, purification, desalination, piplines, irrigation, etc.
We all need a drink and our current water systems are in dis repair.
If only I had some spare money to invest...jeeesh...
The stock market has become even more of what it's always been – Vegas-style gambling. You'd only want to "invest" money you could afford to lose.
Yes, I would. I guess my annual bonus count as "suddenly coming into extra money." I probably won't invest all 2,654 of it. But I will definitely be stashing 2,000 in a Roth IRA almost primarily in stocks. In a more normal time I might go 80/20 for stocks bonds, but the price of bonds is too high right now to make a bond fund an attractive investment.
No! The stock market is not that important. Put your money into something that is insured and you will not lose the principle. This will also take away the power that Wall Street thinks it has to influence public policy.
Dee
Houston, TX
How does it go again? 'Be fearful when others are greedy, and be greedy when others are fearful.' Looks like its time to start investing.
If I had the extra money and were young enough to wait for the return I would certainly invest in stocks. The market will come back strong and there is money to be made there.
Jack
Yes I would, because prices are low and it has nothing to do but go up. I would also invest into real estate because it also be a wise investment.
No Jack, but when Obama speaks out and say its alright I believe him, but then here comes the media with their dooms day reports and the republicans saying that they want Obama to fail, while pushing for less taxes.
Obama brings hope and the msm comes along and take your hope away. Jack what happen to the news people, instead of allowing the gop from the congress and senate come on these programs and push their talking points, why can' t the media ask them some tough questions and shut them down.
The public do not know who to trust anymore, therefore we will not spend money, and we will soon get tired of all the noise on cable news, and cancel our cable. Then we will not have to hear the same arguments over and over again. When our media get serious about this recession the people will also.
Not a chance.
Yes! I would buy plenty of GE stock. It can't go anywhere but up. If it goes any lower we are all "going to hell in a hand basket" regardless of where we have our money.
Bob
Louisvile, Ky
Yes I would absolutely invest in the market now. There are a lot of great buys right now for people looking to hold onto something long-term. But people aren't going to risk locking their money into what may be a risky short-term investment when they may need the liquidity now to pay bills if they too lose their job.
If I suddenly came into a lot of money (which is a fantasy), I really would consider buying SOME stocks in the very best companies (of course, with first consulting the best financial advisor I could find), because even great companies like IBM and Microsoft are at bargain-basement prices right now, and I'd be willing to wait 4 years for their stock prices to recover. Patience is the key in the stock market.
Jack, truly extra money, I would invest in two Vanguard funds:
50% Total USA Stock Market
50% Total International Stock Market
For those with extra cash, the destruction of the markets by the gangsters is a gift. Sadly, few of us have extra cash at this time, so second best would be to see the gangsters go to jail. I mean ALL the gangsters: Wall Street Bankers, Quants who gift wrapped toxic trash in AAA wrapping; Ratings Firms which exchanged money for integrity; Government Regulators who violated their oaths of office; and the Short Sellers who gourged on Bush administration uptick rule changes. The unqualified home buyers would have to go back for high school math.
What would Harry Truman do?
Mike, one of 3 liberals remaining in Texas, and the other two are in jail!
If I came into a windfall of extra money I would definitely invest most, if not all of it, into the stock market. As a young adult (22) just beginning to work and save money, I think now is a great time to pump money into stocks for the long term. I would spread out the timing of buying the stocks over about a year period, so that I could dollar cost average my share price in case the market continues to go down, which in the short term probably will. But in the long term, stocks have always rebounded and I feel that many of the stock prices have been driven down just by sheer investor fear and don't reflect the true value of the companies.
Sure, if suddenly I get extra money (lets say 10K from lottery), I would surely invest 50% of it in stocks. The reason I gave 10K example because if its a big lottery than who needs to play in stocks. Enjoy life king size 🙂
Jack. Not at this time. I would wait till the market goes lower. Mostly I would wait and see if Wall Street and corporate front offices get some people with some morals and integrity. Wouldn't it be nice to know that the movers and shakers would put the well being of the company, the well being of the stockholders and the well being of the employees ahead of their "me first" interests. Greed only works if all involved in the endeavor benefit not just the empty suits at the top.
Since the November crash, I have invested in stocks. My last stock purchase was in February. I thought I bought at or close to the bottom but I quickly found out that was not the case.
Even though most of my stocks are very solid companies and I know they will eventually recover, I'm not investing anymore until I start seeing a turn around, simply because a bottom can not be determined.
When a turn-around is evident and there is a unanimous concensus that the bottom has been reached, I'll be ready to invest again. There really are some great bargains out there. But not now.
If ever there was a time for the average person to start investing through Dividend Reinvestment Plans or in Mutual Funds, now is the time. The turn around will come and those with the fortitute to invest even a small amount regularly will be beneficiaries of the recovery. The small guy may have to lead the way before the big players see the light.
Unless you plan on retiring within the next 10 years, putting your extra cash into the stock market is a no brainer.
When my tax returns come my plan is to buy 400 shares of
GE at $6-7 a share and wait it out until its back over $30. If a diversified company like GE can fail then there isn't much hope for any of the Blue chips.
Ohhhhh yes! would I ever CiTi,Ford,AiG yes AiG the government can't and won't let fail its to big along with CiTi wear going to come out of this and people are going to wish they invested
Jack
Never again...................EVER!!!!
Not a penny
If you would invest in Mr. Market when the DOW was at 14,000 why wouldn't you invest now? I have 30 years before retirement so I truly believe I have no choice but to put my cash in the market since I believed in it then.... Only Socialism
With the S&P currently trading at less than 700, it seems to be priced for a depression. Even if the depression comes, we will someday come out of it and the S&P should revert back to its historical trend line which is about 1000 according to market historians. This means that for a long term investor, stocks are on 30% sale. That seems like a good deal to me especially when the 10 year treasury is offering less than 3% yield, no?
Only Socialism would deter my opinion...
I would if we had it ...It is the retired group that is really being slammed. NO income coming in and the 401 shrinking by the second. It is so unfair that you work hard your whole life, retire and expect to enjoy what you have and then all of a sudden... BAM ...cut if half at this point with the possibility of shrinking even more. No one seems to talk much of the retired group ... the conversation it all about creating jobs .I understand that but many don't have time on their side and it is pretty depressing.
I'm going to purchase alot of stocks, with the mindset that these are long term investments. It may take years for these stocks to recover, but patience could yield a huge return on my investment.
Regarding my previous comment, I live in Anchorage Alaska.
I would absolutely invest some of the money in stocks. This would be a good time to buy because when the market comes back the returns might be phenominal. I would study the market and determine what stock would be the most lucrative. I always thought toilet paper stock would be a good investment. Everyone uses it..... I hope.
Melody from Harbor Springs, Michigan
I recently received an inheritance of around $300,000. Many sleepless nights I spent thinking about what to do with this money. I just couldn't bring myself to risk buying more stocks and mutual funds. So for right now I have put that money into short term CD's and various tax free bonds. My 401K has lost so much over the past year, and though I have 15 years until I retire, I just didn't want to risk losing my inheritance also.
Unless the economy truly collapses, how can it not be a good time to invest in the market. If you do believe the economy will completely fail and we are in store for social chaos, the only reasonable investment would be guns, gold, or, perhaps, land.
No way. I'd help the economy by paying bills and spending it on your book, Jack. And maybe give some to charity or start a small business and hire a few people. I'm not smart enough or brave enough to invest in other people's companies.
Lol ! You have better odds gambling in my city Las Vegas.
Heck Yes! I see this as an opportunity of a lifetime where stocks are at their all time low and the potential upside is rediculous! By now you can reasonably tell who is going to be around, and in 5-7 years you will be living the dream!
What extra money? If you read this on-air, will you send me a copy of your book? If i had extra money, I'd buy your book.
I would buy health stocks, and food manuafactures like Kellogs, and Post cereal brands. Pharm compies like merck, pfiser, scherring, and glaxo. People get sick, and people eat. I would also buy GE considering the fact most high end medical equipment often used by Hospitals use GE brand equipment. There you have it
I've been slowly investing all the available extra cash I have into the market the past months. Sometimes I've even been selling other large assets I own (like vintage cars) to put more money into the market. I would easily put a large cash windfall into the market today, if I came into it.
The past week's down market looks largely oversold, and there are many great bargains out there. Be careful and pick what you buy wisely! I try to choose companies that are still posting any earnings in this down market. I think you have no choice but to consider the value of what you invest today, to what it will be 2-5 years from now, not just 2 weeks from now. I feel there is little else out there you can invest in today with the possible gain in value to what the stock market is offering to investors. You sure can't do much by putting your money in the bank! Buy, buy, buy stocks!
Frank
White Salmon,WA
Absolutely. There are some bargins out there. You have to believe the market will come back. If not, everybody will have to work till the day they die.
I just jacked up my 401(k) contributions by a big chunk – and would do the same with any surprise cash.
It will be a long time before the people who invested at 14,000 get their money back – but at 6,500, a rise to 7,150 is entirely possible within a year and would be a 10% gain. And in 2 years or so we could be back up around 8,000ish – a 25% gain.
No-I probably would not invest anymore in stocks as I have already lost more than 50% of what I had. I would put a hefty amount in my cash reserves (enought to cover 2 years bills) and maybe invest the balance in stocks that I think will recover their value.
I would buy Gold and silver and bury it!! and leave a treasure map in case I kicked the bucket!
Dear Jack
Yes, I am buying now...the point is that even if stocks go down more, they will in a few years go higher than Dow 6500, to say DOW 10,000: which means my investment at 6500 will double, if I keep the gains. Yes it may take many years for DOW 14000, but we dont need to go all the way there to make substantial gains from 6500.
On another subject, has anyone suggested to the big OIL companies who made more than 50 B $ profit last year that it is in their interest to buy into companies like GM and sell more cars, since cars run on OIL..that's a no brainer..
Hasan
Jack , Are you kidding? I never did invest in stocks. I'm glad I didn't.
you know one more stupid question, and there will be a stop to changing Virgina street to Cafferty ave. in downtown Reno !
If I came into extra cash, I might put some into the stock market, but real estate looks like a better gamble at this point. Real estate keeps my money local, employs local trade and helps my local community prosper.
Scottsdale, AZ
Short traders in short pants and greedy people just make me a little sick to my stomach on anything to do with stocks or any investment for sometime to come>
not a dime! after Bush,made himself, and his friends millions, and they put their money in the Switzerland bank, and left us pennyless we worked hard all our lives, and now our retirement is gone,H.!!!!!!!!!!!! no.
Ann, Texas
No, never. I might consider municipal bonds or something like that, but never stocks.
Yes, absolutely! This is a great time to buy low and hold. I think that the financial media doesn't emphasize investing for the long term; if investors buy and hold instead of looking for the "instant gratification" of trying to make a profit the next day, the market swings would settle down and reasonable confidence would have a chance to build up.
I will invest it in the MegaMillions and Superlotto funds. Actually add the Daily 4 fund to the mix!
Sandra
San Jose, CA
who has ertra money????
Absolutely. I am building a portfolio I could never have dreamed of several months ago. I need the market to stay down at least three more months!
Not just yet. The only way to know that a market has bottomed out is after you miss the bottom. I don't think I've missed the bottom yet.
I'd invest in the stock market, for a couple of reasons.
The long-term track record is good (capitalism creates weath). And, if the bumps in the road turn out to be so serious that I can't make money in stocks by buying at these levels...well, then what are my alternatives. If that turns out to be the case then my best alternative probably would be to buy canned food and a shotgun and leave the change under the mattress!
I believe that investments should be made where there is a high degree of trust and a higher degree of verification, that is not Wall Street. I would invest in land where low end housing could be built for the millions of up and coming foreclosed families, where they can buy a house they really can afford but maybe feel a little less affluent.
Yes, I will definitely invest the extra money in stocks but not all at once. Instead, will buy stocks on a regular basis or every time the market has a big drop.
No I just invested in novemeber and have lost them so now I am at a point that i am rolling my stocks to more conservative funds and will not invest more till stabilized ie the daily downward trend reverses .
I'm definitely not a financial guru, more of an occasional buyer but I think it's a great time to buy stock. I always seem to hear about a stock when it's already peaked, so I'm jumping in during the down time. I'm optimistic.
I'd be better off had I in 1998 buried my 401 under a rock in the back yard. I've learned my lesson, finally at 65. The market is no different than Vegas, the only people guaranteed to make money are the ones running the place. Too, too late for me to wait for a come back. I'll take my losses and put my remaining investments elsewhere. I know that's a bad attitude but I've had it with bad advice, crooks, and greedy "experts".
Chatham, VA
I am laughing!
Everyone is getting a chance to live the old saying, "If I only knew then what I know now."
There are quality companies out there to invest in for the long term. 10 years from now I'll be wishing I was able to invest more during this low point.
I have just come into a relatively small sum of money (45K), and do plan to invest it in the market. I may wait a month or two to do so, reviewing potential stock purchases and taking my time about it, but it is going into the market.
My logic is as follows.
If the world is coming to an end, cash won't matter much.
If the world is not coming to an end, then stocks will survive and eventually grow again.
I tend to be an optimist, hence believe the latter of the two.
I already am investing extra money in stock mutual funds. I am lucky enough to have my personal finances in a position where all my bills are current, I have no credit card or other debt and rent a small cheap apartment, and have enough cash in my savings account to cover 6+ months of living expenses if i should happen to lose my 10 dollar an hour job. My monthly expenses currently run me about 50 to 55% of my take home pay. I put 15% in to my ROTH IRA that is 100% stock mutual funds, another 5-10% in to growing an "unexpected fund" for things like medical expenses or car repairs and the remainder is invested in to Stock Mutual Funds in a Taxable brokerage account. Granted my mutual funds are down about 30-45% but its money I dont need today so I'm taking advantage of the fact the market is WAY down in order to buy up shares for pennies on the dollar. A little here and there every couple of weeks or once a month over time will make a lot once this market turns the corner. Remember, good companies like McDonalds, Home Depot, Walmart, Dell, Coca-Cola, Sony, PepsiCo, and many others will still be around and will be worth more 5 years from today than they are now.
You Bet! I lost my business to the "economic downturn," but I have faith in the USA. If I can scrape up some $$, I'll be buying SOON. Our market WILL recover, if we don't let the fearmongers drive us into disaster. This is the time to BUY, INVEST, and get our economy going again. We should remember FDR and his message about "fear" before we scare ourselves into obscurity.
dear jack all i have to say is heck no just give me some mason jars and a imty mattres.
Jack,
Yes.
There are a great many stocks that are suffering lows....and not because they are poorly run. You can buy stock in decent companies right now for pocket change. Which is what I've been doing. Ford Motor Co. is so cheap that I've used my loose change to buy it four different times since Christmas.
Rich Green
San Clemente, Cal.
Absolutely. I would invest as much as possible. I am new to the market being a recent college grad, and yes, I feel very lucky to still be employed. I began investing with the signing bonus I received with the start of my employment which was just 8 months ago. Since then, I have become fascinated by the stock market and have made several purchases since Nov. 20. In hindsight, I wish I would have waited until atleast late February as I am now showing a 20% loss on my portfolio, but honestly I am not too concerned about it. As young as I am, I see this as a once in a lifetime opportunity to buy up as many stocks as I can. I would rather take some losses and make more purchases to lessen the sting of said losses than stand on the sidelines and let this opportunity pass by. The way I see it, I have literally decades for the market to recover. As long as I stick with companies that can weather the storm, I think I will do just fine. Recently I have been focusing on GE, MSFT, OMC, CAT, and CPTC. I am crossing my fingers on Composite Tech and hoping they are a benefactor of Obama's recent renewable energy focus. To conclude my ramblings, yes; if I was to suddenly find myself with extra cash, I would most likely shore up my portfolio with investments in the companies I mentioned previously. I think if companies like GE and Microsoft go under, we're all in some serious trouble. That is, if we're not already. Thats my 2 cents!
I bought some good interest paying stock last month, added to it several days ago, and will continue to do so as long as I like the price. So far my total investment is up 3.73% and I will get a nice dividend payment next month. I would put every penny of a windfall into the market because an investment made now is the only way to make some money.
Sun City West, AZ
What is extra money, Jack? I don't know! People with extra money are steering clear of the market. I suspect some of these folks are the CEOs that had win-win contractual agreements where they get rich even if the poor decisions they made resulted in huge losses. I surmise they know the details in the books the rest of us don't. They obviously know better than to invest in stocks at this point. When they show more confidence, maybe the rest of us will, too.
No way.
The underlying cause of the problems we are experiencing are not being addressed.
The primary cause for the economic slide is the sub prime issue.
We are still waiting for the other shoe to drop.
There are twice as many 0 due in 5 or 7 loans (interest only loans with 99% of them upside down) that are about to be dropped into the equation.
Think about it, if the bad sub prime loans caused the current downturn in a reasonable economy what is going to happen when double that number are dumped onto an economy in recession? Many more people are out of work and the real estate market is in shambles. These interest only borrowers (speculators) will walk away from their obligations like the sub prime people did. I expect the market to go as low as 4500 possibly even 4000 before this is over and anyone not taking these facts into account will loose their shorts in the stock market as it continues to dive.
Yes, I'm looking to buy some Bank of America stock 1000 shares.
With all the $1.00 stocks floating around, I'd be crazy not to, if I had any extra money. Buy 100 shares each of 9 or 10 stocks and even if 2 or 3 die, the rest will come back and be worth the wait.
yes, buy low, They have to go up one day
Jack – at 37 I have zero debt besides a mortgage that renters pay for, a 818 credit score, but a good paying job as well. You bet your bottom dollar I'm buying index mutual funds ie S&P 500 and other solid stock funds from a elle stablsihed company.
ANY extra dollar people have should be invested! Why is it Americans ONLY like steep discounts when it is at the retail store but not with stock market? Its crazy.
Every 5-7 days I'm purchasing more and more, because if this is not the bottom, at least I'll be buying near bottom as I continue to make small purchases every week. America START INVESTING, these are the steepest discounts you'll ever find in the market!!
If we were to come into extra money, we would invest it in a trip to Europe.
I have already invested $125,000 since December 2007 and plan to invest more. Buying opportunities like these come once in a lifetime.
Jack I just did! I got a windfall and put 20% in stocks and 80% in municipal bonds. The stocks I bought? A clean energy index fund. I figure if it doesn't take off, we're all doomed anyway!
I am cominging into some money very shortly. I will invest about one-quarter of it in stocks. I don't want to look back one day and say... "I shoulda....."
I would immediately invest in a brand new mattress and stash my cash in it. Sleeping at night knowing my cash is safe is much more comforting than the roller-coaster nightmare of a ride that is the market.
Absolutely I would invest in the market right now Jack. In fact I am also wondering if analysts should create an 'index' of the future... not the Dow, or the S&P but perhaps some new index that might more closely reflect the 'new' economy. This index might in fact show stocks going up right now...
No no, not safe, expecially since some of these overzealous TV types thought it was gonna go up forever but didn't know what they were talking about and are "surprised" now. No good thing lasts forever. Gold, gold, gold!!!! You have to have hard assets in times like these when the paper is unstable or may become worthless.
Absolutely. I will be getting a pretty large sum of money in the next 6 weeks or so (about 15K or so), and I will be putting at least 10K right back in the market. Most likely about 12K of it.
I am only in my early 30's, so I am not too concerned about the market at the moment. Although, I do have a pretty healthy size portfolio that has been cut in more then half.
Come talk to me again in 5 years.
Dividends TAX GOING UP... Capital Gains TAX GOING UP...
Governments continued meddling in increased regulations of the manufacturing areas, causing reduced profitability...
Governments taking increased TAXES OF BUSINESSES... Therefore profits are down...
SIMPLE QUESTION: " WHY INVEST? "
Government is crippling businesses and taking away any incentive to invest.
IF YOU SAVE... YOU ARE RICH... GOVT. TAKES YOUR MONEY...
Better to spend your earnings on yourself and family... And if you go bro
That's a dumb question Jack, if you were 20 and suddenly got a load of money what would you do with it? Where the money would go is a mystery, but I would not be spending my Friday watching you be grumpy.
No, not now.
We have a ways to go before the bottom.
The bad news has not yet been totally unveiled and the greed not yet met its full justice
I would invest in a lottery ticket. These days, chances are about equal for making money.
haha Jack, you're funny
Absolutely not. A dollar in 1913 is worth roughly 4 cents now, so one must consider the dollar devaluation. Given that the Feds have committed 9 or more trillion and that each working adult is therefore in debt $88,000, the dollar should devalue to perhaps 5% of current purchasing power. I'd invest in gold, dried food, water, and ammo If I had extra money.
I have some money coming in, and we have already decided to pay down debt first, invest in real estate second, and take only a small amount of money for securities investments last.
Funny you should ask that. We were just talking about the Mega Millions jackpot and the discussion turned to what would you do if you won that money. Not one person said they would invest it, and putting it in a bank is just a dangerous so the consensus was to build a vault and buy a shotgun 🙂
If I had extra money, I do not think I would invest in the stock market right now. The trend over the last few months is not only a downward trend, but is becoming even more steeply downward. We are in free fall.
With the market the way it is right now, I'd sooner stick my hand in a meat grinder.
I actually tried to open a brokerage account on-line, to invest in some shall I say depressed stocks. For some reason, I have to fill out a form and take it down to the broker's officer. Something about the Patriot Act. That was 3 weeks ago and I guess a higher power was telling me not to.
Jack are you kidding? No Way, I would be better off taking any extra money to the crap table in Las Vegas then to invest in this market right now. I bet the odds of making money would be higher there then they are in the stock market now. Best thing is to keep it in the bank.
Who cares, the meteor missed. Good times, good times.
Yes I would Jack, In crisis there is opportunity. I'm only 23 and with the fire sale going on in wall street I stand to make a profit in the long run.
No, I would not! I've already moved all of my husband's and my retirement funds out of the market and into insured investments. We are too close to retirement to wait for a rebound. I'll take slow and steady (and safe) from now on.
I would invest my money in a Mattress Company. That's were everyone will be keeping there cash.
Yes, do you have any ideas?
No I would not invest more at this time. I am riding out what I have now (reduced previously). The market will likely in my view go to 5,000 testing new bottoms on the Dow. The recovery is likely to be late and more like 74 than 82 or 92. Preservation of capital is the name of the game right now.
People forget, the real purpose of the stock market, is for companies who cannot get loans, to raise capital by selling a part of the company without losing its revenue stream. The fact it has become a casino where you place your bets on more than just red or blue, or this or that dog or horse, is just icing on the cake.
The market works on faith. If the rating companies could be trusted once again to give actual, real ratings on a company's viability, then investing in the market becomes less of the equivalent of a monkey throwing darts at the wall, as it has always been compared to.
If I did have extra money, I probably would put some of it in the stock market although my IRA looks pretty bad today. I only hope the stock market will rebound, soon please!!
Buy low and sell high?
Call me crazy but I thought thats the way it done.
Only if the SEC does their job! Even then its a maybe. Too much corruption.
If you had extra money would you invest in the stock market?
Funny you should ask. I always swore I wouldn't buy stock, but just yesterday I registered with an online broker and bought $490-worth of overpriced, under-performing stock that I have faith in only because I have every confidence that Mr. Obama will make things better - with my help. (That's also why I'm consuming more by buying things on the wish list I've kept over the last few years.)
Absolutely, I consider it to be a requirement of any citizen to do so with any extra money they have. It is probably also the best long term investment one could make at present, making is a win-win proposition.
How could you not? If someone told you that houses in your neighborhood were 1/2 off, would you sell yours? A smart person would try to buy one of those because 1. You know the value will eventually come back and 2. You would be doing your kids/family a diservice if you didn't take advantage.
No, I would pay off debt and watch the market until there is some real sense of consistent "recovery." If I were without debt and found extra cash, I would invest in something more stable... NOT the stock market! With time and evidence that the stimulus plan might work, along with job stabilization and creation over a period of a few months, I would be more willing to step back into the market.
Anne R.
Raleigh, NC
The problem is not that you don't trust the stock market and the underlying companies. It's the whole monetary system that you don't trust. It is the fundamental value of the US Dollar that is in question. When you have a government that spends out of control and a Federal Reserve that keeps lending money and in essence creating money then you lose confidence in the whole monetary system. There really isn't anyplace to turn.
Joe M.
Lakeland, FL
Heck yes! Just bought 1500 shares of AIG for 35 cents! Hoping for a great return in a few years.
ABSOLUTELY !!
Since were on the subject Jack...
can you tell me where I can get some extra money?
Hmmm ... a fire sale on GE, Goldman Sach (one of the most likely big banks to survive the recession) and many other solid, well run companies? Oh I would and am buying ... some. I wouldn't wouldn't "let it all ride on lucky number 13" though. I'm not THAT confident.
Jack;
I am so used to buying high and selling low that I would keep the money until everybody else is back in the market.
Why are the politicians who received donations from Madoff giving the money to charities? Why not return it to the account custodian so it can be returned to the people Madoff stole it from?
Yes I would. In fact, I was thinking about that yesterday when I heard that GM stocks sold for.99c. 'A' train take me to Manhattan to play the lottery!
If I suddenly came into more money I would NOT put it into the stock market at this point. If anything I would buy some PHYSICAL Silver and Gold and protect my purchasing power until wee see what the fall out of printing trillions of dollars will be on inflation/deflation. Look at what this action did to Zimbabwe and/or the Weimar Republic. Its all about protecting my purchasing power.
The stock market will always outperform other investments over the long term. However, since the current administration seems to have a goal of punishing anyone who dares to save and invest for the future through increased taxes to support those who have no interest in saving.. it's into the mattress for me until the Socialists are through ruining the matrkets and our country.
Jack......what is extra money these days? I've gone from making 100k a year to 25k a year and still dropping! Heck no I wouldn't invest in the market.....maybe my matress....but certainly not the stock market! How come we bail out all these companies........bail out "Joe the Plumbers" by giving them 250k and let them bail out their mortgages...credit cards or by a new car! Tickle up effect sounds better to me.....I'm at the bottom of the barrel and don't see any rain over my head....just bills!
If I had money left over after bills and debts being paid off, yes, I absolutely would. It's a great time for me to be buying stocks. I am young enough to be able to ride it out and sell them when they are high again.
No way Jack, People are losing their jobs, so how are companies going to make any profits if people are just not buying anything except the basic needs? Even though some stocks are cheap, they need to be "Cheaper" before i get in the market.
Yeah right. Maybe I could use my extra money from the new tax breaks. Afterall, this is what I did with Bush II’s stimulus check and all it did was stimulate the failure of my stock’s values.
No, Jack, I don't understand the Stock Market and I pulled out of it in 1993. I began putting all my extra money into gold bullion in 2004 and I am way ahead of my friends who laughed at me at the time. I am still buying gold whenever I can. I think our country is undergoing a major (and long overdue) transformation and no one knows what it will be on the other end. Historically, gold has always been valued and is inflation-proof. I like the fact that it is a tangible thing, too. There is something about looking at an American Eagle gold coin that just cannot be reproduced with a stock certificate.
I am close to retirement age, but I finally have a great teaching job and a good salary. I also at last have a pension. I opened up a 403B, like a 401K, and I lost half of my invested money over the last year and a half. So, I just moved whatever I have left into a guaranteed interest account which is like a savings account at the bank. To answer your question: no i would not invest in the stock market unless it improves a bit steadily first. It would also help my confidence if some of the crooks ( like Mr. Madoff is reputed to be) would get some jail time. If Mr. Average Joe did what he did, he wouldn't be allowed to live in his penthouse indefinitely. Confidence in the market will eventually return, but a lot of other stuff has to happen to make me feel confident in our total system again. It isn't just about investing. It is about crime and punishment. Thanks for reading.
I does not matter which you do Jack. Interest indexing this year by the federal reserve will again cut the dollars pathetic value in half just like last year. There is hope though Jack that this is just a self correction of the stock market getting used to debt doubling and assets being cut in half by the good old federal reserve. 8 cent dollar became 4 cent dollar last fall about the time Bush was asking for the TARP money.
I wish I had extra money, but the little I have now is being invested in foreign lands.
No amount of money will fix the market as long as Obama plans to punish investors.
Right now I am selling everything and investing it certain foreign lands .
Absolutely would. If I were to come into a windfall I have a list of
stocks that I would buy now, and at a very nice price I might add.
Within the next 8 t 10 years I think I would be very comfortable.
Of course I would...stocks, bonds...spread the wealth, right? But, this country has the worst disparity from workers' wages and exorbitant CEO salaries...and that must change soon in order for companies to become profitable. Whoever is letting CEOs rape the profits while closing plants and laying off people should have their heads examined. There's no CEO worth the kind of money some of them make and I don't want to hear about corporation losing money when CEOs make millions a year in salary. Make the CEOs take over 1/2 their pay in their own stock...THAT would be an incentive to succeed! When the CEOs and boards act responsibly to raise their profits, THEN I would invest.
I would only be investing in mortuaries right now. That's the only truly recession-proof industry.
ABSOLUTELY! What goes down must come up... I bought citi stock at 1.05 share... it was around 50 a share last year... and I dont believe Citi is going anywhere. I never understood the buy when its high crap. I also bought Ford, the only company with financing left and no bailout money... and Ge? 6.70 a share! GE is stellar and what a bargain. I cant wait till the dust settles and I'm sitting pretty. America... take your paranoid minds and shove it!
Stock? I thought you said sock, and yes, I'm going keep what little I have left in a sock. If I come into any more money, I'll keep it there too. These so called financial experts remind me of a group of lemmings, or better still a little kids soccer game. Hey Look! There's the ball, lets all go get it.
Yes, I would buy 200 shares of GM and 200 shares of Citibank to start. These stocks are a tremendous bargain, trading at rock bottom. We know that the market goes through huge swings, up and down, but it always goes back up eventually.
Small town in Minnesota
Jack,
Too much volatility in the market. This is a wait and see period of time. I am an unemployed music teacher. I need to pay my bills first.
10 years from now I wonder how many people are going to regret not staying in the market and continuing to buy equities. As the chickens run away from the coop the fox gathers up all the eggs he can eat.
No Way Jack!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
S. Diaby
From New Jersey
No If I came into the money where could I put it? An IRA? A bank so it can earn 3% interest. Don' t make me laugh. The best thing would be to simply help everyone I could until I have no more money. The pleasure I would get helping another human being far outweighs any monetary gain I would ever expect to receive from the institutions which day to day seem to be fueled by greed.
The stock market is collapsing. I will wait until it reaches bottom and then search for some bargains. Also, the financial sector needs to be cleaned up with some strict laws and regulations before I invest another penny.
Why would I want to lose it suddenly too?
Jack, I DID get that inheritence, and I DID invest in stock. Now I get no dividends, and the stock has gone down by half. Would I invest? Yes, if I was 20 years younger and had the time to wait. Now, at 67, I have no option but to wait and hope this turns around fairly quickly. Just hope that the market starts to climb before everything is gone.
Jack, I would go to Sleepys and buy a nice firm mattress to insure a good nights sleep and a great place to put the rest of my new found wealth
NO!!! There is no guarentee that the stock market will ever come back. All these bailouts certainly aren't working. Most people don't have "extra money" to invest right now but if I did I think I would buy GOLD. That would only be AFTER stocking up on emergency supplies.
Yes, I'd buy GE. But let's see when bush & his crowd go back into the stock market because I assure you, they've got very little in stocks. i'm fortunate to have a husband who's an economist... he lost his mind when Greenspan said" the bush tax cuts plus the war were prudent'. I had to laugh when they had him questioned a few months ago when he was so "shocked.." he "never saw this coming". My husband knew last year to take everything out of stocks but since most americans aren't economists, they trusted greenspan and the rest of those scoundrels. Bush wasn't born with a brain, he was born without a moral compass.
Absolutely, 110% YES!
All these "investors" running away from the market are the ones that bought in when the market was overbought and sold when it was oversold. The market isn't for everyone. The ones who know what they are doing (buying low – selling high) are the one's that make the money. I have absolutely no problem taking advantage of the vast majority that have no idea what they are doing.
If you can't take the heat – stay out of the market!
Are you kidding me jack? I would hang on to it and have a big party for me and my friends because i can trust them!! Any money that you can get your hands on you should keep because money seems to be as hard to get as a straight answer from the white house or congress!! I have my power ball tickets and my windfall is on the way so jack and wolf i'm buying!!!!!!
No, if I came into money I would invest in something tangible like land to grow food. That's the wave of the future. Just watch the crop failures in the years to come. I predicted the stock market and housing bubble was about to burst in 2005. It was a no brainer for anyone who took the time to pay attention that the average person was underwater in their credit cards and mortgage.
Hi Jack, Yes, my husband and I would and plan to invest in the stock market. We have lived through the Russians, Chinese Communists, terrorists, etc. The stock market is another fear vehicle used by the media and republicans to scare the American people to death. The worry is that all this nay saying is working. Did you hear Wolf regarding FDIC, "is your money safe?" Thanks a lot, Wolf. How much longer will the media get their cookies off scaring us.
Once all my debts are paid and I have 6-12 months of expenses saved in a money market then I would invest in good growth stock mutal funds.
Yes. I would. These companies are not all going down, and we are not going to anotherr planet either. Invest and wait for four years from now. You will be surpraised how many times stok value will go up.
No Jack. I would invest in real estate. Right now there are some great deals on property and the thing about property is that it doesn't disappear, or file for bankruptcy. Real estate stays put and you just have to sit on it and wait. Stocks are not "real", which is probably why "real" estate is called that, don't you think?
Jack,
Absolutely! In fact my husband and are continuing to purchase as much stock as we can each month. We know that dollar cost averaging will make our overall portfolio stronger and more valuable. When stocks are low, think number of shares rather than the value of each share. You can buy more for less in this economy, and that just makes sense!
No. The institutions have become increasingly predatory over the past 12 years. Pirates with ivy league letters of mark should not be supported on any level.
Look I'm 16 and I keep thinking about how much I wish I had a few thousand dollars to invest somewhere. The great Warren Buffet has told us time and time again that the value of a corporation is not in it's stock price but in a company's management and use of capital. Don't let your emotions rule your lives America, pick solid companies and 10 years from now you'll be rolling with laughter.
My money? Hell no. Your money - absolutely.
Fondly,
Bernie M.
Short answer, yes. But I would probably pay off bills first and then take 50% of what was left over and invest in the stock market and take the other 50% and save it. But not because I think the econmy is bad, but because I am a saver by nature. I think we need to understand that the economy is not based on money levels, but on how we (avg Americans) manage our financial situations. And the American stock market is still one of the biggest and best financial engines to invest in, may take a while to get a return though.
Jack, I would NOT invest extra money in the market because I have lost not only a small fortune in the past BUT I have lost belief in the market as a free marketplace...It has become a "manipulated market" and is controlled bt the few conglomerates and other big businesses that deregulation has spawned!
If I was still in my 20s or 30s I would definitely be watching closely and would probably invest in the stock market.
Unfortunately, being in my very late 50s, I'm not looking at such long term investments.
Still, I might be tempted to invest a small amount in a stock that I have faith in...if I can find one.
I'm heartbroken at how our GE stocks have shrunk. We were taking them into account to use in our retirement.
That's all gone up in smoke now.
Socks? Sure everybody needs socks!
No Jack, I would buy Magic Beans. They will never lose value.
With all the plans our brand new Socialist POTUS has planned for our money, who has money to invest? Every time Obama opens his mouth the Stock Market goes down. I have lost so much money in the market it is ridiculous. I might have more confidence in the market again when Obama is out of office. Hope and Change!!!
Sure, I would too! Some of these companies properties that they sit on are way worth the price of the stock today.
Absolutely Jack,
Wouldn't it be kind of stupid to wait until all the stocks rise in price before you buy them? Smart people will take advantage of the sale.
C.J.
Austin, TX
No! I would not. I do not believe in gambling. Put your money in the ground. Would be safest place for it.. However, it will not draw interest, but you will know where and how and when it got there. There is a message in there somewhere if you pay attention.
I wish I had that extra money. I don't know of anyplace else that has the potential for that kind of return except maybe the Lottery, and the odds are against you there. Wall Street will bounce back eventually, buying now would be like being in on the ground floor of Microsoft, before anyone knew what it was.
Yes, I would. With stock prices so low, now is the time to buy.
Jack,
If I came across money to invest, I would invest it in the time of my life... Booze, fast cars, fast boats, fast women, that would be the most secure investment since the most prospe rous economic times of my life are behind us and I would just be blowing it in any future expection of any kind of market...
Vic; age 38
YES, Jack. We just purchased shares with General Elelctric ! We got rid of a lot of stock just before bad times hit. Great move.
Martinsville, Virginia
LOL,That's a good one,is that joke ?.Invest in the stock market .Wall street has been revieled for the criminal organization it really is.It is sad the bad guys ruined it for everyone .Banks need to go back to being banks.Not speculators!
No, until the true value of the market is reached which is 2000 or 2500 at the most, it will continue to fall. Once my investment go back up to their levels before all of this mess happened, I will be getting out once and for all. At that time I will only invest into tangible GOLD, it's something that I can hold on to and it can be sold in the worst of times, but at that time the value will be high! Paper stock is worthless when the market turns bad!
Are you kidding me John? MAY BE with your and Wolff's money but any extra money that I get will go to pay for college loans and invest in my business exploration. Being 27 years old, if anything I have learned from this financial/stock meltdown is that there is no such thing as easy money. Most people think their money is just going to grow with these high spending, crazy nuts on the market only to find out that they are phoney! I have no confidence in any of these companies.....they are Madoffs for me. But I will still take your money...I will be waiting.. 🙂
Never. Most of the people driving the stock market choose to make their thoughts and ideas in this great world dependent solely on money and the business of making money 'for money's sake'. They do not provide a service or have a concern for humanity, only for money. Let them rot until they find a way to encourage positivity and contribute to their fellow people.
Connor
Dallas, PA
Jack,
The stock market is akin to blackjack at a casino with Wall Street being the dealer and you and I are the players. I don't know about you but I've got a 10 and a 7. In the words of the old folk song "never hit 17 when you play aginst the dealer."
Dennis
Chisago City, MN
Yes. As soon as President Obama stops telling us its only going to get worse before it gets better. then... I might start buying stocks
Buy stock in this horrible economy? Why not! There are plenty of very strong US companies with drastically underpriced stocks. This is an excellent opportunity for anyone with 10-20 years before retirement to take advantage of the the downturn to buy shares at bargain prices. Problem is that I'm still waiting for my handout from the government that I guess I am ineligible for, because I do pay my taxes and my mortgage on time!
Jack,
I'd invest as soon as the stimulus package starts working. For those people thinking the market want recover until after the Obama Administration comes to an end, are just fooling themselves. The steps he's taking will impact our economy. Of course I'd put some money away, in case the Wall Street financial analyst make the wrong calls again, as they have in the past.
No Way Jack !!!!!
Sehidou,
Hillside NJ
The answer is a big no! I don't trust the stock market, especially not now. It's worse than gambling your money away in the slot machines. If I ran into a big pile of money, I would buy real estate though since prices are so low. I can rent it out and probably get better return on my investment. Even if the prices may go down more, at the end of the day I would own REAL property instead of a bunch of invisible shares.
i wouldn't put a nickel in wall street if it was the last investment on earth.
when i hear the president talk about prosecutions instead of shaming the worst incarnation of robber barons ever,and closing all the loopholes that allowed our country to be plundered , then and only then will i have any trust whatsoever in the financial system.economics 101 never put good money after bad.hey jack u doing any book signings?
Jack, sure I'd invest in stocks if I had some extra cash. There's never been a better time, at least not in my lifetime, to buy into some great companies. This is too great an opportunity to pass up, and besides, it will help stimulate the economy!
Are you kidding me Jack? MAY BE with your and Wolff’s money but any extra money that I get will go to pay for college loans and invest in my business exploration. Being 27 years old, if anything I have learned from this financial/stock meltdown is that there is no such thing as easy money. Most people think their money is just going to grow with these high spending, crazy nuts on the market only to find out that they are phoney! I have no confidence in any of these companies…..they are Madoffs for me. But I will still take your money…I will be waiting..
Right now with the way things are going I don't think I would want to invest in the stock market until it finally reaches a bottom.
Jordan, Marshall, MN
Absolutely, but I'd do my homework and save the bulk of my new found wealth to maintain a broadly based investment portfolio. When the going gets tough, stalwart and long-range oriented investors get going ,and, in the process fortunes are frequently made or enlarged. This was a lesson very much in evidence during the Great Depression and a similar rule applies during the present economic crisis.
No.
I do all my gambling in Atlantic City.
They have rules
Yes.
I've thought about this question over the past couple of months and yes I think I would but I'd be looking to invest in Green Technology businesses and software businesses. I think those two at this time are pretty safe for future investments but I'd be doing alot of homework first buying as many books recommended from CNN, look at each businesses future plans and their history, who runs it and (remembering from the Madoff segment) who their accounting firm is– then find a trusting broker.
Investing in the stock market isn't an easy task if you want to do it right, you can't just rely on your broker, I think it's very important to educate yourself as much as possible before handing over any money. If there is one thing this whole mess I hope has taught many people is knowledge is power and education is a must.
are you kidding.people are just trying to keep their homes,buy food,etc maybe when things start to get better we can invest in stocks..lets not bite off more than we can chew
In a heartbeat. Now is the perfect time to invest.
Speaking of stimulus packages – a little extra money would be just the thing to buy that small caribbean island. My wife said to me, "why don't you get a stimulus package,?" and I said, "I do, you just haven't noticed."
Are you kidding me? Of course I would; I will make a ton of profit between now and 10 years from now; I will watch my money grow on a daily basis. I will stand in the glory of my decision to buy stocks when they were near penny prices. Then reality will set in and I will reconcile with the fact that I will need every penny of that profit to buy the basics of food, heating, gas and other necessities.
Once the economy turns bullish, we will see a rate of inflation that we have never seen before due to the “Great Bailout” which has our federal printing presses spitting out money; at a rate that must be astounding. Remember the Italian Lira? I wonder what the new U.S. $10 coins will look like for the soda machines?
Sure I'll invest, once we see a sign of progress in this near depression economy.
Jack,
NO!, NO! AND HELLNO!!! Invested 50k in 2001 lost it, had 100k in 2008 and lost it. I will be old enough to retire in 5 years and it looks as though I will have to work longer. I am lucky I have my own bisiness or I probably would not have a job. I think I have donated enough to FAT CATS!!!!
No, my portfolio and 403b have decreased even more since Obama & Libs took over. Obama states he does not like Wall Street, and Mr. Hope uses "catastrophe" and "disaster" – hardly synonyms for hope. I have worked hard and saved – no reward there. If one spends beyond his means and is improvident, or chooses not to work, there is incentive to continue the cycle. This administration provides hope for its Acorn voters – those who do no invest and have not. He has bashed Wall Street and seems to have no comprehension that investors are not only the evil "rich, " but also the average middle class worker bee.
Answer is yes ,i have exactly done that .You dont have to be a rocket scientist to see a chance of a live time , buy low and hold on .
Yes. My great-uncle purchased a stock he "thought" would be good right before the Great Depression hit. After the crash, it wasn't worth the paper it was printed on. He couldn't have sold it even if he had wanted to. So, he just threw it in the back of his desk drawer.
A few years later, when things had gotten better, he received a dividend check, but couldn't think of what company it would have come from. Then he remembered his "worthless" stock. Sure enough, that was the company. It turned out his original research had been right, it was a good company. From that day on, until the day he died, his investment in Boeing Aircraft paid him a handsome ROI.
Econ Lesson from Uncle Hubert: A smart investment may go down, but it will come back.
I will put my extra money in the stock definitely NOW. What I believe that the world can work together to get out of this mess with no doubt! If you think of over years investment, I believe that now it's time. You are not worry to put the money in when Dow above 13,000, but you are scared about 6,500? Commodity is moving, I believe that's is the sign of bottom!
Sure and then I plan to build a small bonfire in the backyard and burn the rest.
No, Rosy comments made by money and investment managers that got everyone into the markets, while everyone who knew the truth and got rich, pull their money out and investments in gold, while the rest of us paid the price. These money and investment managers can't even spell the word truth, and any one who trusts them is a complete fool, and I am not a fool! Fool me once shame on you fool them twice shame on me!
I have invested into the riskiest sector (bank), in the riskiest region of Central Europe i.e. Hungary since I was able to find one bank that could increase its 2008 year profit. As OTP bank could withstand last year's crisis I expect share price's multiplication in 2-4 years. Comparing OTP bank's 2008 year profit (+1,5 billion dollars) with UBS bank' loss (- 30 billion dollars) this one seems a reasonable target for people who want more than 0% gain.
We just got a choice from our Capitol One account: Either close the account or triple the rate. Discover closed our account due to inactivity. Our spending is frozen. We are arguing about taking what is left in the market out to payoff and/or down all debt. We have one left in college and one left in high school. We are out of options.
Any ideas? Bridget
Not right now!!!
I am keeping enough cash to get by for a year if I would loose my job for some unknown reason. Other than that, it is a great time to buy. It may take three years or it may take ten years to recover to '07 levels, However, to buy now will return 100%+ on the conservative level.
If I came upon an unexpected sum of cash, it buy, buy, buy.
Don't buy individual stocks unless you really know what you are doing, and I mean really know. I learned the hard way and I don't wish it on anyone.
ETF's are a great tool for the recreational investor and research, research research whether it is a mutual fund or an ETF, and talk to a few millionairs before you stash you cash!!!
Jack, How much longer are we going to wait for the stock market to bottom out? How long are we going to set by and hope for someone else to fix our problems? It is time that we all begin to re-invest in the stock market and take responsibility for turning it around. I suggest that we all begin to invest small amounts as frequently as we can and as Americans take charge of recovering our financial futures!
Sure. Easy come, easy go.
Wow, the thought of being able to turn a windfall into maga bucks is very tempting, listening to the "experts" tell me where to put my money!
The reality: there are no "experts" and my windfall would do just that–fall. No way at this time.
Do I put extra money into stocks so the CEO, PRES, CFO, board members etc. can make million and pay no dividends, or maybe just go to a ball game and watch million dollar players play each other, or maybe buy a new TV and watch million dollar anchors and pundits talk about news of millionaires with other pundits who make millions? NO I think I'll hire my out of work neighbor to help with yard work and clean out my garage so he can buy food and gas for his family.
Yes Jack, I'll give everything I have to the same broken down system that has failed us. Why not break open my child's piggy bank and give the money straight to the government so they can buy some more control of banks. No thanks Jack!
While I believe in the stock market, and in america, as a bumper sticker I had said "I love my country, but fear my government".
Until we know what the "new rules" will be, like if contracts will be enforced or overturned by judges, what businesses / industries will be "friends of Obama" versus those he wants to destroy, the only investments I would consider making are in companies that sell products that are needed by individuals and don't depend on federal spending (food, gas) or things that people will continue to do, even if less often (restaurants, movies, etc). And then only if they pay dividends and I can sell covered calls to provide additional downside protection.
Its just too dangerous to trust the current government until we know what businesses will be punished.
meanwhile, I love reading about all the people who are "going galt". Maybe then the "beneficiaries of obama" will realize that its those "rich people" who sign their paychecks and far more jobs will be lost by attacking "the rich" than the government can create.
Jack, i'd rather take my chances on one of those gambling boats. at least i would see where my money goes.
Do you believe the United States will be here next year or the year after ????
If yes, then invest.
Yes, I would by stock. The stock market is always a better investment than a house (4% if your lucky), savings accounts (2.5% if your lucky).
Holy Shizzle yup i will invest if i win a lottery or something but in a economy like this forget it because im gonna hit my head in my computer
I would Jack but only in the same companies that Warren Buffett invest in. I have confidence in his judgement and I'm sure that this economic mess wil eventually correct itself. This economy is like a ship in a storm, it will toss and turn, tilt and lurch but eventually the storm will pass and the waters smooth but there is work the crew must perform until then. Not run for the lifeboats.
No doubt about it. My only regret is that I wasn't more disciplined in saving when things were rollin along better in the economy. This is one of those once in a lifetime opportunities to buy on the cheap good companies that can come back strong in the future. What better motivation to stay in shape and be healthy so I live long enough to enjoy the proffits!!!
The suckers haven"t permanently deserted the stock market . They are merely waiting until the prices get too high again. Jack the only thing we have left is memory of the good days China and Mexico have the jobs , we are lucky China is not our neighbor to the north.
Jack, How much longer are we going to wait for the stock market to bottom out? How long are we going to set by and hope for someone else to fix our problems? I agree it is time that we all begin to re-invest in the stock market and take responsibility for turning it around. Jack, we all voted and you get to go first!
Why do people think that the stock market will rebound, the markets are where they should be and would be if it wasn't for the Corporate greed that inflated the markets to fill their pockets at the expense of the middle class.
Claude
Ontario
So like the small view – yes I would (and have). I claim no ability to outguess the market so it goes to Vanguard's total stock ETF – which I've seen the investment in drop over the last 3 years so depressingly. I'm about to make another purchase. That said, I've got no debt (beyond house) and cash savings to tied in emergency so this seems the best place to put money.
The way the stock market is these days, there's no way I'd put any amount of money I have anywhere close to the stock market. Until things improve, the only thing I am doing with my money is save save save!
No, I'd keep for savings. Because of the failed Bush policy, giving money to banks was like giving those embryos to the Octa-Mom; you don't need it, but you definitely want it! At the regulators request, banks were issued TARP money with no necessity, just ask the TCF CEO who now wants to return it.
Sure I would! But not until I find another job, get on top of my bills, pay off my bad debt and build up a 3-month cusion. Once that's done, I'm all in. If the stock market never comes back, the economy is going to be the least of our worries.
Jack,
The Presidential Working Group(from an Executive Order) is directed to maintain stability in the markkets. It is comprised by members of the Central Banks. The market is therefore fixed. If you walked into a fixed game in Vegas you would not likely play. Same logic applies here. Stay clear.
Of course I would invest. I'm 30 years old and have a long time horizon. What better time for a person to buy than when things are on sale.
of course.......i'm still young enough to buy them at bargain price and sit on them for a while.....and when things start making more sense then you sell..........the market will recuperate but bush screwed your country for 8 years and it's going to take more then 1 month of obama cleaning to bring things back to normal.......and i'm sure that won't happen anytime soon either
I am doing just that with my bonus that's coming in a week. A good part of it is going into the market via retirement accounts since I have 30+ years to go. If I had a shorter time horizon or didn't have an emergency fund in cash I would think twice though.
I think that with all the pork going into the stimulus I would invest in the market – the supermarket. At least at the supermarket you can see what you are buying.
At this time at least 20% in cash. 25% in collectable US silver and gold coins. Rental real estate 40%. That would allow for 15% in stocks of companies with plenty of cash and profits in 2008 and the first part of 2009. Cash is king during these times. Collectable gold and silver appreciate very well but are not very liquid. Real estate if bought cheaply now generates a steady stream of cash. When indicators show we have reached a bottom in the market then put 15% more cash to work in sectors. This is a very cautious approach for someone nearing retirement and will generate steady rates of return and insure you against run-away inflation. Good luck and God bless.
IF I had cash, I would be dollar-cost averaging into the market, probably with index funds.
However, my current situation being what it is, I'm having to liquidate some long-held positions. The good news is that I won't have any pesky capital gains to pay taxes on; they're back at their values when Clinton took office.
The other good news is that I made 12.5% on my small companies position: I cashed some out to pay a credit card bill.
See, Jack, it's all on your point of view.
Would a starving hunter in the forest, who comes upon a cache of bullets, fire a shot blindly, or actually stalk his prey? I think the answer speaks for itself.
Jack,
I have never "played" the stock market. I like to have control of my money. I hate debt or risk when it comes to finances.
the only way i would invest a extra money in the stock market would be if the Kepler Telescope discovered another planet in our solar system that was in desperate need of oil as or any other of goods and services for that matter!
Jack – sure I would invest, in fact I am still sitting on sidelines waiting to get back in (sold when technical markers showed the sudden death cross sell point before market crashed). But outside the financial impacted stocks & near bankrupt auto stocks – the technical & energy & utility & Commodities stocks are still to high even though they may be down from over speculated highs.
Given that what is happening now is an errosion of confidence & removal of speculated overvalue in some stocks – the question that needs to be asked is why the hell hasn't DJ removed the 6 bankrupt stocks that no longer represent the market & are responsible for 800 points of market loss? When the dot-com bust happened & later the unvalidated "good will" stock value was removed – several stocks on both Dow & NASDA were removed & cycled out.
Just having Citigroups $1 stock removed along with GM, and couple others that wont be coming back as representative stable stocks would raise the index & give market a signal to invest. But then I gues common sense doesnt seen to matter with the educated idiots that are steering the financial ship of states these days.
Regards
Charlie
Wall Street is in schambles. If I had extra money to invest which I do not, I certainly would not jump on the back of a big bird that appears to be having trouble flying.
Oh yes, and doing it now! Working second job as waitress to invest. Contrarian all the way.
Yes, but I would dollar-cost-average it in because I am not convinced we aren't going to see the dow at 4000. Also, I would invest only in very broad index funds.
Jack, do you think Barbara Bush will have to pay for her health care or will WE?
Ahmed
Jack, There has never been a better time to invest in companies. There are so many undervalued, it is hard to pick.
Not while Obama and the dems are cafrrying out their current plans.
This Presidend is either unbelieveably out of touch or deliberately trying to destsroy individual savings. Higer dividend tax, higer capital gains tax, cap and trade, higher tax rates and massive spending. This is an idiotic policy for the economy but fine for ideological zealots.
Unfortunately I invested my money around 1997/8, it´s been terrible.
I would think now should be a good time to invest, but as for me I don´t want to put more money into stocks than I already have done.
There's no such thing as extra money. But I'll read your book if you read mine. "The Rope" Amazon.com
Stock Market, no way. We have been in business since the late 1960's. My husband thought it would continue on forever, for his son, daughters, grandchildren, etc. There is nothing out there helping the lumber industry. Now, we may only employe 16 people, but this business affects my family of two bothers whom are in the logging business and sell their product to us and they both have families, etc., my husbands family whom worked this business since he was 12 and is now 61 and his son and daughter are also in the business with children and 16 employees, I could go on and on. We are a manufacturing business and we manufacture furniture grade lumber. All of the articles I read, there is nothing helping the lumber industry. I guess we will be on the list for lozing over 1/2 million dollars it took forever to save. The President needs to listen to more of us common hard working people. Health care, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure it out.
Thank you, ya right.
From someone who cares about other people and them at least trying to make it in this USA.
Bill Clinton was elected with less than 50% of the votes. He turned over health reform to his wife and devised a single payor system that scared every one.Obama is actively involved and establishing the need first, then letting wide imput which should build a general concensus
We need Elliot Ness. We have an organized-crime gang government robbing America. We could turn the whole thing around in five minutes if our justice department started to arrest and jail the thieves. A corporate exec is paid hyndreds od millions of dollars to keep quiet after helping to rob america. Our joke of a land of laws better get real or all we will have is gangs. Oops, and the government is JUST ANOTHER GANG. Listen to the rap lyrics and get ready to be dinner
jack would you go in the water with a boat that had a hole in it .t bills jack ,t bills .
I can think of several things I'd rather do with unneeded "extra" money than give it to the temper-tantrum throwing thieves on Wall Street. They have been gettting rich on others money for too long.
I would NOT invest money in the stock market until I can sue for stockbroker fraud under a negligence standard rather than the current impossible malicious intent standard.
Sure, its so much fun to watch the government "work" and the stock market go down and your retirement with it. Does anyone out there provide training to be a bag lady?
Carol, MN
Unfortunately, there's little relationship between the stock you could buy and actually investing.
No, any extra money means a little bit more food for my family. Wall Street is a huge gambling hall where no one wins because every thing is "rigged" for the FAT CATS not the LITTLE GUY.
Nancy from Arizona
I will invest in the stock market. After all, the democrats will surely lose their majority in the House and Senate in 2010. However, I wouldn't recommend it to everybody with all the blunders Obama is making, The big downturn in the market will leave Americans unable to retire because their 401K and IRA's will be close to worthless. There are predictions from economist that say we have a 30% chance of going into a depression. We all know that prediction was not made when George W. Bush was in office. It is obvious to me that Obama is taking the country in the wrong direction toward socialism
Depends on how much extra money.
I just got my tax return for me and my family of 7, and i had to use almost all of it on repairing the transmission on my sh|tty Honda Odyssey minivan that Honda declined to help me out with even though they know they have a rampant nationwide problem with Transmissions in their vans and accords.
Heck, right now, if i got 50k extra im not sure i'd have any extra the way things have gone lately.
Jack, the trick now will be to sort out which of the up and coming energy companies will succeed – if I knew that, I would be all over it!
The market will improve as it always does. You just have to know what to buy!
Why sure, I have to have some place to put my big tax break that will be coming soon.But jugding by the polices coming out of D.C. there may not be a stock market left, is that the change everyone was hoping for.
NO, because I do not have the money to gamble. It seems as though the media believes the stock market does control America. I disagree. America is controled by the office of the "citizen". That is you, me and many others even though it does not seem like at times.
I would hold 1/2 in cash and invest1/2 in I-bonds.Rule to investing in stock market: Only invest what You can afford to lose.
Never have, never will invest in the stock market. Those people suck in all the middle class and then they lower the boom. Look at all the people that have lost there savings/retirement. So sad, don't get sucked in again. Why do we even need the stock market, let it fall. the rich are the ones that make a mint from it. We are in our 70's, not much in savings, but we have to draw the line someplace. my husband had 3 jobs and all 3 closed. The most years he got in was 19 years at one of them. Been through it.
I have added to my investments–long term–since sky is falling.
Note: Jim Cramer says the SEC needs to reinstate the uptick rule.
Remember that presidents and policies do change over time. Time will tell what Obama's gift to the people is. All presidents give a gift, e.g., Jimmy Carter gave high interest rates to the elderly (they loved it).