Unfortunately, it was a mistake many people made. The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed at 1736 on the day of the crash. In the 13 years since then it has gained 10,000 points. A lot of investors swore off the stock market then, saying there is no way they can tolerate that kind of risk with their money. The true risk was not staying in the market.
Many people today feel they are adrift in the financial seas.
Despite all of the talk about wealth, there are a lot of folks who are swimming against the tide. A recent survey found that 56 percent of American households are lagging in their efforts to save and invest for a comfortable retirement. For instance, a program that provides for systematic investing can calm even the roughest seas. Remember that the best way to survive a shipwreck is to be prepared.