The DOW took a dump today of almost 400 points.  Oil was up more than $11 before settling at just under $140/barrel.  If you have a 401(k) or an IRA, I suggest you make sure you know where your money is invested.  If you have been smart and already made sure your investments are placed in "safe" and diversified investments, then I suggest you just don't look at all!

Recent headlines have been concentrated on how much the market has dropped over the last several months.  Some places dropping double digits. Many think a 30% drop in housing is the worst that could happen.  I submit that a 30% drop in housing was needed and not nearly as bad as it sounds.

The DOW dropped 3.13% in one day.  On the surface, 3.13% doesn't sound that bad.  When you annualize it, the figure becomes a bit more daunting.  A 3.13% drop in one day annualized is approximately 48,482%.  I am rounding, but I think my rounding error can be forgiven.

Just don't look at your portfolio and you will be ok.  If this drop had occurred over 5 days, it wouldn't sound nearly as bad.  It is only about 8.5%.  Unless you need your money today or in the next 10 years, you should be fine.  If you plan on retiring in the next 10 years you should already have determined your retirement strategy and how you are going to preserve what capital you have left for retirement.  Working part-time to pay the bills doesn't qualify as retirement.