What To Do with IRA?

[Guest]

I have an IRA account that's currently 100% stock-based.
With the looming uncertainty over the debt ceiling, I'm thinking it might be a good idea to park that money somewhere safe for a few months.

The question what's safe?
I can move it to money markets or bond funds, but if the government does something stupid, would bond funds or money markets be any safer?

I'd like to stay with American Century Investments, so I can easily move the funds around.

Any suggestions?

 

[ArcticLight]

Re: What To Do with IRA?

Open an account with tradeking, buy and sell stocks when YOU want to.

I would definitely get my money out of hte market, the last month has been ugly, any gains were lost Friday and if the gummint defaults the scare alone will drop the market, it will take several months or longer.

I would not be in treasuries or bonds either, default means you lose...

If only America knew how bad it could get if we default, even for a short period. Mr Market reflects ugly for these situations.

although if we do default I'll wait a few days and then buy stocks as they will only go up from there (Hopefully).

 

[WhiskeyWebber]

Re: What To Do with IRA?


Buying and holding stocks alone is the #1 best way to lose money.

Here's one thing I can guarantee about the market: Prices go up and they go down. I don't try to predict when or how; I just try to figure out strategies that take advantage of this fact.

Options were invented for exactly the emotion you expressed above. Learn how to buy puts against your stock holdings as insurance. It works just like car insurance. If you don't use the puts before the expiration, you count it as a cost of doing business... Just like last year when you didn't get in a wreck. If you have to use the puts because the price went down, use your payout to buy more shares at a lower price and then also buy more puts with dates further out. Before you know it you'll be rooting for your stocks to go down so you can cash in your insurance (puts) and load up more shares. More shares means you'll recover faster when the market comes back. You lower your average price with more shares which means you don't have to wait for a 100% retracement to get back out. Owning a stock without puts is like driving a car without any insurance. You have a guaranteed loss if anything goes wrong... and I have owned stocks that went to zero before I learned how to use this put strategy; it sucks.

 

[Gruff]

Re: What To Do with IRA?

Buy more gunz...

 

[Guest]

Re: What To Do with IRA?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ArcticLight</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

although if we do default I'll wait a few days and then buy stocks as they will only go up from there (Hopefully).

</div></div>

Exactly.
My plan is to move the funds into something safe and watch the bottom fall out, then buy everything back on sale.

 

[Guest]

Re: What To Do with IRA?

Done deal.
I moved my stock funds into a money market account.
I forgot I had 30% in a Utilities fund. That has earned a tick over 30% YTD, so I'm leaving that portion alone.

I guess if the utilities fail then it's too late for all of us anyway.

 

[macthknife]

Re: What To Do with IRA?

I thought This thread was going to be about the Irish Republican Army. Heheh

 

[cav has been]

Re: What To Do with IRA?

I thought it was going to be about Irish Red Ale..... I have first hand knowledge of what to do with it.

 

[Guest]

Re: What To Do with IRA?

Well, I made my move one day too late. Although I submitted the request, the transaction didn't take place until close of business yesterday.... after over $1,000 evaporated from the account.

Oh well.
At least I'm out of the stocks game for a little while.
If the market crashes, I'll buy back in.

 

[RoosterShooter]

Re: What To Do with IRA?

Diversify your investments. Do not stick to stock investments alone in order to secure your future retirement. Do some research. There are several options.

I trade around from time to time with the 'loose change' in my accounts. I've found a trend that not a lot of people have thought of. Change the way you look at things in tech stocks, etc ... Think of it this way ... what do people buy regardless of their money situation at home? Beer, potato chips, and sodas.

 

[Guest]

Re: What To Do with IRA?

You're welcome!

 

[Guest]

Re: What To Do with IRA?

I am SOOOOO glad I made the move.
Whew!

 

[Alderleet]

Re: What To Do with IRA?

I know right. I'm glad all of my money is chillin in cash right now. THANK GOD !!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Guest]

Re: What To Do with IRA?

Checking back in on this one.
Since I moved my funds to safety in early July, my IRA, as it was previously invested, would have lost 17.82% of its value.

That's a bunch of money I've saved!