Dear Mr. Berko: This market frightens the heck out of me, and I’m scared my $263,000 individual retirement account will go up in smoke. I’m 42. Is there any way to avoid scary downturns?
— SS, Springfield, Ill.
Dear SS: No!
I don’t stress capital gains, because I can’t spend them unless I sell something, because they’re difficult to predict and because they’re often fleeting.
Your tax-deductible donation to The Columbian’s Community Funded Journalism program will contribute to better local reporting on key issues, including homelessness, housing, transportation and the environment. Reporters will focus on narrative, investigative and data-driven storytelling.
Local journalism needs your help. It’s an essential part of a healthy community and a healthy democracy.
