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I've heard that next year will be a really bad year for investments. Should I pull the money in my 401(k) out of stocks and put it elsewhere? If so, where? I'm 30 years old.

Last Updated: February 03, 2012

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eXtension does not provide specific advice to tell people what to do with their money. Having said that, it is important to note that you are a very young investor and have 37 years ahead of you before you are eligible to collect full Social Security benefits at age 67 (under current law). This is a very long time to ride out the ups and downs (i.e., volatility) of the stock market. If market conditions are indeed poor next year, you will be able to buy stocks and mutual fund shares at very attractive (low) share prices. When markets eventually rebound, your low-cost shares will increase in value. "Buying low and selling high" is a key wealth accumulation strategy.

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