that is very true, but a lot of people that couldnt afford to lose money lost that and more (percentage wise) in between march - sept. 2008. Your best bet is to put money in vanguard index funds targeted for your ideal retirement year and check it once a year - but for people that are trading single stocks&#x2F;options&#x2F;.etc, i think Roubini is right - he is also 55 so he is and should be a lot more conservative than someone that is in their early 20s&#x2F;30s