Tell Me What Worries You Most???

How many average individual stock investors do you know that have actually made money in the stock market? Big money investors like Warren Buffett tell us that we must buy stocks. Why? Because he wants to pump the market for our money. He's poured billions into Goldman Sachs and GE. He wants to see them rise at our expense so he can sell and take our money. Big investors manipulate the market on a daily (even hourly) basis to lure the small fish (you and me) into the market because it's such a "great value". Then, as prices rise and we see our money growing, the big boys come in and sell millions of shares. They take our money, and then wait for the next time that we decide the market is an even better value. Ever heard of a "suckers rally"? It didn't get it's name from a lolly-pop. Just look at the huge point swings in the Dow on a daily basis. 500, even a 1000 points in one day. The big money is driving the market, and squeezing it for every dollar of our 401K's and pension funds. I believe most of you reading this have never actually realized a penny in the market. We've seen profits on paper, but not in our wallets. We are manipulated by the overpowering volume of money managers and billionaire investors who work the markets to take our money. I for one, am finished with the stock market. Done, never to return. I believe it represents a false dream of easy money, of the small guy playing with the big boys. Ultimately, savings accounts, CD's, and other low risk instruments are the real way that we, the little people, can guarantee our money grows. Stop letting Wall Street steal your 401K. If you're out of the market, stay out. There's no such thing as easy money. If you're in the market, I can't advise you on what to do. I for one, am done with the market forever. It's a very liberating feeling to not have to watch the Dow Jones swing wildly every day. Now lets hope the Fed doesn't keep lowering rates to artificially inflate the market. He's killing the very savings that the government encourages. Good luck to all...

Hi Liz.. Always like watching you on FBN. It's always fun to watch you during the afternoon. So what worries me the most? I'm 45 and have a daughter getting ready to go to college at this time next year for starter's. My daughter laughs at me when I told her that for Dad to go to college 20 plus years ago, it was 10 times less in tuition than what it is now. I want her to have a better education than me, but also I don't want her to go so deep into debt as well when she graduates. And I has a 16 year old son with a seziure disability, what kind of future will they both have given this mess? Why should the three of us (and everyone else) should bail out the banking system when we were not at fault at all? And I have come to the conclusion that I won't be able to buy my own home given the tight credit markets Liz. I don't think either Obama or McCain have the right plan to help the middle class. This is not the best time to be a middle class working person, and I am not a "Joe the Plumber" person either. Michael..Florissant MO

What worries me is that the American voters won't kick every incumbent out on their butts. We have plenty of taxation, and no representation. Our government is run by a bunch of lawyers who become millionaires while in office, and they look out for themselves, not us. I sincerely hope that every citizen recognizes that, regardless of party, we need to clean house every term. If they won't vote an amendment for term limits, we need to kick 'em out every term. It's time we take back control of our country. 232 years ago we took it from good king George, now we have to take it back from the "kings" we elected. KICK THE BUMS OUT! VOTE!

Liz, in your blog you stated: Everyone seems to be worried about the current state of the markets and the economy, but then, when our conversations dig a bit deeper, a sub-set of worries emerges: I am one person who sees this downturn as an opportunity of a lifetime. Stocks are cheap and I am taking advantage of it by loading up on mid and small cap stocks since they will be the first sector to rebound once the market rebounds.

What worries me? All of the above! I couldn't have expressed these ideas any better. Glad I'm not alone in these frightening times in this Good Ol' USA.

I'm new to computers so I dont know what the name of web site is. My question is My husband is 70 1/2 and has to start drawing from his IRA. This is not fair to us who tried to save for rettirement and have to take our money out at its lowest so it might not last our life time. I think the president should pass a bill that seniors shouldn't have to draw from thier IRA"S till things get better

Liz I am fifty-six years old. Recently moved to Wyoming (which stills have a good economy) from Illinois where the economy is hurting. For my wife and me it was a new beginning. Then all this economic problems occurred. Usually I would be looking at this stock market tumbling as an opportunity. But with the possibility of Obama becoming president I have cold feet on making investments in the stock market. I do not see any way that Obama’s economic policies will help the country recover. In fact I foresee a recession lasting at least four years. I think his policies will make things worse I know others seem to think Obama is the man needed for this moment in time. But when I study the guy I cannot find anytime that he has been a leader. I don’t even know of one organization or business that he has headed up. He says he foresaw the Fanny May crisis. But the only thing he did about it is to write a letter of concern. I could have done that. Anyway because of the election and the possibility of Obama being elected for the first time I know of no place I want to make my money work me. So my extra money is just sitting in the bank. I have no idea where I should invest my wife’s and my hard earn money. Craig G

What worries me most? The governments out of control spending of our taxes and no politican in sight who will stop it. And now the fear on Wall Street adds to the governments view that they can fix it and solve all our problems. Can't we just start over with a new budget and new representatives in Washington who have not worked there the last 5-30 years? Is there a responsible person who can balance the budget like we have to balance our checkbooks?

I was planning to invest in 2009 for a vacation or a home for future retirement. Even with a decline of 30% in home values, I am not sure to make the investment or just sit on cash. I am still in the stock market but plan to be out soon, which is another concern. I have always had success in real estate in NY but now I am looking South. Is 2009 a good time to make this purchase? Stay in the market or stay in Cash?

People are trying to hide their money because of REAL FEARS of an Obama "reign" ! I think this is underestimated and brushed off but we still remember his minister's words and feel he is planning on stealing the election with ACORN ... and where the heck is he getting all his donations? I'm telling you people are worried ...and scared of him!

I do not trust Obama or proponents of his who are defending his social policies. His social policies are the way he spends our country's money. People in favor of Obama undersetimate the FEAR of the vast number of people who are concerned about the future of our country SOCIALLY, POLITICALLY AND MORALLY. Many people LIKE ME are afraid for our GOVERNANCE under Obama and want to HIDE our money!!! There are valid reasons for this fear... he has a history of alliances with groups like ACORN and Rev Wright etc. He is also trying to steal the election with ACORN's help and and is not TRUSTWORTHY!!!

What worries me? Legal schemes to buy votes and redistribute wealth made by cocaine users and fools that want to save the world. I still can't imagine how I pay taxes to support those who get an earned income credit. Everyone should pay something.

Hi Liz, I worried that our government does have a plan that takes into account all the new challenges that face us in world that has changed and will continue to move in a direction we are not prepared for. Our financial models and institutions both internal to our own country and in relation to the globle economy our outdated or even non-existent. It seems that the United State is only reacting instead of being pro-active. We need need someone with the vision and no-how to lead the country into the 21 century. Thanks, Mike

What worries me is that you'll keep wearing turtle necks that hide your incredible rack. Today's sweater is so thick that we can't see your huge bra even with the studio lights.

I am concerned about 2008 taxes. If Obama becomes president can he change the 2008 tax rules for our yearly filings in January. Or, is it just 2009 and forward.

We've personally seen the job losses hit families in 3 different states. Our friend in College has recently been laid-off. He supports himself through College, because his Dad was laid-off from his job last month in another state. Our associate Pastor was let go due to short of funds. Along with all our church staff has taken a pay cut. Today another friend will join the ranks of the unemployed. Due to slowness he was laid-off. Him & his family are worried what's next? As of Jan. 1st. my Husband will join him in the ranks of the unemployed. Due to company moving out of state & only taking the high uppies with the company. We are struggling & doing everything we can to stay afloat now with these high gas prices & inflation on food to feed our kids, utilities & pay what we can of our bills, including our first house. So far last month my husband lost over $950.00 out of his 401k. The housing markets & stock markets are not hitting us yet. But the job losses, & high gas, food & utility prices are!

I pulled all my money out of the market 8 months ago. I could care less what the Dow Jones and NASDAQ do. What worries me is that Bush will continue to spend us into the Euro-solcialist poor house. I'm also concerned that Bernanke will cut interest rates and continue to discourage savings.

I am scared that Socialism will be prevalent in the country and will ruin the U.S.

That the market is afraid Obama will win!.....and what will happen if in fact he does!!! I think the market doesn't like his policies. We've been thinking Socialism a long time before McCain mentioned it!

My property value has declined 25% over the last 2 years so why have my property taxes not declined and why is nobody talking about this issue. The housing market had lost billions in market value yet municipalities don't seem willing to help struggling home owners by reflecting that declining value in property taxes.

I am scared to death that Socialism will be prevalent and government will ruin the US

What worries me most is if Obama wins the election with massive majorities in the house and senate. Unchecked his punish business tax policies could drive this resession into a depresion. Love watching you every day! Kirk

Liz, what worries me most is what is going to happen to people who are retired and depend on investments?> What is going to help the baby boomers that suffer losses close to retirement? I know everyone says "it'll come back", but will it really?

WHAT WORRIES ME THE MOST IS THAT THIS COUNTRY HAS LOST ITS MORAL COMPASS. WITHOUT THAT OUR COUNTRY WILL FALL. GARY

Hi Liz, I am concerned that one day in the not to distant future we will all wake up one morning and find the value of our deposits are worth 75% less or more. I am asking this because with the 11 trillion dollar debt growing each day (and no end from Govt borrowing) and the massive printing of paper money taking place to bail out the banks and the world, at what point will inflation from all this printing of paper cause a meltdown of value (two barrels full of paper money to buy a loaf of bread - aka post WW1 Germany)and a world wide economic collapse. Could this happen? Rick