With the interest rate having its largest cut in about 24 years–down to 3 1/2 percent, many are considering refinancing or borrowing money. I myself have considered refinancing, but have concluded that the interest rate at the banks isn’t low enough to make it worthwhile. I’m thinking I need at least a full percent drop from my bank to cover closing costs and to make it a financial win for me. What say you?
Do any of you want to share what you consider when refinancing? or how else you invest your money when the interest rates are low? If we’re lucky, Alabama Investor may shed some light on this.
What about your current investments? I know I lost a lot of money in the stock market about two weeks ago. What’s the best methods to recovery? Mine is simple–stay put.
Investments Rising
Remember a few months ago when the stock market took a dive and I stated I’d lost a lot of money in my 401(k)? I said my strategy then was to stay put and I’m glad I did. I have since made up that loss and then some without touching a thing. That’s probably not always the best move, but I think most of the time it’s best to stay put a little while and not react to the market instantly.
Recently a senior investor friend told me how he’d talked a client out of pulling out of some funds when the market went down. She came back to him just last week thanking him because of the significant gains she’s now experiencing. I’m not predicting the market is forever on the rise because times will get worse, but they will also get better.
I know each investment needs to be treated differently based on a number of criteria, including your philosophy, but I initially stick with doing nothing at all in the beginning of downturns. Someone like Jay or Derek could probably shed good light on this topic.