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DRAPER -- The recession provided a huge hit to most investment portfolios. But experts say you don't have to be too skittish as you try to rebuild it.
Even with the big ups and downs of the past 18 months, history says don't be afraid of the stock market - it always gives you a higher return in the long run.
"If you miss those recoveries it's very detrimental to your long term retirement," says Steve Johnson, the branch manager of Raymond James Financial Services in Draper.
He says most people should invest in mutual funds instead of trying to pick and choose individual companies. That way you don't miss small companies and international stocks that are growing fast but you may not know about.
"You wouldn't be probably properly diversified if you only bought individual stocks of names you recognized," he says.
Johnson says don't pull out of the stock market at age 65 - just reshuffle.
"If you think about it, you're retiring at 65. You're not dying at 65," he points out.
He says you could need your money to grow for probably 20 or 30 more years. Cash and bonds may feel safer, but they do not yield a high enough return to fight inflation.
E-mail: mrichards@ksl.com
