Despite the downturn, entrepreneurs are enjoying a renaissance the world over
economist.com
economist.com
It kind of lacks a point, though. It's a shame that we only have the introductory article. I'm sure the "special report" (which usually consists of several articles) will have a lot more meaty recommendations.
Fortunately, I'm subscribed (it's the only magazine to which I subscribe) and so I'll read it when it comes in the post tomorrow :-)
The bad stock market and bad economy in general are perfect for people in my position who are just starting out and are looking for an opportunity.
I would encourage people to not repeat things like this because they might convince a fiscally illiterate person (i.e. most of the population) that it is true.
If you had a million dollars in your IRA last year, you are highly likely to have about $600,000 now. (This is if you had a portfolio 100% concentrated in equities -- and if you did this close to retirement, well, there is no helping you now is there.) If you were planning on a 4% withdraw rate ($40k) last year, it is likely to remain safe currently: even with the 40% drawdown the market has seen, historically at a 4% withdraw rate you are overwhelmingly likely to die before your money runs out.
The worst case scenario for the typical investor is that they push back retirement for a year or two, which has large effects on longevity.
The big threat to retirements isn't transient financial difficulties, however disruptive they may be. The big threat is underfunding. This goes for pensions and individual investors. Your IRA/401k is NOT an emergency fund or excuse to go on a vacation between jobs, people.
As young people with nothing to lose, we shouldn't be surprised to offend someone with optimism in this environment.
I know. These folks have no more lost their retirement due to the financial downturn than I have lost an aircraft carrier full of Swedish supermodels and propelled by unicorns.
An inspection of my back pocket will not reveal that aircraft carrier, but that doesn't mean I lost it.
Clearly if you've got $25k in your retirement account close to retirement, whether it declines to $15k or explodes to $100k is immaterial to your prospects of retiring: you're going to be almost wholly dependent on other sources of income either way. (Social security, pensions, income from working, familial support, etc.)
I LOL'ed. I think you are just taking what I said too literally. I get what you mean, though.
It will be interesting to watch how/if this changes over time, specifically in regard to the seemingly new attitude exhibited by the world community (i.e. the indian example discussed in the article).