Do y ou really think this is the time to begin a long term portfolio? Don't you think we still have a LOT of downside? Maybe most of the year? Freeus I'm in the middle of arranging my buys and sells for my accountant, for tax purposes. I realize that I am an ungrateful brat who did NOT appreciate what she had and was constantly trying to make a killing (when I already had). I deserve all the losses....I should have recognized "enough" when I had it. Wow and I'm always talking about appreciation to my children and students...isn't it true that we recognize in others the faults we don't see in ourselves?