Hi David, I haven't checked in a while and woke up this morning to a flat tire on the X-5, Merry Xmas. I feel for your situation, it is very difficult seeing years of conservative living and saving dissappearing on what seems on a daily basis. My 201k plan is down 48% and when my Oppenheimer confirmations come to the post office, I don't even open them, they go right into the blue trash bins. As part of our legacy, we old timers always thought that we would leave a cushion for the kids when we start driving the X-5, heavenly edition. Looking at the Madoff situation, things could be worse for us. I never planned on an early retirement anyway but I assumed it would be by choice and not circumstances. My accountant called and told me that I was old and that I should put in the $5000 catchup provision before the end of the year. My question is why (except for the tax deduction) I'd rather not watch that money fly away also.
You will survive this, I'm quite sure-just remember you have to ask "paper or plastic" - kidding.
Best wishes to you and your family during this holiday season.
Fred