As the Bernard Madoff scheme demonstrates, financial schemes have succeeded time and again through history because investors continually fail to employ the most basic standards of caution and care.

I’ve been very accurate in my ‘big picture’ forecasts over the years. Nine years ago, in 1999, I wrote a book Riding the Bear – How to Prosper in the Coming Bear Market. In it I said the market was in a bubble similar to that of 1929, and the worst bear market since that of 1929-32 was just around the corner. I was told that was ‘dinosaur-thinking’. The popular book of the time was Dow 36,000! But a few months later the severe 2000-2002 bear market began, in which the S&P 500 lost 50% of its value and the Nasdaq 78% of its value.

Receiving an inheritance can be a nice windfall. But, when it comes to inheriting an IRA, the tax rules can be tricky and your decisions regarding this asset can have far-reaching tax implications. Mistakes can be very costly. So, before you decide what to do with it, find out what your options are so you can maximize the dollars you keep.

1. You Feel Like a Little Fish in a Big Pond

Ever gotten that feeling that your Adviser could care less whether you stay with him or her? The reason may be simple; your account is too small for them now. They may have treated you like royalty when you first became a client, but now they barely return your phone calls.

I vowed after turning thirty to never ride roller coasters again.  My stomach can't seem to take it anymore.  I'm getting that same sinking feeling from the financial markets lately.  The last several months have been quite trying for long term investors.  Economic factors beyond our control have wreaked havoc on the global economy, and watching from the sidelines has been difficult to endure.  So, what should you do as an investor?  Should you hold, should you run for the exits? Converting to cash, while tempting and psychologically satisfying, can actually have an adverse effect on your long term wealth and could prove exactly the wrong thing to do right now.