Local reaction to bailout rejection, markets down

Even with local banks’ reassurance, the Wall Street worries continue to cause many concerns for those on Main Street. Many folks cringed as they watched stocks plummet.

Millions have watched the value of their 401(k) plans or retirement accounts go south. The financial worries are particularly troubling for people who are approaching retirement, many watching their nest egg take a huge hit. Went online and checked my 401 (k) because I heard that the stocks had plummeted big time– as soon as they heard that the house had vetoed the bill, explains Heather Kole of South Bend.

This afternoon got quite scary for all of us, says Cathy Brandt. Brandt admits her retirement might be pushed back more years than she planned for. Of course with the market lately, we’re all saying we have to work another year, another 5 years. It’s a concern. How are we going to avoid things, healthcare, you know?

30-year-old Heather Kole’s retirement is still decades away. Right now she’s just trying to buy gas and groceries and save for her kids. So right now retirement is way far off I’m worried about sending my kids to college and paying the bills to get there, says Kole.

Financial advisor Tyler Glynn says people shouldn’t panic. He says the best thing to do is ride out the market and diversify your stock portfolio– so all your eggs aren’t in one basket. If you have balance you will have disappointment, but you won’t have everything go to zero for you at this point in time, says Glynn.

And while everyone watches this wild financial ride– many say they’re optimistic things will calm. The question is when? I don’t think our economic system will fold, I think we’ll survive. It’s going to take some hard times and some hanging in there to get through it, says Brandt.

Some economists say it’s a good thing the bailout plan didnt work. Newscenter 16 spoke with Zhi Da, a professor of Finance at Notre Dame. Da is one of about 200 economists who signed a petition opposing the bailout plan. They say they want lawmakers to take more time and get the bailout plan right, instead of rushing to pass something through.
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