Hello and welcome to Money Girls quick and dirty tips for a richer life.

I'm your host Laura Adams. If you're scared to even look at the

envelope that holds your latest investment account statement, this episode is for

you. When the financial markets are down, the true nature of our risk tolerance is revealed.

Whether you're a riverboat gambler or a stuff the in the Matress kind of person, you've probably been

wondering what changes, if any, you should be considering for your investments right now.

The most important rule of investing is to get your emotions out of the process.

Fear and greed are very powerful motivating forces that can destroy portfolios.

In other words, don't panic. This is because panic leads to rash decisions

that may turn out to be bad decisions. Just like there's a waiting period for

buying a gun, consider imposing a waiting period on yourself before making any large-scale investment decisions.

Unless you're a seasoned short-term trader. Simply let your plan for any changes soak in for a day or

two before you pull the trigger on them. Once you've done some deep breathing and exhaled

out the panic. Focus on what you can control a majority of the

factors in the economy that affect your portfolio are simply not under your

control so why worry about them?

Mother Market is going to do what she sees fit.

Your job is to observe what she does as calmly as possible,

go with the flow, and react in the most rational way possible for your circumstances.

If you're considering some changes to a 401k plan, for example, thoroughly research your options.

Most plans offer an online account access to participants.

If you're not sure what funds you're buying with your contributions,

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