A Market that Takes Intestinal Fortitude and "A Just in Case Portfolio" ???

Today, I read an article titled a "Just in Case Portfolio" in the Wall Street Journel. I have posted a small part of the article here; can read the whole thing if you want at wsj.com, but for me and the point I want to make, the snipit below says it all!

A Just-in-Case Portfolio

By SHEFALI ANAND
Despite a more optimistic economic outlook and a stronger stock market, investors can't afford to sit back and relax, says Richard Smith, a financial adviser from Richmond, Va.

."Investors really need to be more prepared for a higher frequency of financial shocks than we have seen in the past," says Mr. Smith, president of Capital Advisory Group LLC, which manages $1.1 billion in assets.

While the U.S. and several foreign governments have taken a variety of steps to revive their economies, including flooding them with money, it isn't clear what will happen when that money is withdrawn, says Mr. Smith.

He also says financial markets have become highly correlated in recent years, meaning a problem in any part of the world can hurt markets everywhere. "Nobody is insulated from these financial shocks no matter where they resonate," says Mr. Smith. "We can't let our guard down."

So, why is it that you would want to have your retirement money invested in the markets?  It seems to me that with the uncertain times and the uncharted territory the markets seem to be in, it would take a lot of Intestinal Fortitude to endure the ups and downs of the markets! And, can we afford to just sit back and wait for our money to grow? Eventually it will, right? For the answer to that question, take a look at the long term rates of return on the markets!

So as the article indicates, now they are creating another distraction for you; the "Just in Case Portfolio"! Is this the fix everyone is waiting for or just another we hope we can show a positive return on the money invested by or clients? I don't mean to sound harsh here. The portfolio managers are doing their jobs to the best they are able, I am sure. But the markets are turned upside down and inside out with just about any bad news anywhere in the world! And lately, there is lots of bad news!

So, I will ask once again, why is it that you would want to put your money to work in a market with such uncertainty when there are guaranteed growth options without the market risk or need for intestinal fortitude? !! If you are wondering the same thing, I suggest you click on the picture at the top of the right margin and register hear about how banking is made simple!