Since the tragedies of September 11, we have watched "America's New War" unfold. Stock markets around the world almost immediately sank to record lows. Many people were wondering what to do about this situation. Most people expressed concern about what would happen. We did not have to wait long. The markets hit a low point during the last week of September. At the time of writing, all of the loss since September 11 has been regained by North American stock markets.

Prior to September 11, the stock market was in a slow decline. It may have taken many more months to reach the levels that were achieved during September. The pain of those tragic events has somewhat accelerated the decline in stock values. This in turn has created opportunity to prudent investors.

It is often stated that you must stay invested to reap the long term benefits of investing in the stock market. If you miss even a few days of surging stock prices, you will experience dramatically less return on your investment as compared to those who stay the course.

Again, we are not trying to time the market. We are suggesting that this may be an occasion that many will look at in the future as one of those truly rare buying opportunities. If you take a long-term perspective and invest money now, we anticipate that you will be handsomely rewarded.

This is a monthly article on financial planning. Call or write to Rick Sutherland CLU, CFP, FDS, R.F.P., of Fundex Investments with your topics of interest at 798-2421 or E-mail at rick@invested-interest.ca.