Now may be the right time to make an investment!

Since Labor Day of 2008 the decline in value of virtually all equities - securities and real estate - has left investors poorer; frightened; exhausted; confused about the appropriate step for the future. Nearly all portfolios, no matter how allocated, well diversified or sophisticated, have suffered significant losses.

The "rally" since March has left many stocks at ½ of 2008 peak prices. Homes, offices, rental properties, essentially all real estate is selling for much less than it was 12 months ago.

The harsh reality is the decline has wiped out 10-12 years of returns for most of the investments that hold value for Americans. Here are 4 simple steps that will help you develop an investment strategy for the current economic and market climate.

1. Talk with your financial advisor. It's time to review, reflect, re-prioritize, and restate financial goals. A thorough review of the role of debt in your financial plan is clearly warranted.

2. Put time on your side. It may be wise to give the assets you own time to recover in value. A "short term fix" by selling out of fear may prove to be a mistake in the long term.

3. Buy at lower prices. For long term investors, there are many reasons to view a market decline as a glass half-full. This is a wonderful time to take advantage of bargain prices for both securities and real estate. Your liquidity needs and volatility stamina need to be clearly in mind and thoroughly understood by those who work in your behalf.

4. Invest regularly. Dollar cost averaging calls for investing the same amount at consistent intervals regardless of the value of the market at any given time. In an up market you buy fewer shares for your fixed purchase amount. In a down market you buy more shares. Thus, you invariably wind up with an average cost more attractive than the average price.

Stock market declines, even severe ones, are a natural part of investing. Depending upon your personal situation, now may be a good time to invest.

Preston F. Sanders is a Chartered Financial Consultant and Registered Investment Advisor. He lives in Washington, Georgia, and can be reached at prestonsanders@bellsouth.net.

NOTE: Any investment can lose value. Don't buy any stock without a careful evaluation of it's appropriateness for your situation. See your financial/investment advisor.