I was an advisor for almost 20 years, both investments and life insurance. My advice is this, buy monthly, don't worry about the market, and when everyone is losing their shirts, buy blue chip mutual funds aggressively. Stick to a balanced approach and don't get greedy. Pigs get slaughtered. I saw 2000 coming and also the 2009 meltdown. Everybody called me crazy. Those that listened still stay in touch even though I left the business over 3 years ago.