Hubby bailed on the stock market in 2008.

[A HERETIC I AM]

4. One way to do what you are proposing is via a "Dollar Cost Averaging" approach.

Here is an interesting write-up on the subject;


http://www.investopedia.com/articles/stocks/07/dca-fight.asp

Taking a moderate sum and investing it each week or 2 weeks, regardless of market direction. In fact, it is best to be buying when a market falls as you will get more for your buck as prices fall.

Unfortunately, your hubby is not alone. Many, many millions of Americans did the same thing. After all, that's how the Dow went from 14,000 to 6600 in the first place. People sold.

He needs to have a portfolio that is appropriate for his and your risk tolerance, taking in to account how long till retirement and what the investable assets amount to. The less risk he is willing to take, the more in fixed income investments, that sort of thing.

It would be best if he spoke face to face with a financial professional he knows and trusts. Someone in the business can help structure the portfolio in such a way as to allow you both to sleep at night.

Best of luck.