I see the stock market managed to climb it's way over the 11,000 mark after spending a night under it. These are just crazy times--companies that are icons of American business crashing left and right. Average Joe is seeing his home equity disappear (or access to it), his 401K is melting like an ice cube, gasoline and food are still in the stratosphere, and in what seems like the blink of an eye his net worth has taken a serious gut punch. We're not talking about the wealthy here, folks.....we're talking about you, and me , and your neighbor next door.

So which stalwart of American business is next? How about GE? Their stock is trading at a very low price and they have a financing and insurance division. How about SEARS? rumors of their demise have been floating around for a long time. Maybe GM? FORD? CHRYSLER? All 3? Will Uncle Sam bail them out too?

WITH ALL THIS UNCERTAINTY AND FEAR, WHAT IS AVERAGE JOE SUPPOSED TO DO?

The main thing is don't panic. The knee jerk reaction is to bail when things get bad. Instead of doing that, look for well run companies that are "on sale"--companies that have been dragged down with the rest of the market. Look for companies that are tried and true, companies that make products that we use all the time and will continue to use like laundry detergent, shaving cream, paper towels...you get the idea. Look for companies that pay good dividends-- that will help your total return and by all means make sure your dividends are reinvested so that you get more shares. Finally, make sure you're diversified. You're not always going to pick a winner but being diversified softens the blow.

ONE MORE THING.......

IF YOU OR YOUR SPOUSE PARTICIPATES IN A 401K THAT HAS AN EMPLOYER MATCH, MAKE SURE YOU MAXIMIZE THE MATCH. OTHERWISE YOU'RE LEAVING FREE MONEY ON THE TABLE.

These truly are crazy times, but it's not the first time and it won't be the last. Just don't panic and be on the lookout for good companies that are on sale.