We have lost 100,000 since last year in our IRA. Is this normal?

Question

We have lost 100,000 since last year in our IRA. Is this normal?

Answer 1

In a bear market?  Yes.

If you don't cash it out for the next 7 years, will you get it back?  Yes.

Answer 2

Depends on how much was in there.  I'd figure out how much you lost as a percent or what was in there and compare this to how much the major indexes went down (this may take a bit of work if the money is split between several asset classes but the info is worth the time).  If it turns out you lost alot more than the types of assets you were investing in, then you may want to adjust where your money is (ie buy better performing but still very safe mutual funds or stocks or whatever).