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DANG.. I'm sorry to hear that. Honestly.

But hang in there!! Historically it always rebounds. It might make you feel better to look at the history. I know that doesn't help right now, not with the way you are being stung, but the honest truth (from what I'm reading) is that people were expecting way to high a return from the markets. They were getting it too. But it was an unrealistic return. Not based on anything solid.

I don't know what others here think, there are a ton of people more educated than I am in this area.. but I would think you are wise to sit on the sidelines. And, if your broker pulled out soon enough, and is sitting on the sidelines,.. then you may be in a wonderful position soon. If you can re-invest at the right time, I would think the chances of you regrouping were excellent. I sure hope so!! Hang in there friend. I'm sorry you have experienced this. It has to be gut wrenching. Bloody HECK!! Thats got to hurt.

Had $850k in 1/2000 (...all right, about $200k of that was probably B.S., part of the Greedy Bubble that later burst). It's still pretty discouraging to see the numbers drop as much as they have. But, most of what we invested was for the for the long-term (retirement), and we're still 10 to 15 yrs away from that.

Only thing that's saved my sanity is the fact that we stopped putting new $$$$ in the market (except for 401K's )back in mid-2000; we decided instead to pay off the mortgage early. Mortgage will be paid of in one month, and we have $190k equity in the house now. After we burn the mortgage, we're socking away cash into CD's for at least a year.