Haley , I am so sorry to hear about your 401K plan, like most said you probably would have lost it. But the point here is that its done now. I watch Susie Orman a lot and I believe she mentioned in this economy if your company is not matching your 401K you are probably better off opening up a IRA account. Or to use that money and put it towards your mortgage for that is the ultimate goal of a 401 account for paying off the mortage when you retired. Not sure but go on her website and watch her show every Saturday nights @ 9 pm. She is very good and she also has written many books. Marilyn has given you good advice too.
As Judy mentioned don't worry about the future.. You are still young and the market will eventually rebound in time. My husband is closer to retirement and his mentally and feelings are the same. He is 54 yrs. old and he lost a lot to on his 401K. I feel for the people who are retiring now.
Haley we are all feeling the effects one way or another today. I sypmathize for my children and others who will be graduating this year and finding a job on Wall street or any other business company will be very hard. They will have to start paying their student loans. I wish someone would lower their interests rates on their loans until they are employed., for how are they suppose to pay when they have no jobs...
We can go on with so many problems... What is the sense...
Hugs to you Haley
ride out the storm....