Recessions suck a4se, don't they. That's the risk with your stocks and shares. My pension isn't looking as good as it did last year either. Mind you, knowing my luck I'll retire and get hit by a Bentley the next day. At least I hope it's a Bentley; go out in a bit of luxury...

I'll see what I can do.

On a serious note: Sit tight and you will probably get the return on investment. I think I remember reading that there hasn't been a 17 year period on record where the UK market's made a loss. Considering the battering the economy has taken in the last year or so (where your shares will have dropped ~30% if you're investing in a UK index fund), you're not doing too bad breaking even. It proves the point I was originally making that stocks and shares are a medium to long term investment for the majority of people.

I started this investment in 96. It's needed now (5th bedroom).

Sh*t happens. Throw a kid out.

I'd be more tempted to take your financial advice if you'd said 'Wife'.

Are you a mormon or something?

How dare you - my mum says I is quite intelligent.

Remember kiddies, the value of investments can fall as well as rise...maybe someone should have told the RBS...

I remember ISAs tanking about 5 years ago as well, with many peoples worth less than they put in.

If its any consolation the FTSE and DOW have risen steadily over the last month

what does this mean excacly?