The key is creating a plan of action that is flexible enough to deal with the changes that occur in life and then reviewing progress on a regular basis. Guessing doesn't get it. My clients who have been planning for years have the same concerns and fears as anyone has, but they feel better prepared. Having an appropriate cash reserve for emergencies is essential. It helps them avoid redirecting long-term funds. In fact, because of planning some are actually able to retire if they have been laid off because they are close to their goals or we make adjustments. Depending on one's political affiliation some are delaying temporarily larger investments, but others understand the ebb and flows that naturally occur in all markets and continue with their goal driven plans. Each person is different and their planning should be different. Depending on unreliable adages such as you need a certain percentage of your income in retirement is where people get in trouble. You must not only focus on returns, but also tax and inflation rates when working on your goals. I've always said it's better that you know the hard truth and prepare for it rather than stick your head in the sand and hope things work out.