1. Stop looking daily at stock tables and mutual fund quotes. Take long-term approach and don't worry about day-to-day activities of your funds. A buy and hold investor doesn't worry about short- term fluctuations of market. They ignore daily market reports and news headlines.

2. Think about when you will need your investment funds. If you've got a long time before you need money, you'll be able to sit tight through a long bear market.

3. Remember to look at statistics and past history of stock market. Over past 75 years worst 30-year stretch for stocks was 3 decades through August 1959. According to Chicago's Ibbotson Associates, stocks climbed 7.8% a year, enough to turn $10,000 into $95,000.

4. Consider increasing amount you invest. At today's depressed stock prices you can get more shares for your money. Think of it as a sale on stocks.

1. Have a plan and know where you are going with your investments. If you don't have a plan, how will you know if you are on track? The process of creating a plan includes determining your current financial situation, how much money you want to save, and by when.

2. Diversify your investments. Create a balanced portfolio to help you stay on track and reach your goals.