KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- When the House of Representatives voted against the bailout plan on Monday, it caused the stock market to plummet, wiping $1.2 trillion in value from retirement funds, mutual funds and individual stock holdings.

Many viewers have e-mailed KMBC concerned about their investments.

Barb Whittington asked, "Would it be better not to invest in my 401(k) right now, but hold that money back until the market gets more stable?"

Chris Parr, with First Capital Group in Shawnee, said you should continue to invest in your 401(k), because you're buying into the market at today's value.

Parr said that as the market increases, you'll benefit from buying in at a low price. If an employer matches your contributions, then you're making money immediately on every contribution you make.

Curt Gardner asked, "I have never invested in the stock market, and I am wondering if it's a good time to start. I'm 60 years old. I don't have an IRA. I'm retired from the military and am working full-time. I have little money to invest and wonder if now would be a good time."

Parr said investing in the market involves risk at all times. At age 60, you have to be sensitive to the fact that investing in the stock market is a long-term proposition. While stocks are currently low, which make for good buying opportunities, you still have to have a five- or ten-year horizon to invest in the market.

Instead, Parr suggested someone in their 60s invest in a fixed index-linked annuity, which gives you a market link performance without the risk to principle.

If you have financial questions, e-mail them to news@kmbc.com.