Question: Amanda's dad is reading a book and is convinced that the stock market is about to crash and wants to pull all his money out and buy gold overseas. She doesn't know enough to talk some sense into him. What can Dave say?
Dave Ramsey's advice: I'll be as nice as I can ... I think it's absolutely ludicrous! I have seen books like this come out every year since I could read. I've heard the end of the world predicted every year. Could the stock market crash? Yes, but there is no indication that he should say this. I CAN'T BELIEVE THIS! This author is a nutburger. The end of the world is not coming.
In order for the stock market to crash, companies like Microsoft, Ford, GM, Home Depot, GE, Whirlpool and all those other big companies have to close. Not decrease in business, but CLOSE! Can you honestly imagine all of those companies closing? Our stock market operates differently now than in 1929; there are many more safeguards now. Less than two months after 9/11, the market was back up to the level it was on September 10. The people who make these predictions are doomsayers.
I don't own any gold, nor am I buying gold. The returns are horrible and the volatility is all over the place. The stock market looks like a cake walk next to gold. I own mutual funds and paid for real estate, and I'm not moving a dime on the advice of this idiot author.