Maximizing Your IRA In A Recession

Money is tight everywhere. The First thing people do is look to curb their budget. Were is the money going. Grocery bill, telephone bill maybe a house payment. The truth is everyone has bills. Where do we go to trim our budget? The reality is most people go to there IRA contributions to try and save money. Is this a good practice? Are you saving money? NO!! Maybe combine the number of trips to Menards or less trips to McDonalds for lunch but please don't take away from your IRA contributions. There is a rule - to maximize your earning potential your must invest in the good times and the bad times.
Why? Look how long the financial markets were in the tank before someone said "THE US ECONOMY IS IN A RECESSION" Over a year. The same is when the economy is out of a recession. You won't know until it's happened.
Lets say you invested $100 for 2 shares of mutual fund X in 2003. Each year since then you have invested $100 in mutual fund X. Over the years that $100 would only buy 1 1/2 shares. Now the market is down that yearly $100 will buy 4 shares of mutual fund X. We know mutual fund X is a four star mutual fund. We know that mutual fund X will go back up again. So why would we take away from a great investment opportunity like a recession. We can leave this recession with more shares and reap the rewards of dedication to our IRA and our retirements.
If it come down to the family eating or your IRA of course family comes first. If it comes down to a night out with the boys or a little early retirement. GOOD LUCK!