I had an argument with a friend about growth and what the markets did and what MY RETIREMENT did during the years outlined in my title.

So here is what I found:

* 2000 - 2008, my total growth of my portfolio was 107% or 15.6% per year annualized. NOT bad, when you include the wars, etc, etc. AND it beat my expectations of 10%/ year

* 2008 - 2012 my total growth of my portfolio is 1.3% or .03% per year annualized.....TOTAL GARBAGE.....Thanks OBAMA.

But lets break it down a little more.

* 2008 - 2010 - (15.9%) or (7.8%) annualized per year LOSSES.
* 2010 - CURRENT 30.5% growth or 15.1% annualized.

I tell you what....the bush years, were GREAT, the Obama first few years sucked butt. The last two years have been pretty good.

Over All my 401K has 106.1% total growth over the past two presidents. Notice how the growth for the past 4 years have been very small. In normal years, I would have made nearly 50% of the principal balance by now.

I only hope that whoever is elected, the trend of 8% or greater continues. I just "might" be able to retire someday.....

Later,

Geo