<prompt> Human: Title pretty much sums it up, for the first half of the year my IRA had small 60-100 positive return, for the last half it has been anywhere from -600 to -100 in returns. Ive been contributing every month and have almost maxed it out for 2015. Seeing a loss is a bit disheartening since the value has been sitting a few hundred dollars less than my contributions for the last 6 months or so. This is how its supposed to work right? Im planning to keep contributing and leave it alone, just wanted to make sure Im doing it right.  <response>: The stock market is exhibiting its normal behavior - short term volatility. Your mistake is getting caught up in it. 