<prompt> Human: I opened up a roth IRA earlier this year Vanguard, Target Index fund 2055, and Ive contributed 3k to it so far. However, its been in the red almost consistently by 20-80. I know, I know...long term itll go up, and dips will happen, and its only dipping 1-5. But is this normal? When will I actually start to see any gains? Did I invest at the wrong time? Is there anything that can ease my worry that Im losing money? Im a graduate student so I my roth IRA is killing two birds with one stone by having 23 of my emergency fund in it until I can start making more money. Being in the red makes me a little nervous.  <response>: Is there anything that can ease my worry that Im losing money?The fact the when the stock market is low, your additional contributions buy more shares for each dollar. A low stock market early in your saving phase is a fantastic thing. Train yourself to get excited every time its low and you get to make a new contribution. 