<prompt> Human: Just turned 23. I have no experience in the market whatsoever. Last month I invested 133k with Edward Jones. I received my recent statement and am now down to 128,500. I know it was only the first month, but now Im a bit wary if I made the right decision with that amount of money. Thoughts?Assistant: Thats less than a 4 drop in a month. My investments have lost 4 in a day before. If you cant handle that sort of volatility, you made a mistake. Not with Edward Jones, or with the products you bought, but by investing in the market at all. You need to keep the money in the bank where it will slowly lose value to inflation. That said, Im not impressed with your broker at Edward Jones. At 23, he should have been explaining stuff to you. Did you come in and act like you knew exactly what you were doing, or did you present yourself as completely naive? What did they suggest, and what products did you buy? Human: My broker is a family friend. My aunt, uncle, and grandparents have been with him for years. He and I met and I felt extremely comfortable with him. I spoke to my aunt and uncle and they said its what I should do. I basically just told him to do his thing.Assistant: So, there may or may not have been loads and commissions when you bought into various funds. Also, this hasnt been a good year in the market, and it took a bit of a nose dive last week. So, a 4 loss isnt a red flag to me.Since hes a family friend managing your money, Id ask him to sit down and explain what you can should expect. There is a very real chance that the market will tank soon and you could see a 20, 30, 50 drop in your portfolio. I dont think its likely, or Id dump everything and take up a cash position. But, the global economy is unstable and large swings will probably be the norm for the next few years. Human: I think I will talk with him face to face here shortly.Also, while I agree with you that a 4 loss shouldnt be a red flag, what would be considered one?  <response>: Depends on what the strategy is. If you told him you need the money in 1 year for a down payment on a house, then 4 is a major red flag. The money should have been in a money market or at least govt bonds and not stocks. On the other hand, if you said, I dont need the money until I retire, then he could have gone ball in aggressive and 10 loss wouldnt be outer bonds. This is the problem with you two not talking. He doesnt know what your plans are for the money, and you dont know how hes managing it. In general, you need to watch the market. If the market is down a few points, and your down a few points, then no big deal. If the market is up for the quarter, and your down, you need to ask why. Were you betting heavily on Europe, were you in bonds when the feds hike the rates, did you invest in oil? Youll need to educate yourself. That will take time. 