<prompt> Human: I noticed in the recent front page thread that a few people were critical of the suggestion that now is a good time to buy because the markets down.I understand the concept of its always a good time to buy because you should always be investing in your retirement no matter what.What I dont get is, logically, wouldnt suggesting to a friend who hasnt started a Roth yet that now is a really good time to because it is DOWN and for all we know it could go up tomorrow, be a good idea?I know it could KEEP going down, but historically the market is generally rising. I dont see how telling a friend who doesnt have a Roth IRA that they should get one now because its a good time is a misleading statement.  <response>: What I dont get is, logically, wouldnt suggesting to a friend who hasnt started a Roth yet that now is a really good time to because it is DOWN and for all we know it could go up tomorrow, be a good idea?For all we know it could go down tomorrow, making your statement today a bad idea. Since nobody can predict the future, the best move is to invest money you intend to invest as soon as you can. 