New figures out from a company called Mercer suggest that most people didn't make any changes to their portfolio during the stock market turmoil of 2008.

Mercer conducted an internal study of the 1.2 million 401(k) accounts it administers. Of that sample group, some 86% of people stayed the course during the turmoil. That means only approximately 1 in 7 sold their holdings and went into stable value accounts.

These numbers vary from other stats that Clark has shared with you before, but he's heartened by the news. Why? Wealth ultimately flows to owners in a capitalist system. You just need to look at your time horizon and be sure you stay diversified in your portfolio. By knowing how long you have to invest, you can rest easier and not feel compelled to jump whenever the market goes topsy-turvy.