Saving, real estate good ideas in this economy

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This has been a tough week for investors.

Monday was the worst day on Wall Street in 7 years.

It has been quite a roller coaster and many people are wondering what to do with their money.

The Dean of Economics at Washburn University says that while putting money away may seem like a big risk right now, not saving is a much bigger risk.

Number 1. If you live in Topeka and want a house, now is the time to buy. While the return on your investment may only be about 2% a year, when we're seeing a 40 % drop everywhere else, 2 percent looks pretty good.

Number 2. Make sure your 401k is diversified. This is a good time to sit down with a financial planner and see where your money is distributed.

Number 3. Start an emergency savings fund, even in a traditional savings account, and stop living paycheck to paycheck.

He also had some advice on what not to do.

"You should never 'play' the stock market," Washburn School of Economics Dean David Sollars said. "Most people don't have enough time to become knowledgeable enough to 'play' the market."

Related stores: Econ 101: Don't panic

What AIG's woes mean for Kansans


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