Need advice: should we ride out fluctuations in the market

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

21. I want to repeat what Progree says in the threads he linked to:

The market sets new highs, but it never sets new lows.

I am 70 years old. Back in 2012 I purchased two annuities. Two days ago I filled out the paperwork to start taking the income from them.

Annuities all too often get a bad rap. I'm no expert on them, but I have a financial guy I trust. I am feeling nervous about the possibility of a serious drop in the market, and taking those annuities locks in that income.

That money, plus my tiny pension, plus my Social Security covers my basic living expenses: mortgage (yes I'm still paying a mortgage at my age because of a divorce 10 years ago and it's manageable), utilities (gas, electric, water/sewer, cell phone, internet and landline), groceries, and other day-to-day expenses.

Meanwhile, there is still money that is staying invested in the market, and is available to tap if I need it.

Having all of your money in cash is rarely, if ever, a good idea. Over time inflation will destroy its value. I well recall the inflation that started in the mid-60s and lasted for 20 years. The last 20 years has seen relatively low inflation, but it's still there. Here's a link to a chart for inflation in this country since 1929. https://www.thebalance.com/u-s-inflation-rate-history-by-year-and-forecast-3306093 You'll need to scroll down a bit, but I think you'll find it informative.