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NEGAUNEE TOWNSHIP -- The grim news in our economy lately has many people worried about their investments and the future.  That's why TV6 had the money experts taking your calls about retirement-related issues Tuesday night.

In an hour and a half, we received 174 calls.

From when should you pull your money out of your 401k, to what's the best age to collect social security, our money experts were on hand to answer your questions.

"The majority of people were concerned with the value of their investments,” said Financial Advisor Stu Bradley.  “That was probably the overriding theme, just like it's been inside my office the last six months."

Our experts were frank, sometimes offering guidance by telling the caller that right now may not be the best time to retire.  Callers may have to reassess their financial situation if they haven't planned for the worst.

Most of our experts advised callers that if you don't need the money right now, try to ride the markets out.

"I don't think it's a good idea to stop putting money in your 401k,” said Financial Planner Mark Aho.  “You might look at where it is going in your 401k and maybe reassess the amount of risk you're willing to take."

”The general advice is don't panic,” said CPA & Investment Advisor Steve Tackman.  “Try to be prudent about any changes you make; maybe it might make more sense to be gradual in how you do it."

On the topic of social security, the longer you wait the more you get from the government.

"Social security, you're much better waiting until at least 66 for most of us,” said Bradley, “and it goes up to 67 - that's really when it stops going up."

With all financial situations, our money experts say it's best to have a plan.

"I think the real important thing in everything is to individualize,” said Financial Advisor Jon Mommaerts.  “That people need to refocus on what their goals are, reassess everything, come up with a plan that is tailored to their specific needs and develop their investment plan based on that."