MARQUETTE -- After a hot start to the year, stocks have been plunging for the past week. The Dow down more than 200 points on Tuesday. That has some investors nervous about the risks of a stock market decline.

But over time experts say investments can deliver the returns.

"You want to be in the stock market for the long run, you want to be able to weather those downs and you want to be able to sell when you need it in the future when the stock market is relatively high," NMU Professor Tawni Ferrarini said.

So if you have it, why not invest? Think global.. companies like Wal-Mart for example that have local ties, but have an influence overseas.

"So if things are down in the U.S. they may be up in another country, so you want to think strategically," Ferrarini said.

Edward Jones Financial Adviser Eric Luttinen says pay attention to where smaller companies fall on the New York Stock Exchange.

"An important thing to know is your liquid as far as your investments go," Luttinen said.

"Many times if you are able to purchase smaller stocks on a local level, they may be closely held and therefore not traded quite as frequently, if at all."

You don't have to make the big bucks to invest. Instead, start small, and let your money grow over time. One option is following the Index Equity Fund. It's a diversified portfolio that often trades the Dow Jones Industrial Average. But with any financial risks, it's important to create a budget and stick to it.

"It doesn't have to be a complicated one," Ferrarini said.

"Find out where your money is going, and make sure that you allocate a certain percentage to that rainy day fund and then put your money to work for you."