[kinghorse]

advice welcome, as long as it pertains to investing and the timing

[Mr. Bird]

Well, this doesn't go specifically to your request, but you should definitely put pressure on your employer to look at other 401(k) administrators. The days of twice-a-year changes are long gone. Most companies now offer the option of daily changes in allocation, thanks to web-based programs and other tech advancements.

Of course, conventional wisdom would tell you to stop playing your 401(k) like a trader and leave it be.

[AdamSelene235]

Use in the money DIA puts with 05 expiration as they have little time value and will allow you to recover much of your capital if nothing happens.

I'm also fond of BPT as a proxy for oil (although oil is dropping at the moment).

FNM puts are also a good bet.

GG is a decent gold stock.

Good luck.

[ctlpdad]

If you go to a nursery or garden shop, the sell lots of potted shrubs. I would suggest Yew, Arbor Vitae of Dwarf Alberta spruce.
Line them up real close, and prune away and you have yourself a nice short-term hedge. :)

[The Other Harry]

Don't try to get too smart. Just a regular index fund will be fine. Ride out the bad times, and don't go jumping around.

I do know what I'm talking about.