[TrudyM]

I have diversified greatly, and was not hit too bad in recent events. Or at least I don't think of it that way because I never saw the bubble gains as real. That said we plan on refinancing our sons house so we have a stable income. He has a good job and would never stiff us. That said in order for it to be arms length and make the payments deductable for him (and income for us but at our lower tax rate) the rate has to be the same or not much lower than what he can get elsewhere. This has the side benifit of avoiding state inheritence taxes in some states (Fed not an issue we don't have that much)
This was suggested by the investment bankers and hedge fund managers in my family.

Hope this helps