Monday's wild gyrations on Wall Street, coming on the heels of bank takeovers and collapses as well as financial stress in Europe and Asia, were reflected in concerns expressed by everyday investors in North Texas who sought advice from area experts.

Some asked the brokers and financial planners online at www.star-telegram.com whether they should flee the market. One intrepid investor asked whether he should take advantage of low share prices and jump in.

Another asked whether his credit-union deposits are insured up to $250,000 like in banks. They are. Another asked whether an annuity issued by an ailing insurance company was similarly guaranteed by the government. No, but there may be some protection from the state department of insurance.

Scott B. Reasor, an asset-management associate with Diesslin & Associates in Fort Worth, advised caution in the current climate.

"During times of uncertainty, many investors make the mistake of getting out by trying to time the market," Reasor said. "In essence, investors are letting their short-term emotions manage their portfolio and are ignoring their long-term goals. History has shown that diversification, asset allocation and periodically rebalancing your portfolio are the necessary tools to weather roller-coaster rides like this one.

"This does not mean that the value of the portfolio will not go down, but it balances the risk and reward based on the investor's long-term goals."

Read the full story at star-telegram.com.