Is the Economic Recovery finally under way? Not according to David Greising, a reporter for the Chicago Tribune. According to Greising, people are desperately longing for some good news. "People have become so beaten down by the economic trauma of the last 6 months that they are desperate to see strength where it has not really come yet. The reality is less encouraging. Seven of the biggest banks may need a 65 billion dollar bailout to stay solvent. Retail sales are still down. Unemployment continues to rise. Home values continue to decline. It's too soon to smell the roses of an economic recovery, said Greising.

What can investors be doing now? Be careful not to make financial decisions based on one day's news. Enjoy the good news of the day, but until you see a real trend developing, don't be overly optimistic yet. Base your decisions on what makes sense for you at your stage of life. "We're still working through one of the most challenging economic episodes in recent history," said Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke recently. If you have financial questions or concerns, now would be a good time to get a second opinion.