No matter how many taxpayer dollars Uncle Sam pours into the financial system, the economy will almost certainly be struggling for the foreseeable future. There are no quick-fixes, so insurers and agents better fasten their seat belts, because we are in for one incredibly bumpy ride.

Like most, I was disappointed (and a bit unnerved) to see stocks plummet despite the plans announced to have the U.S. Treasury invest hundreds of billions to revive credit markets and prop up financial giants.

Now I understand the problem is not with the market, but with our expectations. Why should stock values rebound when the underlying economy is so weak, with no turnaround in sight?

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