Good question. Since I haven't checked in a while, I just checked this afternoon following your post.

Not only has the total value returned to pre-2008 levels, but it has handily exceeded those levels. I hesitate to post this, because it might seem like bragging, but the current value of my portfolio is 2.2x higher than my pre-crash peak (Aug 2007), and 3.7x higher than my post-crash low (Oct 2008). The post crash years have been very good to me!

It's pretty stunning, when I look at the chart, especially considering that half of my portfolio is still in cash ($ values redacted for privacy)...

2003-Present.jpg

I pick my own stocks, try to buy low (or short high), and target holding for the long term. If one turns south, I quickly cut my losses, but I usually let the winners run unless something fundamental changes within the company. Percentage gains among my current holdings are: (1) up 392%, (2) up 186%, (3) up 146%, (4) up 139%, (5) up 136%, (6) up 74%, (7) up 61%, and (8) up 41%. Every one of those positions I've held for multiple years.

Obviously "doing well" is a relative comparison, but I'm doing well compared to the S&P 500, too...

Rate of Return, as of 03/31/2015:

1) My Account:

1-Year: 16.93%
3-Year: 21.28%
5-Year: 15.94%

2) S&P 500 Index:

1-Year: 12.73%
3-Year: 16.11%
5-Year: 14.47%

And half of my portfolio is liquid (i.e., "Cash Available to Trade").