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It's difficult to make sense out of today's financial markets - or dollars, for that matter. Seasoned investors who've experienced the Wall Street roller coaster ride for years and less experienced investors are equally perplexed.

When is it best to buy, sell or hold? How best to save?

Three longtime financial advisors in Mercer County with a combined experience of more than 75 years advising clients have seen their shares of ups and down, waves of contractions, boom and bust.

They've helped their clients weather the vagaries and uncertainties of the financial markets by offering common sense and sound advice.

Their counsel: Choppy waters or smooth sailing, you have to stay the course.

Their best advice: Don't panic. Be cautious. Be selective - and be patient.

"A well-diversified portfolio is an absolute key," said Ken Kamen, president of Mercadien Asset Management in Princeton. "Remember that growing your wealth and living your financial life is a marathon, not a sprint."

Brooke Roulette, vice president of the Smith Barney Lawrenceville office also advises diversification.

"It's good to own a lot of everything," he said. "I don't know that I would stay away from any sector of the market."

They also suggest that for those with a long range view of the market, now might be the time to buy. There's some good value on the street, with share prices battered and looking to rebound.

"Over time most investment schemes work out, but there will be volatility for any investment over the short horizon like we're experiencing in this market," said Ernie Cruikshank, chief investment officer and executive vice president at Jamison Eaton & Wood, an investment management firm in Princeton.

Kamen said a good exercise is to analyze your expenses.

"Take one step back and look at your life. What are you spending money on - the cost of living or lifestyle? Determine your cost of living and lifestyle expenses and you'll begin to see where the money is going and where to start saving.

"Cost of living is buying groceries in the supermarket; eating at restaurants is lifestyle," he explained.

"I counsel people to do this on an annual basis; what are you spending on insurance, rent, food, add it up and that number is your cost of living, everything else is lifestyle. It's much easier to find places to cut when you segregate money into those two categories," he said.

And for those who are employed by companies offering a 401-K retirement savings program - let the savings begin, according to Cruikshank.

"That's the absolute best strategy you can pursue," he said. "The sooner you get started, the better; the more you save, the better, as you have the power of compounding working for you."

Roulette, along with Kamen and Cruikshank, agree one size does not fit all when it comes to investing.

"All advice should be personalized and individualized but there are some basic principles," Roulette said.

"In good times and bad, it's always good to keep some powder dry - keep something on the sidelines," he suggested.

When other investors back off and withdraw from the market, it's time to take a hard look.

"When everyone begins to throw in the towel, that's when you take the money you put aside and put it to work," Roulette added.

He also offered a word of caution.

"Keep enough liquid investments around to get through an extended period. Just how much - that varies for each individual," he said.