Is Your Stomach Turning With The News Of The Volatile Markets These Days?

As seen in South Lake Neighbors Magazine (October 2019)

By Ann Treml-Olson, CFP®, Senior Wealth Manager at WorkOptional

Volatility is scary and it’s definitely something you don’t want to see on a regular basis.  But, it is a part of investing, and there are some things you can do to gain more peace of mind.

For those of you that want to jump ship, now is the worst time to do so, ride it out as you will eventually experience calmer waters.  Do you know that you would have had a positive return 99% of the time had you kept your money in the equity markets for 15 years?  Timing the market?  Wishful thinking!  Most people panic with the market panics, and get overconfident when the market goes up, making the wrong moves at the wrong times.

A great way of weathering the storm is to make sure your portfolio is well diversified.  If you have put all your eggs in one basket, your portfolio can lend itself to substantial, and often unnecessary risk.  (See Diagram)

Diversifying offers a host of potential benefits, such as lowering portfolio volatility, increasing risk-adjusted returns, and reducing reliance on any one company, sector, country, etc. These are probably just a few of the potential benefits of diversification that you’ve likely read about or heard a financial professional discuss.

What about getting rid of the risky guess work that comes with the impulse to buy or sell?  You can do so with a dollar cost averaging (DCA) strategy which keeps you on autopilot.  Investing regularly, no matter what is happening with the market, is a good steady plan with lower risk.

Ultimately, in most cases, you should do nothing. The market ebbs and flows, just like life, and it’s NORMAL.  However, at the very least, you should be talking to your CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional to make sure you are addressing your long-term financial goals and obligations.

 

Disclosure: This material is intended to provide general financial education and is not written or intended as tax, legal advice or financial planning and may not be relied on for purposes of avoiding any Federal tax penalties.  Individuals are encouraged to seek advice from their own tax, legal counsel or financial planner. 

Margaret Leto August 26th, 2019

Posted In: Uncategorized

Tags: Alternative investments, distinctive investments, emerging markets, Fee based financial planners, Financial planners in Plymouth, Investment Diversification, non-traditional investments, unique investment strategies, work optional