Staying Steady in a Shaky Market

When the stock market gets rocky, it’s easy to feel like your financial future is hanging in the balance. Headlines scream, account balances fluctuate, and suddenly you’re wondering if your carefully laid plans are still on track.

First, take a breath. Market ups and downs are normal — even healthy. And while it’s okay to feel unsettled, reacting out of fear can often do more harm than good.

Here are a few grounded tips to help you stay calm and focused when the financial markets are anything but.

🌱 Stick With Diversification (and why it matters)

Diversification means spreading your investments across different types of assets — like stocks, bonds, cash, and alternatives— so you're not relying on any single investment to carry your entire financial future. When one area of the market takes a hit, others may hold steady or even rise, helping to cushion the impact. Think of it like a well-balanced garden. Different flowers bloom during different seasons, and even if one plant wilts, the whole garden doesn’t fall apart or lose its beauty.

Diversification won’t eliminate risk, but it helps manage it in a way that can support long-term growth and peace of mind.

🤝 Work With a Planner Who Gets You

Partner with a financial planner who listens to your goals — not just your numbers. Someone who understands your priorities (whether that’s retirement, legacy, flexibility, or peace of mind). A seasoned advisor can help tailor a plan that feels right for you — and help you stay committed to it when worry or nerves kick in.

Partner with a fiduciary advisor - someone legally obligated to put your interests first – which can offer added confidence that their recommendations are made with your goals in mind.

🧭 Know the Difference: Short-Term Needs vs. Long-Term Needs

Maintain enough cash or liquid assets for short-term needs (3–12 months of expenses), and let your long-term investments ride out the storms. Understanding which investment buckets are for which financial goals is your guide. For example, utilizing a low risk/high yield money market can be appropriate for your emergency savings, while investing your 401(k) in a more balanced investment mix with stock market exposure.

A dip in the market today doesn’t have to impact your dreams for tomorrow.

💬 Talk It Out — Don’t Go It Alone

Money can be emotional, and it’s okay to admit when you’re feeling anxious. Call your advisor, talk to a financially savvy friend, or even revisit your goals in writing. Naming the fear helps take away some of its power.

If you don’t have an advisor you trust, ask a friend or colleague for a referral — or if you love yours, consider sharing their name with someone who might benefit. Financial confidence is contagious.

🌸 Remember: You’re Not Starting From Scratch

If you’ve been investing for years, you’ve likely seen ups and downs before — and you’re still standing. You’ve got experience, and that counts. Stay rooted in what you can control: your habits, your mindset, and your plan.

Final Thought

Volatility doesn’t mean failure. It means change — and change can be navigated with grace, clarity, and the right support system. Your financial journey is a marathon, not a sprint. Keep steady. You’ve got this.