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Written by: Ashley Perlmutter
As we’ve been making our way through this market correction and this interesting economic environment with the Federal Reserve raising interest rates to combat inflation, we’ve been getting many questions about which financial moves you should be making and which ones to avoid. While market volatility can be stressful and scary for us all, the way in which you approach and react to the fluctuations in the markets themselves can say a lot about your portfolio and investments. So, let’s jump in.
First and foremost, it is important not to panic and make sure you stick to your long-term plan when the market is going through a correction period. We know it’s easy to get caught up with the media and headlines, tempting you to derail your financial plan and allocation during volatility and market downturns. As we have seen time and time again, your long-term strategy will most likely stay the course through the ebbs and flows of the market. As long as you choose an allocation that works for you in market highs and lows, then sticking to it for the long-haul is the right move. Don’t obsess over the markets – they will always do their own thing.
If you do happen to have some extra cash sitting around right now, we’ve been talking with many clients and prospects about the attractiveness of CDs, treasury bills, and high yields savings accounts for more liquid cash and then of course putting any other money thats available to work in the markets! Dips in the markets are good opportunities to enter or invest more if you are comfortable with your overall risk.
However, if you find yourself having trouble sleeping at night through all this volatility, it might be a sign that you have too much risk in your portfolio. Maybe think about re-allocating your portfolio or working with a professional to feel more comfortable about your situation. It’s extremely important to understand your risk tolerance before investing to ensure that you can handle the investments you are taking on. If you would like access to our complimentary risk tolerance questionnaire software, email us at info@shermanwealth.com to learn more or click here.
If the COVID-19 pandemic taught us anything, it’s the importance of having a plan in place for when life throws uncertainties and hardships our way. If you do not have a financial plan, NOW is the time to implement one. We’ve been working with many clients on end-of-the-year financial and tax planning, revisiting budgets, setting goals, and projecting for 2023.
Not only is it smart to have a financial plan set in case of emergencies, but you should also have an estate plan set up. For more resources on how to get started on estate planning, check out our blog here. Remember, long-term plans are put in place for a reason, so try not to panic and do not derail your plan in the presence of volatility. Also keep in mind that everyone’s personal and financial situation differs, so make sure not to confuse your time horizon with your friend or next door neighbor. If you find yourself nervous or anxious during this time or even feel comfortable but have questions, we are here to help.