Are you having fun yet? How has this week’s stock market chaos affected you? I’m guessing you aren’t selling, selling, selling in a panic flight to safety only to be stuck sleeping at the airport? This is no time to lose your cool.
When you invest in the same stuff, in the same index or target date funds, everyone’s stuck in line. I haven’t looked at my account once all week. I know this is what happens when everyone’s going to the same place. Everyone’s too close for comfort and on the verge of a nervous breakdown.
My phone didn’t ring because, like you (I hope), I’m comfortable with how I’m invested. I did the hard work of figuring out my own risk tolerance, knowing I’m intolerant, so I’m ready for times like these. If anything, one might view this as a buying opportunity. But I’ll leave that to you. I don’t like timing the market, ever. But if there’s some lazy cash hanging around, you can still sink your teeth into these interest rates.
Those who had a nervous breakdown this week are lucky it wasn’t worse. And I’ll note, it may get worse. That’s not my concern. My concern is helping investors like you set their own course for their own Retirement Island. Like Columbus, you know Your Retirement Island exists. You just don’t know how you’re going to get there. Those who tell you it’s easy either started their trip there or don’t realize what lurks below.
Action Line: If you felt uncomfortable or on edge, gripping your life too hard, maybe it’s time to figure out your heading. It’s human nature to be calm at the wheel when it’s sunny and bright outside, but getting through the fog without gripping the wheel too tight is a skill. If you want relief at the helm, I’m here, but only if you’re serious.
Originally posted on Your Survival Guy.
