For even the most experienced of us, investing can feel like riding an emotional rollercoaster.
One morning, you are riding high, the outlook is bright, and your future is on track.
Suddenly, the next morning, everything plunges, and immediately, doubt creeps in.
We are wired to avoid this type of turbulence, so investing can feel incredibly challenging.
The truth is, if we want our money to grow beyond the pace of inflation, we have to accept that investing and volatility are part and parcel of the journey.
Volatility doesn't represent errors or glitches in the system⸺it’s a feature of the system.
Despite this fact, patience feels harder than ever to maintain.
Since I started in this industry in 2003, I’ve experienced 12 occasions where the stock market has dropped by 10% or more.
And each time, without fail, I’ve felt the same internal conflict: a battle between logic and emotion.
At a drop, panic sets in and it’s natural to ask:
While these thoughts are understandable, history shows us they rarely lead to better outcomes.
Discussing this volatility with a client recently, they nervously admitted, "It just feels different this time."
And they are right, every period of volatility feels unique⸺Tump’s tariffs, COVID-19 market shocks, the financial crash in 2008⸺each crisis had its own story and emotional weight.
Yet the underlying lesson remains the same: markets recover.
Consider the performance of the S&P 500. It isn’t immune to short-term declines but it has delivered an average annual return of approximately 10.13% over the long term.
And after experiencing a market decline of 10% or more, the S&P 500 typically recovers with an average return of 13.4% in the following 12 months.
This evidence reinforces a powerful truth: volatility is a feature and although it feels unsettling, it often signals better returns ahead.
When markets wobble, I remind myself to stick to the plan: my WealthMap®.
This plan has been carefully built to align with my long-term goals, helping me separate emotion from action.
Each time I revisit my WealthMap® and see that my plan is still on track, I’m reminded that the path I’m following is designed to work through moments of uncertainty.
Investing isn’t easy, and moments of volatility will always test our resolve.
The discomfort we feel today is often the foundation for the stronger returns we’ll see tomorrow.
By trusting in a well-diversified strategy, we give ourselves the best possible chance of achieving the financial outcomes we’re working toward.
So the next time your portfolio falls, remember this: short-term discomfort is often a sign that better days are ahead.
Stay the course — your future self will thank you.
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