We’re living through an interesting moment in the stock market. Times of extreme volatility cause even the most sophisticated investors to question their strategy. Whether they're doing the right things or leaving themselves vulnerable, these questions can surface regardless of financial fluency. It can be tempting to stay up all night worrying or make a brash move like liquidating your portfolio. However, this is a moment to pause and ask: if I’m triggered, worried, or anxious, what should I actually be doing?
In recent weeks, nearly every new client I’ve spoken with has voiced the same concern. They are worried about their retirement security and want reassurance that they are not exposed to undue risk. These are thoughtful, high-earning, values-driven women who are invested for the long term but still feel the weight of uncertainty and constant noise.
First, let's talk about what’s happening. The market is a leading indicator, meaning that it anticipates what will happen to the economy in the future. Given tariffs, the ongoing trade dispute with China, the threat of retaliatory tariffs from longstanding trade partners, an upending of the global trade regime, and inflation, it's understandable that the stock market would be shaken.
Market volatility is the cost of admission for every investor. Large, high single-digit swings in a single day are uncommon and would leave any investor feeling a sense of whiplash.
As a financial advisor with over 12 years of experience working with women to grow and protect their wealth, I can tell you this moment is not new. What you do in response, however, is critical. There are only three good reasons to make substantial changes to your investments.
First, if your investment thesis has changed. For example, moving from active to passive investing strategies, choosing more values-aligned or ESG-focused investments, or deciding to invest in accordance with your beliefs. These are solid, unemotional reasons to shift your portfolio.
Second, if your personal life situation has changed. The investments you choose depend on your goals and what you're investing for. No two portfolios should look the same, even among members of the same household. One person’s ability to absorb investment losses or stomach market volatility will vary greatly. If you've divorced, had children, moved states, changed jobs, or shifted from self-employment to corporate work, those are all reasons to revisit your investments.
Third, your investment time horizon has changed. Making changes based on fear rarely serves us. However, modifying your investment allocation to align with when you need the money is wise. If you set your child’s 529 allocations 15 years ago and they’re three years out from college, now is the time to review those holdings. The goal hasn't changed, but the timeline has. That means your portfolio should shift to become more conservative.
Let’s talk about what to focus on right now.
First, timing the market is never a good idea. Studies show that missing the best 10 or 20 days in the market over time dramatically reduces performance. This matters especially because women face persistent wage and wealth gaps. We often earn less, have less disposable income, and experience more career interruptions due to caregiving responsibilities. As a result, we typically have less wealth to invest and grow. When we pull out of the market due to fear, then wait too long to reinvest and miss key growth days, we fall further behind. That cycle is difficult to break.
Next, revisit your asset allocation. Your mix of investments should reflect how long you have until you need the money, your risk tolerance (what you can emotionally handle), and your risk capacity (what your finances can withstand). It is important to revisit your investment mix. Take a look at how much you have in stocks, bonds, and cash to make sure it is well aligned with your goals. This will vary from person to person, so check what makes sense for your circumstances.
Financial news media gets paid when you pay attention. They rely on clicks, views, and engagement. That often leads to sensationalized coverage that can feel overwhelming, especially if you don’t fully trust your investment decision-making.
In moments like this, the most important thing you can do is stay grounded. Reflect on your goals. Check your strategy. Make sure it still fits the season of life you're in. You do not need to overhaul everything. You do not need to act on every alert or headline. You need a strategy rooted in your goals, not market noise, and the confidence to stick with it when things feel shaky.
This is not the time to panic. This is the time to get more precise and more powerful.
