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12 Financial Moves Baby Boomers Are Making Right Now and So Should You

January 6, 2026 by Brandon Marcus Leave a Comment

12 Financial Moves Baby Boomers Are Making Right Now and So Should You
Image Source: Shutterstock.com

The money world is buzzing, and Baby Boomers are not sitting quietly on the sidelines. They are making bold, smart, and sometimes surprising financial moves to protect what they built and stretch it further than ever. This generation has lived through booms, busts, and breakthroughs, and that hard-earned wisdom is showing up in how they handle money today.

From rethinking retirement to getting creative with income, their strategies are practical, adaptable, and refreshingly realistic. If you want your finances to feel more future-proof and less fragile, it’s time to pay attention.

1. Rebalancing Portfolios For Today’s Markets

Baby Boomers are actively adjusting their investment mixes to reflect current economic realities. They are reducing overexposure to high-risk assets while still keeping growth opportunities alive. Diversification across sectors, asset classes, and geographies is a major priority right now. This move helps smooth out volatility without abandoning long-term goals. It is a calm, deliberate response to a fast-moving market.

2. Delaying Social Security Strategically

Many Boomers are choosing to wait before claiming Social Security benefits. By delaying, they can significantly increase their monthly payouts for life. This decision often pairs with part-time work or alternative income streams. It adds flexibility and creates a stronger safety net later on. Timing, not urgency, is driving this choice.

3. Paying Down High-Interest Debt Aggressively

Boomers are laser-focused on eliminating expensive debt. Credit cards and high-interest personal loans are getting paid off faster than ever. This reduces monthly stress and frees up cash flow for better uses. The emotional relief is just as valuable as the financial gain. Less debt means more control and confidence.

12 Financial Moves Baby Boomers Are Making Right Now and So Should You
Image Source: Shutterstock.com

4. Downsizing Homes With Intention

Selling larger homes and moving into smaller, more manageable spaces is a growing trend. This move often unlocks significant home equity. Lower maintenance and utility costs also make a noticeable difference. Many Boomers are choosing locations that support active, social lifestyles. The result is freedom without sacrificing comfort.

5. Building Cash Reserves For Flexibility

Cash is having a moment, and Boomers are embracing it. They are increasing emergency funds to handle surprises without panic. Having liquid savings provides peace of mind during uncertain times. It also creates opportunities to act quickly when good investments appear. Flexibility is the real return here.

6. Creating Multiple Income Streams

Relying on a single source of income feels outdated to many Boomers. They are combining pensions, investments, consulting work, and side businesses. This approach spreads risk and boosts monthly income. It also keeps skills sharp and minds engaged. Retirement is looking more dynamic than ever.

7. Updating Estate Plans And Beneficiaries

Estate planning is getting a serious refresh. Boomers are reviewing wills, trusts, and beneficiary designations regularly. Family dynamics, tax laws, and asset values change, and plans need to keep up. This prevents confusion and conflict down the road. Clarity now saves stress later.

8. Embracing Roth Conversions Thoughtfully

Roth conversions are gaining popularity among Boomers with foresight. Paying taxes now can reduce required minimum distributions later. This strategy can also leave heirs with more tax-efficient assets. Timing and tax brackets matter, so planning is essential. When done right, the payoff can be substantial.

9. Investing In Health And Long-Term Care Planning

Healthcare costs are a major focus, not an afterthought. Boomers are exploring long-term care insurance and health savings strategies. They understand that medical expenses can derail even solid plans. Preparing early offers more choices and better coverage. Financial health and physical health are deeply connected.

10. Working With Fee-Only Financial Advisors

There is a strong shift toward transparent, fee-only advice. Boomers want guidance without hidden commissions. This model aligns the advisor’s incentives with the client’s goals. Trust and clarity are driving the relationship. Better conversations lead to better decisions.

11. Simplifying Accounts And Financial Systems

Complexity is being replaced with simplicity. Boomers are consolidating accounts and streamlining finances. Fewer moving parts make monitoring easier and mistakes less likely. It also helps spouses and heirs understand the full picture. Simple systems support smarter choices.

12. Spending On Experiences With Purpose

Boomers are prioritizing meaningful experiences over excess stuff. Travel, learning, and family time are getting budget space. This spending aligns money with values and memories. It also encourages intentional saving elsewhere. Joy is becoming a line item, not an afterthought.

What Smart Money Moves Are You Making?

Baby Boomers are proving that smart financial moves do not stop at any age. Their actions show a blend of caution, confidence, and curiosity about what comes next. These strategies are not about fear but about freedom and flexibility.

Every financial journey is different, and there is no single right path. Tell us your thoughts or personal experiences in the comments section below and join the conversation.

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Brandon Marcus
Brandon Marcus

Brandon Marcus is a writer who has been sharing the written word since a very young age. His interests include sports, history, pop culture, and so much more. When he isn’t writing, he spends his time jogging, drinking coffee, or attempting to read a long book he may never complete.

Filed Under: Finance Tagged With: baby boomers, Boomers, Debt, downsizing, finance, finances, financial advice, financial choices, financial decisions, financial moves, general finance, interest rates, investment portfolio, portfolio rebalancing, rebalancing, rebalancing portfolio, Social Security

Portfolio Structure: 6 Smart Adjustments If the Market Refuses to Cooperate

December 29, 2025 by Brandon Marcus Leave a Comment

Portfolio Structure: 6 Smart Adjustments If the Market Refuses to Cooperate
Image Source: Shutterstock.com

Markets love to test patience, confidence, and occasionally sanity. One week everything’s green and glowing, the next week your portfolio looks like it caught the flu. When the market refuses to cooperate, panic is tempting—but strategy is powerful.

This is where smart structure steps in, not as a dramatic overhaul, but as a series of calm, intentional adjustments. Think of this as tuning a high-performance engine rather than slamming the brakes. With the right tweaks, your portfolio can stay resilient even when the headlines are not.

1. Rebalance With Purpose, Not Panic

Rebalancing isn’t about reacting to fear; it’s about restoring alignment with your long-term goals. Over time, winning assets quietly take over your portfolio, increasing risk without asking permission. A disciplined rebalance trims what’s grown too large and reinforces areas that have fallen behind. This keeps your risk profile intentional instead of accidental. Done regularly, it turns volatility into a maintenance tool rather than a threat.

2. Diversify Beyond The Obvious

True diversification isn’t just owning more stocks; it’s owning assets that behave differently under stress. Stocks, bonds, real assets, and alternatives often react to economic shocks in unique ways. When one stumbles, another may stabilize the ride. Diversification doesn’t eliminate losses, but it can dramatically reduce emotional whiplash. The goal is smoother performance, not chasing the hottest trend of the month.

3. Adjust Risk Exposure Without Abandoning Growth

Reducing risk doesn’t require retreating to the sidelines. Small shifts toward quality, stability, or lower volatility investments can keep growth alive while dialing down stress. Think of it as adjusting the sails rather than abandoning the voyage. This approach keeps you invested while acknowledging that market seasons change. Smart risk adjustment allows participation without overexposure.

4. Revisit Time Horizons And Liquidity Needs

Market frustration often comes from mismatched timelines. Money needed soon should not be riding out long-term market turbulence. Separating short-term funds from long-term investments brings clarity and confidence. Liquidity provides flexibility, especially when opportunities or emergencies appear. When time horizons align with asset choices, emotional decision-making tends to fade.

5. Embrace Defensive Strategies Without Fear

Defensive does not mean pessimistic; it means prepared. Sectors like healthcare, consumer staples, or utilities often behave more steadily during downturns. Adding defensive exposure can soften volatility while keeping capital productive. This approach acknowledges uncertainty without surrendering to it. A balanced defense allows you to stay in the game without bracing for impact every day.

Portfolio Structure: 6 Smart Adjustments If the Market Refuses to Cooperate
Image Source: Shutterstock.com

6. Reevaluate Strategy Instead Of Reacting To Noise

Markets generate noise nonstop, and most of it is designed to provoke emotion. Smart investors pause to evaluate whether new information truly changes the long-term outlook. Strategic reviews, not emotional reactions, lead to better decisions. Sometimes the smartest move is simply refining what already works. Consistency, not constant change, often delivers the strongest results.

Building Confidence When Markets Get Messy

When the market refuses to cooperate, structure becomes your greatest ally. Thoughtful adjustments can restore confidence without abandoning long-term goals or chasing short-term relief. Every investor experiences moments of doubt, but those moments often become turning points for smarter strategies. The key is staying engaged, informed, and intentional rather than reactive.

If you’ve navigated market turbulence before or are facing it now, we’d love to hear your experiences and insights in the comments below.

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Brandon Marcus
Brandon Marcus

Brandon Marcus is a writer who has been sharing the written word since a very young age. His interests include sports, history, pop culture, and so much more. When he isn’t writing, he spends his time jogging, drinking coffee, or attempting to read a long book he may never complete.

Filed Under: Investing Tagged With: diversify, invest, investing, investment portfolio, investments, portfolio, portfolio adjustments, portfolio diversification, portfolio management, portfolio rebalancing, rebalancing, rebalancing portfolio, smart invsetments

Tax Trigger: 8 Portfolio Adjustments to Make Before 2026 Reforms Hit

December 25, 2025 by Brandon Marcus Leave a Comment

Tax Trigger: 8 Portfolio Adjustments to Make Before 2026 Reforms Hit
Image Source: Shutterstock.com

Tax season usually arrives like clockwork, but 2026 is shaping up to be a wild ride. New reforms are looming on the horizon, and if you don’t act, your portfolio might feel the sting faster than you can say “capital gains.” Savvy investors are already shifting strategies, optimizing deductions, and repositioning assets to sidestep the biggest hits.

A few smart moves now could save you thousands, maybe tens of thousands, over the next decade. Let’s dive into eight portfolio adjustments that could turn tax turbulence into an advantage.

1. Rebalance With Precision And Purpose

Rebalancing isn’t just about keeping your portfolio neat; it’s about strategic timing. With the 2026 reforms, certain asset classes could become more or less tax-efficient. Consider shifting some gains to tax-advantaged accounts or harvesting losses where possible. Even minor tweaks now can compound into significant tax savings later. Think of this as a tactical game of chess where every move counts.

2. Maximize Your Tax-Deferred Contributions

401(k)s, IRAs, and similar vehicles are more than retirement buckets—they’re tax shields. With upcoming reforms potentially changing contribution limits or tax treatment, pumping extra money into these accounts now could shield you from higher rates. Don’t overlook the catch-up contributions if you’re over 50; they’re like turbo boosters for your tax strategy. Each additional dollar tucked away now is a future win. Essentially, this is free legal magic your future self will thank you for.

3. Harvest Losses Strategically

Selling underperforming investments to offset gains is a classic move—but timing is everything. With new reforms on the way, the rules for capital gains and losses might tighten. Smart investors are examining their portfolios for those quietly lagging assets that could be converted into a tax break. Even a small loss harvested now can offset larger taxable gains later. It’s like finding buried treasure hidden in plain sight.

4. Accelerate Or Delay Income Thoughtfully

Some income might be better earned sooner, and some better postponed. Bonus checks, dividends, or capital gains could push you into a higher bracket once reforms land. Crunching the numbers now to accelerate deductions or delay taxable income can prevent unwelcome surprises. Consulting your tax advisor on timing can turn potential penalties into strategic advantages. Think of it as playing a high-stakes financial Tetris.

5. Evaluate Your Estate And Gift Planning

Estate taxes and gift rules may shift dramatically in 2026, and ignoring this is a costly mistake. Consider gifting assets or making charitable donations before the new thresholds apply. For high-net-worth investors, trusts and strategic transfers could preserve millions in taxable wealth. Even modest adjustments now could mean a lighter tax footprint for heirs. Planning ahead transforms anxiety into control.

6. Rethink Your Real Estate Investments

Property isn’t just a place to live—it’s a complex tax lever. Upcoming reforms might change depreciation schedules, mortgage interest deductions, or capital gains rules. Selling, refinancing, or restructuring real estate holdings could turn potential penalties into significant savings. Rental property owners should review income strategies carefully before the clock strikes 2026. In real estate, foresight is the ultimate power move.

Tax Trigger: 8 Portfolio Adjustments to Make Before 2026 Reforms Hit
Image Source: Shutterstock.com

7. Explore Tax-Efficient Funds And ETFs

Some investments are built to minimize tax impact automatically. Index funds, municipal bond funds, and certain ETFs generate fewer taxable events than actively managed funds. Moving part of your portfolio into these vehicles before reforms hit could preserve more of your returns. Remember, it’s not just about raw growth—it’s about growth that survives the taxman. Being proactive now is better than reactive scrambling later.

8. Lock In Current Rates With Smart Conversions

Roth conversions are tricky but can be extraordinarily beneficial in the right hands. Converting traditional IRAs to Roth accounts before 2026 could lock in current tax rates, protecting future withdrawals. Even partial conversions, spread over multiple years, can reduce the overall tax bite. The strategy requires careful calculation, but executed correctly, it’s a shield against the unknown. Your future self may look back and high-five you for this move.

Time To Take Action Before 2026

The 2026 tax reforms aren’t just another regulatory update—they’re a wake-up call. Taking these eight steps could transform your portfolio from vulnerable to virtually untouchable. Every adjustment, no matter how small, is an opportunity to safeguard wealth and maximize returns. Now is the moment to be proactive rather than reactive, because once the new rules hit, it may be too late to maneuver.

Leave your thoughts or personal experiences in the comments section below—what strategies are you planning before 2026?

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Brandon Marcus
Brandon Marcus

Brandon Marcus is a writer who has been sharing the written word since a very young age. His interests include sports, history, pop culture, and so much more. When he isn’t writing, he spends his time jogging, drinking coffee, or attempting to read a long book he may never complete.

Filed Under: Investing Tagged With: contributions, Estate plan, Estate planning, harvest losses, Income, income stream, invest, investing, Investment, investment portfolio, investment taxes, investments, multiple income streams, portfolio, portfolio adjustments, portfolio rebalancing, rebalancing, rebalancing portfolio, tax reform, tax season, taxes

Is Your Portfolio Too Dependent On Outdated Economic Assumptions?

December 19, 2025 by Brandon Marcus Leave a Comment

Is Your Portfolio Too Dependent On Outdated Economic Assumptions?
Image Source: Shutterstock.com

Markets don’t move in straight lines, yet many portfolios are built as if they do. Investors clutch onto old rules like sacred scrolls, convinced that the same economic patterns from decades ago still dictate the future. Inflation is no longer a predictable ghost from the past, interest rates have learned to dance in ways textbooks didn’t prepare us for, and technology is turning entire industries upside down.

If your investment strategy hasn’t evolved, you might be sailing a ship built for yesterday’s seas into tomorrow’s storm. It’s time to ask the hard question: is your portfolio stuck in the past, and how dangerous could that be?

Understanding The Old Rules That Still Linger

Most portfolios are crafted around assumptions that once worked beautifully. The 60/40 stock-bond split, for example, has been a golden rule for decades. Investors assumed stocks grow steadily and bonds offer safe harbor during storms. But economic shocks, pandemics, and unprecedented monetary policies have rewritten these old scripts. Holding onto them blindly might feel safe, but it’s like using a flip phone to navigate a world of quantum computers.

Inflation Is The Silent Portfolio Killer

For years, investors treated inflation like a predictable annual guest, showing up quietly with modest increases. Today, it crashes in like a rockstar at a festival, loud, unpredictable, and impossible to ignore. Bonds that were once “safe” now lose real value fast, while cash sitting idle becomes a slow leak on your wealth. Your portfolio can look fine on paper but erode silently in purchasing power. Understanding inflation’s new rhythm is critical for anyone who wants to survive the modern market dance.

Technology And Innovation Are Redefining Risk

The rise of AI, fintech, and biotech is rewriting the rulebook faster than most investors can blink. Companies that once seemed invincible are now vulnerable to disruption, while tiny startups leapfrog over decades-old giants overnight. If your portfolio assumes stability in established industries, it’s ignoring seismic shifts happening right under your nose. Diversification must now include sectors that didn’t exist ten years ago. Embracing innovation isn’t just smart—it’s essential to future-proof your investments.

Globalization And Geopolitics Cannot Be Ignored

Economic assumptions that ignore global events are a relic of a simpler world. Trade wars, political instability, and climate events now directly influence market returns. A portfolio based solely on domestic performance or historic international patterns is like driving blindfolded on a busy highway. Investors need to model scenarios that include geopolitical shocks and global ripple effects. Recognizing these factors can mean the difference between panic selling and strategic repositioning.

Is Your Portfolio Too Dependent On Outdated Economic Assumptions?
Image Source: Shutterstock.com

Interest Rates Are Playing A Whole New Game

Decades of near-zero interest rates lulled investors into believing low borrowing costs were permanent. Suddenly, rates spike, plunge, and jitter unpredictably, turning fixed-income strategies upside down. Bonds and savings vehicles that promised stability now behave like roller coasters. Portfolios built under old assumptions are scrambling to adapt, and so are advisors. Understanding rate risk in the modern era isn’t optional; it’s a survival skill.

Behavioral Biases Keep Old Assumptions Alive

Even when the data screams change, investors often stick to the familiar. Anchoring, confirmation bias, and fear of missing out keep outdated assumptions alive longer than logic warrants. People assume markets will behave as they always have, ignoring the lessons from recent turbulence. Emotional investing is the unseen hand that locks portfolios into past rules. Recognizing your own biases is as important as analyzing economic trends.

Rebalancing For The Reality Of Today

The solution isn’t abandoning strategy—it’s evolving it. Rebalancing your portfolio with today’s economic realities in mind can reduce risk and increase opportunity. Modern portfolios need flexible allocations that respond to market shocks, technological disruption, and geopolitical uncertainty. Tools like dynamic asset allocation, inflation-protected securities, and sector rotation can help. Staying current doesn’t mean chasing every trend; it means building resilience into your financial future.

How To Move Forward

Your portfolio might look solid, but if it’s rooted in outdated economic assumptions, it could be vulnerable. The market is a moving target, and yesterday’s rules won’t always guide you safely. Reassess, reimagine, and update your strategies to match today’s economic realities. Investors who evolve will navigate volatility with confidence rather than panic.

Let us know your thoughts or any experiences you’ve had navigating modern market challenges in the comments section below.

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Brandon Marcus
Brandon Marcus

Brandon Marcus is a writer who has been sharing the written word since a very young age. His interests include sports, history, pop culture, and so much more. When he isn’t writing, he spends his time jogging, drinking coffee, or attempting to read a long book he may never complete.

Filed Under: Investing Tagged With: invest, investing, Investment, investments, portfolio, portfolio protection, portfolio rebalancing, portfolio strategy, portfolios, rebalancing, rebalancing portfolio

Is It Time to Sell All of The Stocks In My Portfolio?

August 13, 2023 by Tamila McDonald Leave a Comment

when to sell stocks at a loss

Back in mid-June 2022, the S&P 500 entered bear market territory, and the Federal Reserve increased rates by the largest margin since the mid-1990s. Together, this made investors nervous. Along with worrying about an economic downturn, some fear a full-blown recession may be just around the corner. As a result, they’re re-evaluating their portfolios and wondering if now is the time to sell stocks at a loss. If you’re trying to decide what’s best. Here’s what you need to consider.

How Market Downturns Alter the Picture

Market downturns are intimidating. This particularly true to two kinds of investors. For those nearing or in retirement, declining stock values are worrisome as they may soon impact the investor’s quality of life. The value of their portfolio serves as a source of retirement income. Thus, causing declines to have a potentially immediate impact on their short- and long-term financial well-being.

Another type of investor that often gets worried about market downturns is those that are newer to investing. For those who weren’t involved in the markets during the last major recession – such as the market crash of 2008.  There may be more fear about what lies ahead. That could make selling seem like an attractive option. Since it could prevent future financial losses.

However, what’s important to remember is that wide stock declines aren’t typically permanent. Additionally, those who maintain their portfolios and those who continue to invest can often come out ahead in the long run. This is only if they stick with it. That’s good news for buy-and-hold investors. These are investors who don’t need to tap the funds within the next few years. For them there’s a decent chance their portfolio value will recover.

But that doesn’t mean it’s never wise to sell stocks at a loss; it’s simply that making broad decisions about an entire portfolio isn’t the best idea. Investors should always look at the potential value of any particular holding to determine whether it makes sense for their goals, allowing them to make strategic choices regardless of market conditions.

When Selling Stocks at a Loss Makes Sense

There are a handful of situations where selling a stock at a loss does make sense. The primary one is when the company’s outlook has significantly changed. Now, all businesses experience some degree of ups and downs, so slight shifts in value aren’t necessarily enough to justify a sale. However, if the company’s future prospects are fundamentally altered by a particular event, it’s possible it is no longer a wise investment, and selling at a loss could be a good move.

Another reason to sell stocks at a loss involves taxes. By selling stocks at a loss, you can potentially offset any income or capital gains generated by stronger investments. The strategy is known as tax-loss harvesting, and it’s worth considering if a particular stock lost value and it no longer makes sense for your portfolio at large.

Selling stocks at a loss because you genuinely need the cash may also make sense. Along with the potential tax benefits, it may allow you to cover a cost without having to worry about incurring debt. While it’s usually better to use an emergency fund first, if that’s fully tapped and you still need cash, this might be better than selling stocks with additional growth potential.

Finally, if you need to rebalance your portfolio, selling losing stocks is usually better than liquidating strong performers or those with ample potential. It allows you to accomplish the goal while improving your overall financial picture. Plus, you could get some tax benefits, which is a bonus.

When Selling Stocks at a Loss Isn’t Wise

Usually, the main time when selling stocks at a loss isn’t smart is if the downturn is likely temporary. For companies that are stable and have the potential to grow and thrive, the odds are good that the stock price will recover. In fact, downturns could be the right time to actually purchase more stocks, as you may get them at a bargain price, giving you stronger gains when there’s a recovery.

If the stock value fell, but it comes with a solid dividend, then selling might not be the wisest choice either. That’s mainly true if the company is reasonably healthy and was simply overvalued at the time of purchase. In this case, the dividends may offset that loss, making the buy-and-hold approach a better fit in this situation. Just make sure that the value isn’t likely to decline dramatically long-term, barring normal market fluctuations or broad downturns that aren’t reflective of the company’s health.

Finally, never sell a stock if emotions are all that’s driving that choice. Investment decisions should always be based on logic, research, financial goals, and similar factors. Usually, rash choices will work against you. So, if you’re motivated by emotion, take a step back, look at the situation objectively, and then decide what’s best.

Do you have any other tips that can help someone figure out when to sell stocks at a loss? Do you think selling stocks now is a wise move, or are people better off waiting until the market stabilizes? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Read More:

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Tamila McDonald
Tamila McDonald

Tamila McDonald is a U.S. Army veteran with 20 years of service, including five years as a military financial advisor. After retiring from the Army, she spent eight years as an AFCPE-certified personal financial advisor for wounded warriors and their families. Now she writes about personal finance and benefits programs for numerous financial websites.

Filed Under: Investing Tagged With: investing, rebalancing portfolio, sell stocks at a loss, selling stocks

A Shaky Earnings Season Might Be Your Wallet’s Best Friend

July 10, 2012 by Joe Saul-Sehy 11 Comments

There’s baseball season, football season, the holiday season and, of course, earnings season. While the first three may fill you with happiness and (in the holiday case) good cheer, earnings season fills new investors with confusion.

Why do I bring this up?

I woke yesterday morning to a nerve-wracking CNBC.com headline: Investors Brace for Shaky U.S. Earnings Season.

 

What is Earnings Season? Is It Contagious?

 

The good news: earnings season affects you directly, but not in the harmful way you may think.

Earnings season is the time (quarterly) when the majority of companies that move financial markets with their results declare how well they’ve performed recently. This news is for the prior quarter.

It’s important, when listening to reports about earnings, to listen for any future forecasting and to also determine what might have been the culprit behind a great or lousy prior quarter. If it’s increased sales on the same-old widget the company’s always sold, fantastic! If the company had a one-time mistake, things might still be looking up. If products just aren’t selling or management is quitting, it might spell bad news.

 

What Do I Need to Know?

 

Corporate earnings reports drive the stock market. Sure, financial markets respond to other pressures, but over time the stock market is simply a reflection of the economy. So, if you reread the headline above, Investors Brace for Shaky U.S. Earnings Season, what does that really mean?

Based on the information I told you above, it means this: companies didn’t have stellar profits last quarter.

That’s not nearly as shocking a headline, is it? In fact, I’ll bet you already knew that.

 

Move On, Nothing to See Here…..

 

Many investors read the CNBC headline above and think: I’ve gotta sell right now! If you’ve read my ramblings before, you’ll know that I think the opposite. I’m looking to buy when prices are low and sell when they’re high.

Here’s what I recommend instead of having a panic attack:

1) Rebalance your portfolio. Here’s how it works: if you’ve determined how much stock and bond exposure you want (among other asset classes), skim off the areas that have done well to fill in non-performing areas. Low markets are ideal times to rebalance because you’ll reaffirm your long term strategy, take gains from performing spots and redeploy in assets you already own that are low today. Smart move. Then, schedule another rebalance six months from now on your calendar.

2) Look for buying opportunities. If you’re interested in investing, shaky markets are a great place to place your first buys. Make your list of stocks to watch. Wait for earnings reports. Read what companies report, and make your move! Don’t make a common mistake and go whole-hog on a “can’t lose” investment. I’ve been involved with too many “can’t lose” things. I also told my dad I couldn’t lose my hair like he did. Glad I didn’t bet on that….

Not excited to make your own stock picks? Read our pieces on how to evaluate mutual funds and how Exchange-Traded Funds work.

3) If you’re nervous, put defensive measures in place. Use stop losses on individual stocks and exchange traded funds. Monitor fund results more frequently and establish a “worst case scenario” strategy. Remember this: never buy or sell everything on one day or at one time. It’s safer to march in slowly and march out slowly. An orderly walk toward the exit beats a panicked race to the door. Often, down markets rebound quickly.

CNBC, like other publications, is in the business of selling advertising. If the elevator is labeled “Up” or “Down” it’ll be a smooth and steady ride, but I’m sure CNBC knows that “Soar” and “Plummet” garner readers…and then advertiser dollars.

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Photo of Joe Saul-Sehy
Joe Saul-Sehy

Joe is a former financial advisor and media representative for American Express and Ameriprise. He was the “Money Man” at Detroit television WXYZ-TV, appearing twice weekly. He’s also appeared in Bride, Best Life, and Child magazines, the Los Angeles Times, Chicago Sun-Times, Detroit News and Baltimore Sun newspapers and numerous other media outlets.  Joe holds B.A Degrees from The Citadel and Michigan State University.

joesaulsehy.com/

Filed Under: investing news, successful investing Tagged With: earning season, Exchange-traded fund, Financial market, Investor, Mutual fund, rebalancing portfolio, shaky earnings season, stock market, when to make stock changes

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