If you’re paying attention to the stock market right now, you’ve probably felt that mix of frustration and anxiety. Headlines are swirling, market swings are dramatic, and with the recent announcement of tariffs, things got even more chaotic. If you’re wondering, “Is my portfolio still on track?”—you’re not alone.
But here’s the truth: these moments of uncertainty are exactly why financial advisors exist.
This past weekend, Max and I flew to Las Vegas for a conference hosted by Wealth Consulting Group —the firm that supports Truly Aligned with compliance and back-end infrastructure. We arrived a day early to connect with our practice coordinator Jena and her husband Brandon. These are the moments that matter just as much as what happens on the stage—getting to know your team personally, outside of emails and workflows, builds something deeper: trust.
But what happened on stage? That’s where the real insight started.
What’s Going On in the Market?
At the same time our conference kicked off, major news hit: the White House announced new tariffs, and the market dropped in response. The timing was surreal—but also the perfect backdrop for what we were there to learn.
We heard from legendary advisor Nick Murray, whose voice in the industry has been consistent for decades: this kind of fear is normal.
He reminded us that market volatility is not new. In fact, it’s a feature of the system, not a bug. Go back five years and you’ll see COVID-19 shaking markets. A decade before that, the financial crisis. Before that, the dot-com bubble. Every era has its “this time is different” moment. But as Nick said, “It’s a different flavor, but it’s still ice cream.”
When fear spikes, your instincts might scream, “Sell! Adjust! Do something!”—but the reality is that those reactions are often the biggest threats to your long-term financial success.
The Real Job of a Wealth Advisor
In moments like these, a wealth advisor isn’t just someone who manages your portfolio. We’re the steady hand when fear creeps in.
Our job is to make sure your financial strategy is strong enough to withstand market storms—and to remind you that your plan is built for more than just good times. That’s why Truly Aligned exists: to take the emotional decision-making off your plate, and replace it with calm, informed action (or sometimes, purposeful inaction).
While in Vegas, we also heard from Jeff Chang at First Trust on buffered ETFs and innovative risk management strategies. We discussed tactical allocation, cash flow modeling, and long-term goal planning—all tools that help build real resilience into your portfolio.
But none of those matter if you abandon the plan when fear takes the wheel.
Why Staying the Course Still Works
We meet with a lot of high-achieving professionals—tech engineers, executives, entrepreneurs—who know how to make smart decisions. But even the smartest minds can fall into emotional traps when markets shake.
That’s where your financial plan matters. Not just what’s in it, but how it’s built:
- Are your investments diversified and aligned with your risk tolerance?
- Is your cash flow structured so that you’re not forced to sell in down markets?
- Have we built in buffers—like an emergency fund, flexible timelines, or income alternatives?
If those boxes are checked, the best strategy right now might be the hardest one to follow: sit tight.
As we always tell clients: the longer you’re in the market, the better your odds of success. Reacting emotionally to short-term news is like jumping off a rollercoaster halfway through the ride. You miss the recovery—and the rewards that follow.
Alternate Approaches (And Why We Stick to Ours)
Of course, some advisors lean into market timing or high-frequency adjustments. But in our experience—and the experience of industry giants like Nick Murray and Jimmy Lee (CEO of Wealth Consulting Group)—that kind of reactive behavior creates more anxiety than results.
Yes, there are tactical tools that make sense: tax-loss harvesting, rebalancing, buffered ETFs. We use them. But they’re only powerful when integrated into a long-term strategy that puts you—your values, your goals, your timeline—at the center.
For investors who understand that wealth isn’t built on hype, but on intention and consistency, we’ve found the Financial Alignment™ approach to be far more effective.
FAQs
What should I do when the stock market drops suddenly?
Stay calm and avoid reacting emotionally. If your financial plan is built for the long term and properly diversified, short-term market drops are normal and expected.
How do financial advisors help during market volatility?
Advisors provide emotional grounding, help you avoid costly mistakes, and ensure your plan remains aligned with your goals despite market ups and downs.
Should I move to cash during economic uncertainty?
Generally, no. Moving to cash locks in losses and risks missing the recovery. Instead, make sure your portfolio is aligned with your risk tolerance and liquidity needs.
What’s the benefit of working with an advisor vs. DIY investing?
An advisor brings strategic planning, tax efficiency, behavioral coaching, and a full-picture approach that goes beyond just picking stocks.
Final Thoughts: This Is Why We Show Up
We left Vegas feeling inspired—not just by the content, but by the people we’re surrounded by. Advisors who are constantly learning. Clients who are trusting us to guide them. Experts like Jeff Chang and Nick Murray who challenge us to think bigger.
And we left reminded of this: the market will always fluctuate. What matters is how you respond.
At Truly Aligned, we build strategies that empower our clients to stay focused on the life they’re creating, not the headlines they’re reading. If that sounds like something you want for your own financial future, we invite you to explore the Financial Alignment™ Experience or take our free Wealth Archetype Quiz to discover what type of financial strategy best fits your personality and goals.
Because fear may be natural—but so is resilience. And we’re here to help you choose the latter, every time.
This information is not intended to be a substitute for
specific individualized tax or legal advice. We suggest that you discuss your
specific situation with a qualified tax or legal advisor. Securities offered
through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advice offered through The
Wealth Consulting group, a registered investment advisor. The Wealth Consulting
group, WCG Wealth Advisors and Truly Aligned, INC are separate entities from
LPL Financial. The opinions voiced in this material are for general information
only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any
individual. All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of
future results.