When markets are volatile, it is difficult to be an investor. Headlines shout about losses. Quarterly statements show a significant drop in the value of savings and investments. It becomes all too easy to focus on short-term market movements and lose sight of long-term financial goals.
When market volatility produces anxiety, it may help to consider the words of people who have spent decades investing successfully through bull and bear markets.
“It’s waiting that helps you as an investor, and a lot of people just can’t stand to wait. If you didn’t get the deferred-gratification gene, you’ve got to work very hard to overcome that.”
—Charlie Munger, Warren Buffett’s right-hand
“Investing isn't a game to be won. At the end of the day, it's a way to achieve your big goals, like buying that home, starting that business, and retiring on your own terms.”
—Sallie Krawcheck, investment company CEO
“The stock market is a giant distraction from the business of investing.”
—John C. Bogle, the father of index funds
“The most important thing is to stay the course – not to get shaken out of the market during a difficult time.”
—John W. Rogers, Jr., investment company Chair and CEO
“Never is there a better time to buy a stock than when a basically sound company, for whatever reason, temporarily falls out of favor with the investment community. When bad things happen to good companies, it must be viewed as a buying opportunity rather than a bailout,”
—Geraldine Weiss, the blue chip stock guru
If recent market activity has left you questioning whether investing is a good idea, please get in touch. We’re happy to listen and discuss your experience, concerns, and financial goals.