Most investors fear bear markets—but history shows they play a critical role in building future returns. In this episode, Lance Roberts explains why market declines are not only normal, but necessary for long-term financial success. We break down how bear markets reset valuations, reduce speculation, improve forward returns, and provide disciplined investors with better long-term outcomes. Instead of focusing on predictions, we focus on the importance of managing risk, controlling emotions, and understanding how full market cycles work. 0:00 - INTRO 0:19 - Manage Portfolios for Markets, not Narratives 3:33 - Should You Wait for Correction to Invest? 9:12 - 2026 Economic Summit 10:15 - Markets' Statistics for December 15:14 - Record Levels of Leverage & ETF's 16:54 - Volatility is Different from Bear Market 18:49 - Corrections & Bear Markets are a Good Thing 20:43 - Forest Firers & Recessions are a Good Thing 22:39 - The Fed's 3rd Mandate 25:45 - The Importance of Understanding Full Market Cycles 26:59 - Valuations Always Revert to the Mean 29:50 - Delaying Corrections, Recession Results in Worse Pain Later 32:46 - A 5% Correction is the Price of Admission 34:03 - Get Rid of Narratives 35:10 - The Difference Between Suffering and Surviving 37:16 - Resist Chasing markets 38:10 - Buying & Selling Drives Prices 39:36 - Remain Emotionally Balanced 41:40 - Importance of Monitoring Macro, Technical Signals 42:11 - Importance of an Investment Policy Statement 44:12 - Coming Attractions 👉 Subscribe for weekly insights on investing, behavioral finance, and practical money management. 📍 More at RealInvestmentAdvice.com Hosted by RIA Advisors Chief Investment Strategist, Lance Roberts, CIO Produced by Brent Clanton, Executive Producer ------- Watch Today's Full Video on our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bdlhQgMthW4&list=PLVT8LcWPeAugpcGzM8hHyEP11lE87RYPe&index=1 ------- The latest installment of our new feature, Before the Bell, "The Problem With Waiting for Corrections," is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZ1WScUat1g&list=PLVT8LcWPeAujhW-HlRJGaPa9tDN_GthEg&index=1 ------- REGISTER for our 2026 Economic Summit, "The Future of Digital Assets, Artificial Intelligence, and Investing:" https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2026-ria-economic-summit-tickets-1765951641899?aff=oddtdtcreator ------- Articles Mentioned in Today's Show: "A Bear Market Is A Good Thing" https://realinvestmentadvice.com/resources/blog/bear-markets-are-a-good-thing/ "The Problem With Waiting for Corrections" https://realinvestmentadvice.com/resources/blog/year-end-rally-begins/ "Full Market Cycles: Half Bull and Half Bear" https://realinvestmentadvice.com/resources/blog/full-market-cycles-half-bull-and-half-bear/ -------- Get more info & commentary: https://realinvestm entadvice.com/newsletter/ -------- SUBSCRIBE to The Real Investment Show here: http://www.youtube.com/c/TheRealInvestmentShow -------- Visit our Site: https://www.realinvestmentadvice.com Contact Us: 1-855-RIA-PLAN -------- Subscribe to SimpleVisor: https://www.simplevisor.com/register-new -------- Connect with us on social: https://twitter.com/RealInvAdvice https://twitter.com/LanceRoberts https://www.facebook.com/RealInvestmentAdvice/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/realinvestmentadvice/ #StockMarketUpdate #MarketCorrection #InvestingStrategy #MarketPullback #FinancialAdvice #BearMarkets #MarketCycles #InvestingEducation #RiskManagement #FinancialPlanning