Today, Stephanie and Kevin dissect stock market downturns. They first warn their audience not to get thrown by points, and to instead evaluate percentages as points are subject to change and can exaggerate the reality of a change. Stephanie emphasizes the importance of timeframes when looking at returns, addressing the human fixation on annual returns that are not necessarily the most accurate reflection of individuals’ returns. This opens a discussion of averages, which they reassure to listeners are, usually positive. Kevin explains where the most used estimate, an annual return of 8%, comes from, and why you rarely see somebody actually earn that average.

 

They then explore the innate desire for control, which sees investors wanting to maximize their earnings by investing at the trough and selling at the peak, a near impossible task. Great reward requires great risk, or as Stephanie puts it, “You have to ride the roller coaster. You've got to buckle yourself into that seat, grit your teeth, close your eyes if you need to, white knuckle, but you've got to ride it.” Despite what experts say, nobody knows when we’re at the top or the bottom of those peaks and troughs.

 

Stephanie and Kevin discuss the value of diversification. In sacrificing the possibility of massive gains, you also reduce some of the risk. Stephanie suggests the sandbox approach if you want to play, but still sleep soundly. 

 

They look at evolutions of financial strategies for the individual, and the granular approach to finances which requires personalized financial planning and investment adjustments. Stephanie reminds listeners, “It’s never a bad time to check in and make sure that the strategy you picked, however many years ago, is still appropriate for you.”

 

 

Key Topics:

• Introduction (1:22)
• Points versus percentage (2:10)
• The importance of timeframes (4:27)
• Using averages to manage expectations (7:24)
• Volatility and higher returns (9:08)
• The dangers of timing the market (14:14)
• Diversification (17:46)
• Granular investment approaches (21:22)
• Reassessing your strategy (23:14)

 

 

Resources:

• Take Back Retirement Episode 29: How Much Cash Should I Have and Where Should I Be Putting It?
• Investing Done Right image (referred to at 19:20)

 

 

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You can find the transcript and more information about this episode at www.takebackretirement.com.

 

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