Navigating market volatility with a long-term focus

Hi, I’m Chris Roborecki, a financial advisor based in Independence, OH. If you’ve been watching the markets lately, you’ve probably noticed the ups and downs. Volatility can feel unsettling, but I want to share how I keep things steady for my clients. My approach is simple: focus on the long term while making adjustments along the way. Here’s how I do it.

Volatility is normal—perspective is key

Markets go through cycles. Always have, always will. Right now, I believe we are seeing swings driven by inflation concerns, interest rate changes, and global events. But here’s the thing: short-term noise doesn’t define your financial future. I help clients tune out the daily headlines and keep their eyes on their goals—retirement, college funding, or that dream vacation home.

My approach: Plan, tweak, stay disciplined

At Ameriprise Financial, we take a comprehensive approach to financial planning. By understanding your needs—whether you’re saving for a house or planning for decades in retirement—we build a plan tailored to you. But a plan isn’t set in stone. When markets get choppy, we can make thoughtful adjustments to help keep you on track.For instance, during volatile periods, we might:

• Rebalance portfolios. If stocks surge or dip, your mix of stocks, bonds, and other assets can drift from your target. We review and adjust to maintain the balance that fits your risk tolerance and goals.
• Look for opportunities. Market dips can be a chance to buy quality investments at lower prices. In 2020, clients who stayed invested and added to their portfolios during the March sell-off saw recoveries by year-end.
• Check risk levels. If you’re nearing retirement, we might shift toward more stable investments, like bonds or dividend-paying stocks, to help reduce exposure to big swings.These tweaks are deliberate, not reactive. We don’t chase trends or panic-sell. Our decisions are grounded in your plan and what’s happening in the broader economy.

Interesting insight: Volatility can be your friend

Here’s something you might not hear often: volatility isn’t always bad. For younger investors or those with time on their side, market dips can be like sales at your favorite store. Through a strategy called dollar-cost averaging, you invest a fixed amount regularly, buying more shares when prices are low and fewer when prices are high. Over time, this can lower your average cost per share. Even for retirees, volatility can be mitigated. By keeping a portion of your portfolio in stable assets and holding enough cash for short-term needs, we help ensure you don’t have to sell investments at a loss during a downturn. It’s about having a plan that can work in any market.

Why we stay calm

I’ve been through market cycles—dot-com bust, 2008, COVID crash. Each time, the lesson appears the same: discipline beats fear. At Ameriprise, we lean on experienced financial advisors and a wealth of research to help guide decisions. We are analyzing economic indicators, company performance, and your personal goals.We also know every client is different. A 30-year-old saving for a home has different needs than a 60-year-old planning retirement. That’s why we start with your unique situation and build from there. No cookie-cutter strategies, just practical strategies that can make sense for you.What you can do nowIf the market’s got you worried, here are a few steps to stay grounded:

1. Review your goals. Are you still aiming for the same milestones? If life’s changed, let’s update your plan.

2. Check your portfolio. We’ll look at your asset mix and make sure it aligns with your risk tolerance and timeline.

3. Keep investing. If you’re able, sticking to a regular investment schedule can turn volatility into opportunity.

4. Talk to us. My team and I are here to answer questions and provide clarity, no matter what’s happening in the markets.

Let’s stay focused together

Market volatility is like a stormy day—it passes. I am committed to helping you weather it with a clear, long-term plan. I will make adjustments as needed, but won’t lose sight of where you’re headed. If you’re a client, thank you for your trust in me and my team. If you’re not, I’d love to talk about how we can help you navigate your financial journey.

Reach out today, and let’s help keep your goals on track, no matter what the market does.