We’re in that part of the cycle where friends from high school are calling me to ask about the market and family members I’ve never spoken to about the markets are now interested. It’s funny what a little volatility can do to peak people’s interests.
Anyway, these calls are coming early and often. Many of you in a similar position to me are probably having the same experience.
Today, I thought I’d just write a quick post about what I’m telling my loved ones when they ask.
First of all, I definitely stress that not having a plan is the first problem. This shouldn’t be the time to try and figure out what to do. This is when stress levels are elevated and when we’re most vulnerable to make irrational decisions. I try to remind them of this, but they don’t care. They never do.
So moving on, the old, “JC, when do I buy stocks?” question keeps coming back. It’s fair. Everyone wants to know. [Read more…]