It’s spooky season, but what if the scariest thing isn’t ghosts or ghouls, but your investment performance? A dip in the market can feel downright haunting and can raise some horrible specters, such as "What if I lose everything?" and "What if I should have made different investment choices?" Is it time to get out?

Everyone sometimes gets nervous about their portfolio, but reacting in fear is not the way forward. Let's see if we can chase off that spooky shadow.

Feel the Fear, Master the Response

It's called a stock market panic for a reason. When many people get spooked and sell, the markets can tumble. Panicking during a short-term dip isn’t a smart long-term plan, especially as the dip deepens.

In fact, selling as stocks tumble can be far worse for your financial future than staying the course. Even a dip of a few months doesn't determine your success for longer-term investment performance. What is more important is that your investments remain aligned with your goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon. You might not think you are on track, but you are.

History Offers Some Perspective

Basic fact: The market has always rebounded. Even from the worst dips. Even the Great Depression didn't last forever. Past performance doesn’t guarantee future results, but history shows that staying invested, no matter how challenging, has typically rewarded investors more than jumping ship (and the water can be cold).

Remember 2008? That was a bad dip, and a lot of people got out. Many people suffered real hardship, too, but those who stuck with it through the downturn and beyond saw the market recover and were able to not just recoup their losses but thrive.

Of course, a dip might be a good time to adjust some investments, but it's generally not the right time to flee.

How to Face the Monster Calmly

Emotions are tricky, though. If you see your retirement portfolio act like a downhill skier, you might even feel the spooky shadow of "What if I can't retire?" Dealing with those emotions can be a challenge.

But instead of pulling your money, this is a good time to review your plan:

1. Check your long-term goals. Has anything changed in your life? If you have had a drop in income, then it might be time to review a few things. Otherwise, though, just audit your life and lifestyle and any immediate plans.
2. Assess your risk tolerance. Your peace of mind does matter. Is your portfolio aligned with your comfort level for market volatility? Are you discovering your tolerance may be lower (or higher) than you thought?
3. Speak with your advisor. This is what financial advisors are for. Because we aren't emotionally invested, we can help you go over your portfolio and talk you out of emotional decisions that will only cause you and your family harm.

You Don't Have to Face the Fear Alone

At CrossleyShear Wealth Management, we are here to help you meet your financial goals. If the “What if Monster” is under your bed or peering through the windows, we can help you deal with it and keep focused. It's not just our job to help you succeed but also to help you stay the course and reason, not emotionally. We can calm the "What if Monster" for you.

So, if you're starting to feel a bit uneasy about your investment performance right now, remember that you aren't alone, and talk to us. Let us help you review and adjust your strategy and make those calm decisions that keep fear from driving your future.

Contact us at any time to help chase the monsters away. Or schedule your annual review today. We really can help and are dedicated to your financial goals.

Every investor's situation is unique and you should consider your investment goals, risk tolerance and time horizon before making any investment. Prior to making an investment decision, please consult with your financial advisor about your individual situation. The foregoing information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but we do not guarantee that it is accurate or complete, it is not a statement of all available data necessary for making an investment decision, and it does not constitute a recommendation. Any opinions are those of Dale Crossley and Evan Shear and not necessarily those of Raymond James.