facebook twitter instagram linkedin google youtube vimeo tumblr yelp rss email podcast phone blog search brokercheck brokercheck Play Pause
Market Volatility? Here’s How to Handle It Thumbnail

Market Volatility? Here’s How to Handle It

Market Reviews

By Matt Held, CFP®

Market volatility means prices are moving rapidly, sometimes up, sometimes down. That movement can rattle nerves, but it can also pave the way for smart decisions and long-term gains.

This article looks at clear, practical approaches for coping with market volatility and how you can use that turbulence to your advantage.

Focus on Long-Term Portfolio Strength

Sharp market moves can be unsettling, but stepping back from the day-to-day noise can offer clarity.

In fact, history has shown that markets often recover even after major downturns if you give them time, and investors who keep cool during chaos often outperform others who let emotions call the shots.

A great way to steady your footing is with diversification, which allows you to spread your investments across different asset types (like stocks, bonds, real estate, etc.). This approach works because:

  • No single market crash can tank your entire portfolio.
  • Different assets grow at different times, keeping returns steadier.
  • You reduce the risk of one bad day dragging down your entire portfolio and ruining your future.

Such a balance allows you the opportunity to weather unpredictable markets more consistently.

Find the Upside in Market Volatility

Price drops can sometimes outpace a company’s real value. When that gap appears, patient investors may find better entry points, especially if they’ve done the work to understand a company’s long-term potential.

Market volatility can also highlight which businesses are built to last. While some falter under pressure, others may continue to perform, adapt, or even grow. Paying attention during these moments can help you identify companies with durable strengths before they draw wider attention.

There’s no perfect moment for investing, but thoughtful decisions in uncertain times can open the door to meaningful progress.

Keep Your Contingency Plan Ready

If you have no cash set aside for unexpected expenses such as a medical bill or car repair, you may be forced to sell investments at a loss to meet costs.

Many financial professionals recommend keeping three to six months of rent or mortgage, groceries, utilities, transportation, and other non-negotiable expenses in an emergency fund.

To build this safety net, you have to go back to the basics. Add up your must-pay bills per month, set a savings goal, and automate transfers so saving is as painless as possible.

If you want better returns but still want to keep things safe, look into money market funds. These funds aggregate cash in low-risk, short-term investments such as government bonds, providing higher rates of interest than most traditional savings accounts. 

When interest rates jump, they tend to adjust faster than banks, allowing your cash to grow while remaining highly liquid.

Stick to Your Investment Principles

Volatile markets can pressure even the most confident investors. True discipline often comes from seeing this market volatility as a natural part of investing and not a signal to abandon a well-thought-out plan.

Below are a few key ways to remain grounded during uncertain times:

  • Set monthly reviews to avoid rash decisions from constant monitoring.
  • Adjust your portfolio if certain losses would push you to act out of discomfort.
  • Recognize that price swings happen and don’t always call for a full strategy overhaul.
  • Try to hold investments during drops, if possible, to avoid missing eventual recoveries.

Contacting a financial advisor can be the key here, as they can offer calm reminders of why you invested and help you avoid emotional traps. They can also help align your portfolio with your life stage and goals so you can avoid costly problems in the future.

Keep Perspective in Times of Uncertainty

We at Clarity Wealth Management understand that market volatility can feel very stressful. Our Clear Path Process™ maps out your financial future, showing exactly how today’s choices might shape tomorrow’s stability. Whether markets soar or stumble, you know where you stand and what steps keep you on track.

Interested in a no-obligation, icebreaker call? Schedule online here, call (513) 278-9420, or email Info@ClarityWealth.org.

About Matt

Matt Held, CFP®, is the lead advisor and a founding partner of Clarity Wealth Management, a boutique firm based in Cincinnati, OH. Since entering the industry in 2006, Matt has helped corporate executives, professionals, and business owners uncover opportunities and build long-term financial strategies. Driven by a desire to control his own future and create a lasting brand, Matt co-founded Clarity Wealth Management in 2012. His mission was to build a firm that would provide truly personalized guidance—and become a legacy for his own family. Today, Clarity serves about 100 households and focuses on helping clients simplify and navigate complex financial decisions, particularly those involving equity compensation, tax planning, and executive retirement.

Matt’s approach is rooted in trust, loyalty, and hard work. As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional, he is deeply committed to long-term relationships and believes that clarity doesn’t mean predicting the future, but having the confidence that your plan can handle whatever comes your way.

Outside of work, Matt enjoys time with his wife, Abby, and their twins, Henry and Kinsley. Whether it’s watching sports (they love their Ohio State Buckeyes), hitting the slopes out West, or squeezing in a CrossFit workout, he’s passionate about staying active and present. He also serves on the Rising Professionals Network at DePaul Cristo Rey Catholic High School and is a proud graduate of Moeller High School and The Ohio State University. Matt holds Series 7 and 66 licenses, is licensed for health insurance, and earned his CFP® certification in 2012. He has been named a Five Star Wealth Manager in the Cincinnati area each year since 2013.* To learn more about Matt, connect with him on LinkedIn.

*2013-2023 Five Star Wealth Manager Award, created by Five Star Professional. The 2023 award was presented in September 2023 based on data gathered within 12 months preceding the issue date. 1,649 advisors were considered, 240 advisors were recognized. Advisors pay a fee to hold out marketing materials. Not indicative of advisor’s future performance. Your experience may vary. For more information, please visit www.fivestarprofessional.com.