I’m Close to Retirement and the Market is Crazy…Now What? (EP.205)

May 21, 2025

Navigating retirement during market turbulence can be challenging, but there are effective strategies to ease the anxiety. Discover the importance of having a solid financial plan and how a cash cushion can protect your investments. Bonds play a crucial role in maintaining portfolio stability, especially for those transitioning to retirement. The conversation also emphasizes the value of professional guidance to effectively manage withdrawals. Learn how to evolve your investment strategy to thrive, even when the market is unpredictable.

Ask episode

AI Snips

Chapters

Transcript

Episode notes

ANECDOTE

Flight Turbulence Analogy

Peter Lazaroff compared market turbulence to experiencing turbulence during a flight over the Rocky Mountains.
He shared how even seasoned investors tighten up during market volatility despite understanding it is normal and temporary.

INSIGHT

Portfolio vs Market Impact

The market and your portfolio are different; portfolios often include stocks, bonds, and cash for stability.
Bonds and international diversification cushion losses when U.S. stocks decline, highlighting portfolio protection.

ADVICE

Maintain Cash Cushion

Set aside one to two years of living expenses in cash to avoid selling investments in downturns.
If cash isn't enough, use bonds first to cover withdrawals and let stocks recover in value.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Get the app

Get an inside look at what’s shaping my thinking. Bi-weekly, I share the top 5 investing and financial planning articles I’m reading—straight to your inbox. Sign up for my newsletter.

-----

Approaching retirement when markets are turbulent can make even seasoned investors anxious. In this episode, you’ll learn practical strategies for navigating uncertainty, ensuring your retirement stays on track.

Listen now and learn:

► How your portfolio differs from the broader market—and why it matters.

► A common retirement mistake to avoid during periods of volatility.

► Why your investment strategy should evolve as you transition from accumulation to retirement.

► The overlooked value of professional guidance when managing retirement withdrawals.

Visit www.TheLongTermInvestor.com for show notes, free resources, and a place to submit questions.

-----

Disclosure: This content, which contains security-related opinions and/or information, is provided for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon in any manner as professional advice, or an endorsement of any practices, products or services. There can be no guarantees or assurances that the views expressed here will be applicable for any particular facts or circumstances, and should not be relied upon in any manner. You should consult your own advisers as to legal, business, tax, and other related matters concerning any investment.

The commentary in this “post” (including any related blog, podcasts, videos, and social media) reflects the personal opinions, viewpoints, and analyses of the Plancorp LLC employees providing such comments, and should not be regarded the views of Plancorp LLC. or its respective affiliates or as a description of advisory services provided by Plancorp LLC or performance returns of any Plancorp LLC client.

References to any securities or digital assets, or performance data, are for illustrative purposes only and do not constitute an investment recommendation or offer to provide investment advisory services. Charts and graphs provided within are for informational purposes solely and should not be relied upon when making any investment decision. Past performance is not indicative of future results. The content speaks only as of the date indicated. Any projections, estimates, forecasts, targets, prospects, and/or opinions expressed in these materials are subject to change without notice and may differ or be contrary to opinions expressed by others.

Please see disclosures here.