Market volatility isn’t going away—and that’s actually good news for your retirement. However, if your response to every market swing is to panic, check your portfolio obsessively, or freeze in uncertainty, we need to talk about what a real retirement plan looks like.
The Headlines Haven’t Changed in 100 Years
Recently, economist Jeremy Siegel told Fox Business something that resonated with us: “I’ve never seen anything like it… I think it emphasizes the disruptive effect of AI, how rapidly it is proceeding and, you know, how little we know for sure what direction it’s going to take.”
Here’s what we find fascinating about that statement. Years ago, we attended an investing conference where analysts did something brilliant. They displayed 100 news headlines and magazine clips from the past century—removing all dates and graphics, showing only the words. Headlines screamed about market crashes, inflation spikes, and unprecedented volatility. When asked to guess the dates, attendees confidently called out 2008, the dot-com bubble, or recent market events.
The truth? Some were from the Great Depression. Others from quiet weeks in 1960 where virtually nothing happened. Many were from 1975—a completely unremarkable year. The headlines were identical to today’s. Only the trigger changed.
Today, it’s AI driving the conversation. Yesterday, it was something else. Tomorrow, it’ll be another disruption. However, the pattern remains constant: volatility creates opportunity for those with a plan and pain for those who panic.
What We Actually Know About the Markets
We’ll make a bold prediction right now. We know exactly what the markets will do over the next year. Ready for this? They’re going to be volatile. Some days will be up. Some will be down. Some swings will be dramatic. Others will be modest. Most will fall somewhere in between.
That’s not cynicism—it’s reality. And it’s been reality for decades. Therefore, the question isn’t whether volatility will happen. The question is whether you have a strategy to manage it.
Many people believe their only option as investors is to ride the roller coaster indefinitely. They think accepting wild market swings is simply the cost of building wealth. While that’s partially true during your accumulation years, it’s a dangerous mindset as you approach retirement.
The Critical Shift Most People Miss
Here’s where things get interesting. Volatility during your working years operates differently than volatility during retirement. When you’re 40 and accumulating wealth, market swings don’t matter much. You have time. You’re not withdrawing funds. Additionally, you can even view downturns as buying opportunities.
However, the moment you shift from growth mode to income mode—when that portfolio becomes your sustenance—volatility applies in an entirely different way. One of the biggest mistakes we see is that people recognize this reality intellectually but don’t know how to change their approach practically.
Think about it this way. You’ve spent 30 years building habits around portfolio growth. You’ve trained yourself to assess your investments through a specific lens. Now, suddenly, you’re supposed to flip a switch and evaluate everything differently for the next 30 years? That’s extraordinarily difficult to do alone.
Are You Still Rowing After You’ve Reached the Shore?
Let us paint a picture. Imagine your retirement journey as a trip across a lake in a rowboat. You’re sitting backwards—as you do in a rowboat—facing where you’ve been rather than where you’re going. For 15, 20, or 30 years, you’ve been rowing steadily toward the other side.
Some of you have already reached the shore. You’ve arrived at your destination. Yet you’re still rowing. You’ve hit land, but you haven’t looked over your shoulder to realize it. You keep rowing because it’s what you’ve always done. It’s comfortable. It’s familiar. You’re good at it.
But wouldn’t you want to know if you’ve arrived? Wouldn’t you want to stop rowing, step out of the boat, and enjoy what you worked so hard to reach?
Many people don’t ask these questions. They don’t assess whether they’ve done enough because they’re afraid of the answer. Or they don’t know how to even begin the assessment. So they keep rowing—taking unnecessary risk, staying on the volatility roller coaster—because it’s easier than confronting the unknown.
The Paralysis of Analysis
We often see what we call “paralysis by analysis.” You know there are questions you should be asking. You sense you should evaluate your situation. However, you don’t know where to start. You don’t know what data matters. You worry about uncovering questions you can’t answer.
So you do nothing. You keep rowing.
Here’s what we want you to understand: you don’t need to have all the answers before you walk through our door. In fact, most people don’t. You might come in saying, “I only know how to save and invest. I have no idea what retirement actually looks like. I don’t even know what questions to ask.”
That’s perfectly fine. We excel at helping people think through these issues. We know how to ask questions that help you discover what’s possible—not just what you think you want, but what’s actually achievable based on your specific situation.
You might walk into our office with uncertainty and walk out with clarity. You might discover you can retire sooner than expected while taking less risk than you imagined. You might learn you can spend more than you currently do on necessities, giving you permission to actually plan the retirement you want rather than just hoping for the best.
The Questions Your Plan Should Answer
According to an Allianz study, 47% of adults don’t have a financial plan. Additionally, 57% believe their 401(k) alone will carry them through retirement. Almost 60% have no idea how to start preparing for retirement.
Even more concerning? We believe those numbers are actually higher. Many people think they have a plan when they really don’t.
Here’s our test. If you can’t answer these questions, you don’t have what we’d define as a financial plan:
First, how much money per month will you withdraw from each account—Roth, 401(k), IRA, Social Security—in 10 years? What’s the tax consequence of each withdrawal?
Second, what rate of return do you need on your money to retire when and how you want?
Third, between now and age 73, how much should you convert to Roth IRA each year?
Fourth, how much money should you have in the three tax buckets—taxable, tax-deferred, and tax-free? There’s a mathematically correct amount for your situation. Do you know what it is?
Fifth, what would a major market downturn do to your income in 10 years? Do our clients know the answer to this? Absolutely.
Most people can’t answer these questions. They have a back-of-the-napkin estimate like, “If I get 5% returns and spend X per year, I’ll be okay.” That’s not a plan. That’s a guess.
You Can Get Off the Roller Coaster
Here’s the good news. If you’ve saved diligently and you’re approaching retirement, you’ve likely done enough to afford taking some risk off the table. We can build portfolios that get you off the giant volatility roller coaster while still outpacing inflation and providing reliable income.
You don’t have to be subject to massive market swings just because AI is disrupting industries or because the next headline predicts doom. Investment vehicles exist that provide smoother, more predictable rides. Most retirees we work with prefer this approach once they understand it’s available to them.
Maybe you’re not there yet. Perhaps you enjoy the excitement of market swings. That’s fine. However, there will likely come a time—whether in a year or five years—when you want off the ride. Just know that you’ve probably already saved enough to have that option.
Recognition You Can Trust
We’re honored to have been named the Best Financial Planner in Woodstock, GA for 2023, 2024, and 2025. This recognition reflects our commitment to helping families across Metro Atlanta navigate the complexities of retirement planning with confidence. Our approach isn’t about stuffy offices or intimidating jargon—it’s about building real relationships and creating plans that actually work. We’ve worked hard to create an environment where you can be yourself, ask any question, and get straightforward answers. This recognition motivates us to continue delivering the personalized, comprehensive planning our clients deserve.
Take the Next Step Today
We want to help you know where you stand. Whether you’ve saved $500,000 or $5 million, whether you’re 40 or 60, whether you want to retire next year or in seven years—we’ve seen it all. Our no-cost 3 Meeting Retirement Planning Process helps you gain clarity about your situation without obligation or pressure.
During these meetings, we’ll help you answer the critical questions about your retirement, assess your current trajectory, and determine what’s actually possible for you. You’ll walk away with a clear picture of where you stand—even if you discover you’re not quite where you hoped to be yet. There’s tremendous confidence and security in knowing rather than guessing.
Visit us online at https://www.vincentplanning.com or call us directly at 770-485-1876. Better yet, take the first step by booking a “Can We Help” Call to see if we’re the right fit for your needs: Book a ‘Can We Help’ Call
Our home office is located on Main Street in downtown Woodstock—easy to find, free parking, and close to great restaurants if you want to grab lunch after our meeting. We also meet clients throughout Metro Atlanta and offer virtual consultations for those who prefer meeting remotely.
For personalized financial guidance, reach out to Vincent Financial Group today to schedule a consultation.