Market Jitters? Here's Your 3-Step Playbook

Bear sentiment is creeping in—almost 50% of US investors are pessimistic about the next 6 months, vs. only 32% bullish. A crash isn’t inevitable, but it’s wise to prep now.

Here’s what actually works:

1. Stick to quality stocks - Weak companies crumble in downturns. A portfolio of solid fundamentals will weather volatility better.

2. Build a real emergency fund - This is critical. If you need cash mid-crash, withdrawing from your portfolio locks in losses. A few months of liquid savings keeps you from panic-selling.

3. Stop timing the market - Dollar-cost averaging (investing fixed amounts regularly) removes emotion. Buy high, buy low—doesn’t matter. Time in market beats timing the market.

The S&P 500 was down 40% from Jan 2022, but surged back up anyway. Point? Experts got 2022 recession predictions dead wrong. Don’t try to predict the next move—just stay disciplined and think 5-10 years ahead.