Stock Market Crashing? Here’s What You Should and Shouldn’t Do

The stock market has been having a moment — and not a good one. For the last few days, things have been messy. Headlines are dramatic. Portfolios are flashing red. And if you’re feeling stressed about your investments… yeah, that’s normal.

Whether you’re new to investing or have been in the game for decades, watching the value of your investments fall can be nerve-wracking.

But here’s the most important thing to remember right now: don’t panic.

Are market downturns uncomfortable? Absolutely. Are market downturns normal? Actually, yes.

Let’s talk about what you should do, what you should not do, and how to move forward from here with your confidence (and your money) intact.

But before you hit the sell button or swear off stocks forever, here’s what you need to know:

First of All — Breathe.

This isn’t the first time the market’s dropped, and it won’t be the last. Volatility is part of the deal when you’re building long-term wealth. What feels like a crash today might look like a blip next year.

So let’s talk about what you should do — and what you definitely shouldn’t.

What NOT to Do:

• Don’t panic sell: Selling when the market is down locks in your losses. If you stay invested, you give yourself a chance to recover — and grow. Unless your financial situation requires immediate cash, reacting emotionally and selling now could cost you later.

• Don’t obsessively check your accounts: Refreshing your portfolio every 15 minutes? That’s not helping. That’s anxiety.

  You don’t need a play-by-play of every dip. What you need is a plan — and that plan probably hasn’t changed just because the market had a bad week.

What TO Do:

• Remind yourself of your long-term goals: Did you invest to build wealth over 20 years? Fund your retirement? Send your kid to college in 8 years? Keep those timelines in mind. A three-day dip likely won’t impact a 10-year plan.

• Practice “zooming out”: Look at your portfolio’s 5-year or 10-year performance. Chances are, things still look good overall.

Then, Call Your Financial Planner/Advisor

This is your power move.

Staying calm is great — but that doesn’t mean doing nothing. This is actually a smart time to reconnect with your financial advisor or planner.

A market downturn is an opportunity to evaluate your strategy, make adjustments if needed, and feel more secure in your plan.

Why Now?

Markets dipping doesn’t automatically mean it’s time to shift everything — but it’s a great time to have a conversation.

Ask Your Planner:

• Am I still on track to meet my goals?
  Your advisor can look at the big picture and show you whether your long-term plan is still solid (hint: it probably is).

• Should I rebalance my portfolio?
  Downturns can throw off your asset allocation. Rebalancing might help you stay aligned with your risk level.

• Is this a buying opportunity?
  For some investors, downturns can be a great time to invest more — buying when prices are lower (the classic “buy low, sell high” strategy).

• Do I have enough cash reserves?
  If you're near retirement or relying on your portfolio for income, your advisor can help make sure you have the right amount of low-risk or liquid assets set aside.

Remember, you’re not calling your planner/advisor to freak out. You’re calling to strategize.

What This Moment Might Be Telling You

Volatile times can reveal whether your investments are truly aligned with your risk tolerance. If you're losing sleep over every dip, it might be time to talk to your planner about adjusting your strategy moving forward — not just to handle today’s stress, but to build a plan that feels sustainable for the future.

Here is Your “Get Through It” Plan

💡 Step 1: Don’t make any sudden moves.
Unless your financial situation has changed dramatically, this is not the time to jump ship.

💡 Step 2: Call your planner.
Get advice that’s tailored to you, not what your friends/family or influencers on TikTok is doing.

💡 Step 3: Re-focus on your goals.
Investing isn’t about today — it’s about your future. Whether that’s buying a home, retiring early, or just feeling secure — that is your why.

The Bottom Line

The market might be shaky. You don’t have to be.

You’re allowed to feel nervous. But let the professionals help you figure out what’s next — not the headlines . And with the right plan and perspective, you’ll be ready for whatever comes next.

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