Market volatility can be unsettling—but long-term financial success is rarely built on short-term reactions.

In this episode of the Women’s Money Wisdom podcast, Melissa Joy, CFP® addresses the emotional and financial challenges that often arise during market downturns. As markets enter bear territory, many investors may feel inclined to make significant changes to their portfolios. Melissa encourages listeners to take a step back and revisit their overall strategy, focusing on long-term planning rather than short-term uncertainty.

She discusses general principles and planning considerations that can help investors stay grounded, including the potential benefits of maintaining diversified contributions, reviewing withdrawal strategies, and exploring financial planning opportunities that may arise in volatile environments.

This conversation is not a recommendation or a forecast, but a reminder that financial decisions are best made from a place of clarity, not fear.

Topics Covered:

📉 Why emotional responses to market movements can lead to unintended consequences
📊 How continued contributions during down markets may support long-term goals
📋 Considerations for tax-loss harvesting, Roth conversions, and estate planning in down markets
🧠 Understanding the emotional side of investing and building financial resilience
⚖️ The value of small, intentional adjustments over reactive decision-making

The previous presentation by PEARL PLANNING was intended for general information purposes only. No portion of the presentation serves as the receipt of, or as a substitute for, personalized investment advice from PEARL PLANNING or any other investment professional of your choosing. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk, and it should not be assumed that future performance of any specific investment or investment strategy, or any non-investment related or planning services, discussion or content, will be profitable, be suitable for your portfolio or individual situation, or prove successful. Neither PEARL PLANNING’s investment adviser registration status, nor any amount of prior experience or success, should be construed that a certain level of results or satisfaction will be achieved if PEARL PLANNING is engaged, or continues to be engaged, to provide investment advisory services. PEARL PLANNING is neither a law firm nor accounting firm, and no portion of its services should be construed as legal or accounting advice. No portion of the video content should be construed by a client or prospective client as a guarantee that he/she will experience a certain level of results if PEARL PLANNING is engaged, or continues to be engaged, to provide investment advisory services. A copy of PEARL PLANNING’s current written disclosure Brochure discussing our advisory services and fees is available upon request or at https:...