“How can I protect my retirement savings during market volatility?”
Mark sat at his desk, staring at the latest market update. Another volatile day. Another wave of anxiety. He had done everything he thought was right—saved diligently, diversified his investments, and planned for retirement. But now, with headlines screaming about inflation, tariffs, and fears over the future of Social Security, he couldn’t shake the nagging question: Am I really going to be okay?
At A&I Wealth Management, we hear stories like Mark’s all the time. Market uncertainty can be nerve-wracking, but it’s important to remember that not everything is beyond your control. By focusing on the factors you can manage, you can build a financial strategy that weathers turbulence and secures your future.
What You Can Control: Your Personal Financial Decisions
While markets fluctuate, you have control over key aspects of your financial future.
- Saving vs. Spending – Ensuring that you are consistently saving, budgeting effectively, and keeping spending aligned with long-term goals can provide financial stability even in difficult times.
- Asset Allocation & Diversification – Adjusting your investment mix based on your risk tolerance and goals can help mitigate the impact of volatility. A properly diversified portfolio is designed to endure market swings.
- Retirement Contributions – Maximizing contributions to retirement accounts like 401(k)s or IRAs keeps your long-term goals on track, regardless of short-term market conditions.
Your financial planner at A&I can help you make the right decisions for your situation with these, and other, financial factors within your control.
What You Have Some Control Over: Adapting to Change
Some factors influencing your financial plan are not entirely within your control, but you can take proactive steps to prepare.
- Employment Earnings & Duration – While job security may be unpredictable, extending your working years, upskilling, or negotiating better compensation can improve your financial position.
- Longevity Planning – While you can’t predict exactly how long you’ll live, you can plan for a long retirement by ensuring sufficient savings and investment strategies that support you well into the future.
Your financial planner at A&I can help you create a one-page advanced financial plan. And, as you age, talk with your financial planner about a one-page elder plan–to make sure things go according to your desires, values and reduce the stress on your relationships.
What’s Out of Your Control (But Manageable with a Plan)
There are external economic forces that we can’t control, but we can prepare for their effects:
- Market Returns – The market will always have ups and downs, but history shows that long-term investors tend to be rewarded. A well-structured portfolio accounts for volatility.
- Tariffs & Economic Policy – Trade policies and tariffs can affect certain sectors, but broad diversification and strategic adjustments can reduce the risk of being overly exposed to any single issue.
- Social Security Uncertainty – While changes to Social Security are possible, proactive planning—such as increasing personal retirement savings and considering alternative income sources—can help fill any gaps.
A Sound Financial Plan Puts You in Control
Mark’s story is not unique—many investors feel the same uncertainty he does. But just like Mark, you don’t have to let market conditions dictate your financial future.
At A&I Wealth Management, we help our clients focus on what they can control while preparing for the uncertainties ahead. A well-balanced strategy ensures that even when external factors change, your financial future remains secure.
Our team brings over 100 years of combined experience in financial planning and investment management. Since 1986, our second generation firm has been assisting families and business owners in South Denver to protect and grow their investments. Our advisors hold esteemed designations such as Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) and Certified Public Accountant/Personal Financial Specialist (CPA/PFS®), underscoring our commitment to expertise and professionalism.
If you have concerns about your financial plan, now is the time to revisit your strategy. Let’s work together to build a plan that instills confidence—regardless of market conditions.
Schedule a consultation today.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial or legal advice. Please consult with a qualified professional for advice regarding your specific situation.
DISCLOSURE: Client stories included in this blog reflect hypothetical client situations that represent those commonly encountered by AIWM representatives.