A few years ago I learned an exercise that is designed to de-clutter your mind.  While this exercise was really created to be used when you have too many things to do, I found it to be a great stress reliever, and use it anytime I’m worried about something and need to reduce my stress about whatever’s bothering me.

Given the state of the economy and the stock market, I thought it would be a great idea to share this exercise with you to help reduce any stress you may have related to your finances.

To get started… For 15 minutes, write down everything that’s on your mind.  In this case, I want you to focus on writing down everything that’s on your mind about your finances.  It doesn’t matter if you use pen and paper for this exercise, or use a computer (I use a computerized journal).  The purpose is to write down everything that is on your mind about your finances.  Keep writing until you run out of things to write.

Continue Reading A Simple Exercise to Reduce Financial Anxiety

That’s what clients are asking (or at least thinking) about the current stock market.

Well, I hate to break the news, but this IS normal!  The stock market goes up AND down.  It’s a cycle, made up of periods of expansion and periods of retraction, of good times and not-so-good times.

The market goes up, and periodically it needs to retract.  Right now we are in a retraction.  However, those who adopt a reasonable investment policy, diversify and rebalance their portfolio as needed - these folks have positive long-term investment experiences.