If the market outlook has you feeling uncomfortable, you are not alone. This discomfort may cause you to want to change course, but consider that moments of extreme discomfort are often reverse indicators. Extreme discomfort can mean that you are on the right track to grow in a new direction. 

On this episode of Retirement Answer Man, I answer your questions about choosing a financial advisor, how to weather tumultuous financial markets, and using a Roth 401K. Learn what you can do in the midst of an uncertain future by pressing play. 

Is this the big one?

Weathering market downturns can be like weathering a storm. When you are in the thick of it you may wonder if this is the big one that will wreck your home and change your life. Should you just hold on tight and hope that everything will all work out? 

No. No one can hold your hand and assure you that your finances will recover.

The rules of investing change in retirement

The rules of investing when you are in the accumulation period of life don’t work the same in when you are decumulating assets. 

Since you are nearing or already into retirement you don’t have a 40-year investment timeframe to work with, so you may not be around for the next market upswing. You're in a period of life where you will need money from your investments in a short time frame. 

This is why you’ll need a well-thought-out strategy that can help you to stay agile. As the situation unfolds, you can make little adjustments as needed. Staying agile will help you maintain flexibility and retain agency. 

In a situation that feels out of your control, it is important to find ways to retain agency to do what you have to do to control the things that you can. You don’t want to feel powerless, so focus on what you can control. 

Watch out for false prophets

No one can predict what will happen in the future. However, there are many out there that claim that if you follow them they will lead you down the right path. 

We have to accept our own uncertainty and refrain from trying to figure it all out. Instead of trying to predict the future or following false prophets, it is important to create a plan that you can follow to actively navigate through these tumultuous waters which will see you through any eventuality.

How to know when it is time to switch advisors

How can you know if your financial advisor is doing a good job? What are some red flags that indicate that you should reevaluate your relationship with your advisor?

One listener is concerned about his financial advisor since they had two misunderstandings in the last two years and is wondering if he change advisors.

When researching financial advisors look for a specialist that can advise you through your specific financial situation. Consider whether they have the skillset and expertise to handle the problems and opportunities of your specific situation. Do they focus on what you need?

Is your advisor an active thinker that makes decisions or do they simply follow a checklist? Since the decisions that you are making aren’t crystal clear, it is important to have a process to think through decisions in an organized manner. Does your advisor help you with this? Do they walk you through the pros and cons of each decision?

Is the advisor product-focused or process-focused? If they are product-focused then this is a red flag. Another red flag is if they focus on trying to predict what the markets will do. Since no one can predict the future, it is important to find someone who will focus on the things that are within your control. 

Listen in to hear what else you should consider when choosing a financial advisor and when to consider finding a new one. 

OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE RETIREMENT ANSWER MAN

PRACTICAL PLANNING SEGMENT

• [3:23] Moments of extreme discomfort are reverse indicators

COACH’S CORNER

• [7:38] Kevin wants to give to the kids while they're still here
• [12:15] On giving money without strings attached
• [17:25] Kevin is relearning to show his true colors

LISTENER QUESTIONS

• [19:39] How to know when it is time to switch advisors
• [34:05] What gives us the confidence that we will recover this time?
• [41:50] Should Jen switch to a Roth 401K?
• [48:23] What to use as a yield for net present value calculations

TODAY’S SMART SPRINT SEGMENT

• [50:07] Experiment with digital minimalism for a week

Resources Mentioned In This Episode

BOOK - The Checklist Manifesto by Atul Gawande

Boomer Benefits

Rock Retirement Club

Roger’s YouTube Channel - Roger That

BOOK - Rock Retirement  by Roger Whitney

Roger’s Retirement Learning Center