What to Do When the Stock Market is Down

If you've checked your investment accounts lately and felt a little uneasy — you're not alone. But the good news? Market downturns don’t have to derail your financial future.

In this episode, I’m breaking down what really happens when the market drops, what a correction and bear market actually mean, and most importantly — what you can do about it. I’ll walk you through 7 smart strategies to help you stay calm, stay focused, and even find opportunity in the chaos.

I’ll cover:

• Why panicking is the worst thing you can do
• How to think about “stocks on sale” during dips
• The upside of doing Roth conversions when markets are down
• Strategic RMD planning for inherited IRAs
• Tax-loss harvesting in plain English
• Why rebalancing matters
• And why stopping your 401(k) contributions now could be a big mistake

My goal is to help you stay grounded and confident — no matter what the headlines say. So if you’ve been feeling nervous or unsure about your next move, this one’s for you.

Let’s dive in.

In this episode of That Financial Guy Show, I’m challenging some of the most popular financial "rules" you've probably heard—like the 4% rule for retirement withdrawals, saving 10 times your salary, the 100-minus-your-age rule for investing, or always maxing out your 401(k). The truth is, not all of these rules make sense for everyone. Some are outdated, some are just guidelines, and a few are downright silly. I break down where these rules came from, why they might not apply to you, and how to think beyond the one-size-fits-all advice. It’s okay to break the rules—sometimes it’s even the smarter move.

In this episode of That Financial Guy, I break down the various investment accounts available for kids and how they can set the foundation for a strong financial future. From saving for college to teaching them about investing early, I will explore the key differences between:

• 529 Plans – The go-to option for education savings with tax advantages, but with restrictions on how the funds can be used.
• UTMA Accounts – A flexible way to gift assets to minors, but control shifts to the child at a certain age.
• Custodial Roth IRAs – A powerful, tax-free growth opportunity for kids with earned income, setting them up for long-term wealth.
• Regular Brokerage Accounts – A simple and flexible way to invest, but with flexibility

I will discuss the benefits, limitations, and tax implications of each, helping you decide which account is the best fit for your child’s future goals. Whether you're saving for college, building generational wealth, or just looking for a smart way to introduce investing, this episode covers what you need to know.