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 Some are outdated, some are just guidelines, and a few are downright silly.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.

In this episode, I take a straightforward look at managing your 401k after retirement. I will be discussing practical options, such as whether to transfer your 401k to an IRA or maintain it in your current plan, and explain the pros and cons of each choice. Our conversation covers:

• Conversion Options: Evaluating the benefits and drawbacks of different rollover strategies.
• Withdrawal Strategies: The Rule of 55!. Planning systematic withdrawals to optimize your retirement income.
• Tax Implications: Understanding the tax considerations that come with each decision.
• Risk Management: Balancing potential growth with the need for financial security.
• Expert Analysis: Insights from financial professionals to help inform your decisions.

This episode aims to provide clear, actionable information for anyone looking to make informed choices about their retirement savings.

Helping you to be wise with your money!
To see more videos discussing personal finance Subscribe:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbDA...

For more resources: 👉 https://wfa-nc.com/insights

📝 Get your Free Retirement Plan checkup
https://wfa-nc.com/retirement-plan-ch...

To schedule a complimentary consultation with me: 👉https://go.oncehub.com/keithwilson1

I want you to be more confident in your future:
whether that be through preparing for retirement,
financial planning, portfolio analysis, or college planning.

I trust the information you receive through these videos
proves helpful with your personal financial situation!

Website: www.wfa-nc.com
Facebook: / keithwilsonf. .
Linkedin: / keithwils. .

I am looking forward to seeing you achieve your financial goals!

In this episode, we’re diving into the world of Health Savings Accounts (HSA)—one of the most powerful yet often misunderstood financial tools. We’ll break down how to maximize your HSA benefits, common mistakes to avoid, and strategies to turn your account into a long-term wealth-building asset.

Join us as we discuss:
✔️ Who qualifies for an HSA and why it matters
✔️ The best ways to save, invest, and spend your HSA funds
✔️ Tax advantages and how to make the most of them
✔️ Why your HSA could be a secret retirement powerhouse

Whether you're new to HSAs or looking to fine-tune your approach, this episode will give you the practical tips and insights you need to make smarter healthcare and financial decisions.

🎧 Tune in now and take control of your retirement savings!

Let me know what you think! Leave your comments and questions here: keith.wilson@lpl.com

Helping you to be wise with your money!
To see more videos discussing personal finance Subscribe:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbDA...

For more resources: 👉 https://wfa-nc.com/insights

📝 Get your Free Retirement Plan checkup
https://wfa-nc.com/retirement-plan-ch...

To schedule a complimentary consultation with me: 👉https://go.oncehub.com/keithwilson1

I want you to be more confident in your future:
whether that be through preparing for retirement,
financial planning, portfolio analysis, or college planning.

I trust the information you receive through these videos
proves helpful with your personal financial situation!

Website: www.wfa-nc.com
Facebook: / keithwilsonf. .
Linkedin: / keithwils. .

I am looking forward to seeing you achieve your financial goals!

So, you have saved and invested diligently all your working life and the time has come to retire. You feel comfortable,,,, but there could be things you haven't thought about that could ruin the plans you laid forth! LIKE:
-Sequence of returns risk
- Risk of long term care expenses
- Investing too aggressively/speculatively in retirement
- Investing too conservatively in retirement
- Over confident with your income, causing you to procrastinate
- Paralysis from analysis
- Poor tax planning and tax allocation of your assets

In this episode we discuss the killers of retirement plans and give some possible solutions.

Send your questions and comments to: keith.wilson@lpl.com

Helping you to be wise with your money!
To see more videos discussing personal finance Subscribe:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbDA...

For more resources: 👉 https://wfa-nc.com/insights

📝 Get your Free Retirement Plan checkup
https://wfa-nc.com/retirement-plan-check-up

To schedule a complimentary consultation with me: 👉https://go.oncehub.com/keithwilson1

I want you to be more confident in your future:
whether that be through preparing for retirement,
financial planning, portfolio analysis, or college planning.

I trust the information you receive through these videos
proves helpful with your personal financial situation!

Website: www.wfa-nc.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KeithWilsonF...
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithwils...

I am looking forward to seeing you achieve your financial goals!

There are some new tax law changes for 2025! 401k contribution limits have changed to $23,500. Over 50 is $31,000. There is now a new "super" catch up provision for ages 60 to 63 with a maximum 401k contribution of $34,750.
Inherited IRA's will now have to start taking required minimum distributions as well as empty that IRA within 10 years (if you inherited the IRA in 2020 or later)
If the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is not extended by the end of 2025, then we revert back to the old and higher tax rates. Odds are that it will be extended. Many other tax and retirement account changes have taken place as well.

For the complete 2025 tax summary: https://www.johnhancock.com/content/dam/onejohnhancock/pdfs/annuities-media/TRGFLY_Tax_Guide.pdf

Helping you to be wise with your money!
To see more videos discussing personal finance Subscribe:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbDA...

For more resources: 👉 https://wfa-nc.com/insights

📝 Get your Free Retirement Plan checkup
https://wfa-nc.com/retirement-plan-ch...

To schedule a complimentary consultation with me: 👉https://go.oncehub.com/keithwilson1

I want you to be more confident in your future:
whether that be through preparing for retirement,
financial planning, portfolio analysis, or college planning.

I trust the information you receive through these videos
proves helpful with your personal financial situation!

Website: www.wfa-nc.com
Facebook: / keithwilsonf. .
Linkedin: / keithwils. .

I am looking forward to seeing you achieve your financial goals!

In this episode I talk with Kelly Augspurger, CLTC, CSA who is a Long Term Care specialist.
We dive into topics of just what is long term care? What are the chances of needing long term care? We break down the myths associated with long term care and how to pay for it?

Check out Kelly's YouTube channel @steadfastinsuranceagency

Check out Kelly's Podcast @steadfast care planning

send your questions and comments to: keith.wilson@lpl.com

Helping you to be wise with your money!
To see more videos discussing personal finance Subscribe:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbDA...

For more resources: 👉 https://wfa-nc.com/insights

📝 Get your Free Retirement Plan checkup
https://wfa-nc.com/retirement-plan-ch...

To schedule a complimentary consultation with me: 👉https://go.oncehub.com/keithwilson1

I want you to be more confident in your future:
whether that be through preparing for retirement,
financial planning, portfolio analysis, or college planning.

I trust the information you receive through these videos
proves helpful with your personal financial situation!

Website: www.wfa-nc.com
Facebook: / keithwilsonf. .
Linkedin: / keithwils. .

I am looking forward to seeing you achieve your financial goals!