As we move through 2025, it’s clear that uncertainty continues to weigh on the market. With trade tensions, economic slowdowns, and inflation concerns making headlines, retirees are rightfully questioning the safety of their retirement savings. Despite the volatility, one thing remains true: A well-crafted financial plan, like the ones created by your Mariner wealth advisor, is designed to navigate exactly these kinds of challenging times.

Market Volatility Is Part of the Game

Market fluctuations are an inevitable part of investing. In fact, U.S. stock market corrections of 10% or more happen on average every two years, and bear markets (declines of 20% or more) occur roughly every five years. A skilled wealth advisor understands this and structures your retirement plan to account for these inevitable ups and downs. Your plan is built to weather such volatility, keeping you focused on your long-term objectives despite short-term market fluctuations.

Why Tweaking Your Plan Now Could Backfire

When markets take a dive, it’s natural to feel the urge to make significant changes to your portfolio. However, making hasty decisions or trying to time the market can be detrimental, especially during retirement. Market timing—attempting to buy and sell based on short-term predictions—rarely works, even for the most seasoned professionals. The biggest risk? Missing out on the market’s best days. Historically, some of the most substantial market rallies follow the worst days, and missing just a few of those best days can drastically reduce your overall returns.

For retirees, this can be particularly damaging. Selling during a downturn and missing the recovery could leave you with fewer resources to sustain your lifestyle or achieve your goals, such as travel or supporting family. In retirement, you may not have the time or earning power to rebuild lost savings, making it all the more critical to stay the course.

Staying Calm in Times of Market Stress

Behavioral finance teaches us that in times of market stress, our natural instincts—fear and anxiety—can lead to poor decision-making. The most successful investors are those who are able to take a step back and ask themselves: Am I reacting out of fear, or am I sticking to the long-term strategy I’ve worked hard to build? A solid financial plan can help you remain calm in the face of market turbulence by ensuring that you have sufficient cash flow to cover immediate expenses. This allows you to leave your long-term investments to grow and compound over time, giving your portfolio the best chance to meet your future financial goals.

Don’t Obsess Over Your Portfolio

A simple but powerful piece of advice for retirees: Don’t check your portfolio every day. Constantly watching market fluctuations can lead to unnecessary stress and impulsive decisions. Keep in mind that downturns are typically short-lived. While no one can predict exactly when or how a recovery will unfold, history shows us that markets always bounce back. Whether it was the dot-com crash, the 2008 financial crisis, or the COVID-19 pandemic, markets eventually recovered and even surpassed previous highs. In fact, the rebound from the pandemic downturn in 2020 was the fastest in 150 years, with the market regaining its footing in just four months.

Those who stuck with their investments during those difficult times were rewarded, while those who panicked and sold missed out on the recovery. Staying the course in times of volatility has consistently proven to be the wisest approach.

What Should You Do Now?

If you’ve worked with a Mariner wealth advisor to develop a diversified, balanced portfolio, trust the plan. It’s designed to handle market ups and downs. Keep your focus on your long-term goals. While the market’s path may not be smooth, patience and discipline have always paid off in the past.

When emotions run high, don’t hesitate to reach out to your wealth advisor. A trusted professional can help you stay grounded and ensure you remain focused on your plan, giving you the best chance to achieve your retirement dreams. Let your financial plan work for you, so you can focus on living the retirement you’ve worked hard to enjoy.