A longtime client called me recently after seeing a dip in his portfolio. Over the years, he’d done very well, patiently riding the ups and downs by following a solid market volatility plan. But this shift caught his attention.
“There wasn’t any big news,” he said. “So why the drop?”
He wasn’t upset—just curious. And that curiosity is healthy. After all, when your investments have mostly gone up, even a normal market fluctuation can feel out of place.
What he really wanted was perspective. And that’s exactly what we talked about.
The value of a steady hand
Even seasoned investors can feel unsettled when the market moves quickly. It’s not fear; it’s a desire for clarity. When the numbers shift, it’s natural to pause and ask, “Is my plan still right for me?”
We walked through that question together, revisiting the core of his investment strategy: built with intention, suited to his goals, and ready to handle exactly this kind of moment. Acting on emotion might feel productive in the short term, but long-term discipline is what protects portfolios from short-term noise.
Why we plan ahead
Our work together had already anticipated periods of volatility. His portfolio reflected a strategy designed around his specific time horizon and comfort with risk. We hadn’t expected smooth sailing every day; we’d expected market movement and prepared for it.
By the end of the conversation, he wasn’t worried. He was clear. He understood that the drop didn’t change the underlying logic of his investments.
The real meaning of control
In investing, control isn’t about reacting to every move. It’s about knowing when not to react because you’ve already put a thoughtful, resilient plan in place. Sometimes the most valuable thing an advisor can do is help a client zoom out, regain perspective, and feel confident again.
If recent headlines have left you questioning your portfolio, it might be time to revisit your strategy. Let’s talk it through, so you can feel confident, not just reactive. Schedule a Cross-Border Financial Evaluation at www.profile-financial.com/call.
Douglas Goldstein, CFP® is the director of Profile Investment Services, Ltd. www.Profile-Financial.com. He is a licensed financial professional both in the U.S. and Israel. Call (02) 624-2788 for a consultation on how to set up your American assets to meet your financial goals. Securities offered through Portfolio Resources Group, Inc. Member FINRA, SIPC, MSRB, FSI. The opinions expressed are those of the author and not those of Portfolio Resources Group, Inc. or its affiliates. Neither PRG nor its affiliates provide tax or legal advice.
Published August 6, 2025.