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C ONCERNED ABOUT THE stock market? If so, you're not alone. In volatile markets, it's common to feel anxious about investing. However, successful investors know that while weathering market moves isn't easy, it can be rewarding. To help you keep your emotions in check during uncertain markets, consider the following five steps. 1. Take advantage of market opportunities. Stock prices fluctuate for a lot of reasons. The good news is that, historically, they have rebounded from setbacks. In fact, during market lows, you may have the opportunity to add to your portfolio with quality investments at attractive prices. 2. Don't try to time the market. For investors, trying to outguess the market is not only a stressful strategy, it can also be an expensive one. By moving your portfolio to the sidelines, you might miss a market downturn, but you could also miss a rally. That's because most of the market's gains are often clustered into very short time periods. To benefit from the market's long-term performance, you need to make a plan and stick with it through market ups and downs. Please remember that no investment strategy can guarantee a profit or protect against a loss. 3. Don't lose sight of your goals. Some investors believe they can soften the effects of a market decline by selling off their stocks and buying more conservative investments. This could prove a mistake, especially if you're investing for long-term financial goals, such as retirement. While stock market volatility can be unnerving, stocks historically have outperformed other major asset classes. Of course, past performance does not guarantee future results, and while stocks may have out performed other asset classes, they also may be more volatile. Investors should carefully consider their ability to invest during volatile periods in the market. 4. Maintain your mix. During difficult markets, it is inevitable that some of your investments will perform better than others, shifting your portfolio from its original target allocation. That's why it's important to review your portfolio periodically and rebalance your holdings as needed to bring your asset allocation back in line with your goals, risk tolerance and time frame. 5. Work with a professional. A successful long-term investment strategy evolves as your needs and goals change over time. An experienced financial professional can help you take an objective, unemotional approach to investing and keep your overall performance and goals in sight regardless of market ups and downs. Article prepared by Northwestern Mutual with the cooperation of Eric Kala. Eric Kala is a Wealth Management Advisor with Northwestern Mutual in San Antonio. He works extensively with physicians and hand-in-hand with professionals from all lines of business, enabling clients to receive one-on-one, personalized solutions and comprehensive financial planning. To contact Eric Kala, please call 210-446-5718, e-mail eric.kala@nm.com or visit erickala.com. Northwestern Mutual is the marketing name for The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company (NM), Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and its subsidiaries. Eric Kala is a Registered Representative of Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC, a subsidiary of NM, broker-dealer, and member of FINRA and SIPC. ■ Disclaimer: Please remember that all investments carry some level of risk, including the potential loss of principal invested. They do not typically grow at an even rate of return and may experience negative growth. As with any type of portfolio structuring, attempting to reduce risk and increase return could, at certain times, unintentionally reduce returns. By Eric Kala, Northwestern Mutual Time to Come Out of Hiding? 5 Tips to Take the Emotion Out of Investing +++++++++++++++ +++ + +++ + +++++++++++++++ ❮ FINANCE M D N E W S . CO M ■ MD NEWS San Antonio | 1 5