If you’ve been paying attention to the news—or your investment accounts—you’ve seen it.
Another round of stock market volatility. Big swings. Lots of red. Then maybe a bit of green. Then more red.
This kind of movement is part of the deal when you invest in the stock market. But that doesn’t mean it feels good.
If you’re a music executive or a high-income earner starting to build long-term wealth, here’s what to know.
Volatility is normal. It’s expected.
Stock market ups and downs aren’t surprises. They’re already factored into the plan. Your financial success doesn’t depend on avoiding downturns. It depends on having a strategy that can ride through them.
Markets have always had bad days, weeks, and years. But over decades, they’ve still been one of the most reliable ways to grow wealth.
Emotions are the real threat
Watching your portfolio drop—especially when you’ve been working hard, saving aggressively, and doing everything “right”—can make you want to do something. That’s the danger.
Reacting emotionally (like moving to cash or trying to time the market) often leads to worse outcomes. Staying invested in a globally diversified portfolio, even when it’s uncomfortable, is usually the better move.
Focus on what matters more
Market swings are loud and distracting. But they aren’t the main thing driving your financial outcome.
Here’s what has more impact on your long-term success:
- How much you save vs. how much you spend
- How you manage taxes across your lifetime
- How your compensation and equity are structured
- What you do with excess cash
- What risks you’ve transferred through insurance
- How you plan for major life changes
These are planning decisions you can control. That’s what we focus on.
Your portfolio isn’t everything
For many of my clients, investments are just one piece of the plan. Income planning, benefit maximization, long-term tax strategies, and liquidity management all matter as much—if not more—than short-term investment performance.
So if you’re feeling a little rattled, that’s normal. But it doesn’t mean you’re off track.
If you want 15 minutes to ask questions, book a time here.
If you’re ready to talk about becoming a client, you can schedule a full hour here.
Keep thriving,
Spenser
I’m Spenser Liszt, a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional helping high-earning music executives make smart, confident decisions with their money.
I provide straightforward, flat-fee, advice-only financial planning—no sales, commissions, or asset management. I don’t take custody of your investments; I show you how to manage them yourself with a clear, structured plan.
If you’re a music executive and want a thoughtful, structured approach to your finances, let’s talk.
