Worried About Checking Your Portfolio? Don't Be: Things Are Looking Up
Though the markets are still fluctuating, this expert sees an encouraging upward trend and is giving himself permission to check his investments.


Last year, when the markets were miserable, my number one recommendation to my clients (and myself) was simply to not check your portfolio.
If you believe in the markets and the strength of the economy, you know and understand that downturns are typically a temporary occurrence. When you’re constantly looking at your portfolio and seeing it go down, down and down, you’re setting yourself up to make snap decisions based on bias and emotion, which isn’t in your best financial interests. It’s also not great for your mental health.
That’s one of the potential values that a financial planner can bring to the table for you — monitoring your portfolio for you during the rough times. They’re there to remind you about the long-term goals and to help keep you on track while things are bumpy.

Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
The good news is that the clouds appear to be parting, and I’m looking at my portfolio again. The markets are still going up and down, which is to be expected, but we’re seeing an upward trend lately. As a financial planner, I’m giving myself permission now to start checking my portfolio again, because I think we’re moving in the right direction.
It’s something to keep in mind, in general: When the markets are massively down, don’t look, just keep trust that you’re investing in the long game and hold steady. When the markets are rebounding, go ahead and take a peek and enjoy seeing the numbers go up, because you’ve been patient.
I always like the advice “control the controllable,” and it works in this situation — you can’t control the stock market, but you can control your reaction to it. When it’s down, you should not look at it to avoid making panicked decisions. And when it’s up, if looking at your portfolio gives you hope, then by all means, enjoy taking a cautious look again.
Diversified, LLC is an investment adviser registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Registration of an investment adviser does not imply any specific level of skill or training and does not constitute an endorsement of the firm by the SEC. A copy of Diversified’s current written disclosure brochure which discusses, among other things, the firm’s business practices, services and fees, is available through the SEC’s website at: www.adviserinfo.sec.gov. Investments in securities involve risk, including the possible loss of principal. The information on this website is not a recommendation nor an offer to sell (or solicitation of an offer to buy) securities in the United States or in any other jurisdiction.
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.

In March 2010, Andrew Rosen joined Diversified, bringing with him nine years of financial industry experience. As a financial planner, Andrew forges lifelong relationships with clients, coaching them through all stages of life. He has obtained his Series 6, 7 and 63, along with property/casualty and health/life insurance licenses. Andrew consistently delivers high-level, concierge service to all clients.
-
The Five Social Security Blind Spots Retirees Often Miss
Understand how benefits work before applying, so you don’t lose money for which you qualify.
-
Stock Market Today: S&P 500, Nasdaq Hit New Highs After Vietnam Trade Deal
Ahead of a key July 9 tariff deadline, President Trump said the U.S. has reached a trade deal with Vietnam.
-
Social Security's First Beneficiary Lived to Be 100: Will You?
Ida May Fuller, Social Security's first beneficiary, retired in 1939 and died in 1975. Today, we should all be planning for a retirement that's as long as Ida's.
-
An Investment Strategist Demystifies Direct Indexing: Is It for You?
You've heard of mutual funds and ETFs, but direct indexing may be a new concept ... one that could offer greater flexibility and possible tax savings.
-
Q2 2025 Post-Mortem: Rebound, Risks and Generational Shifts
As the third quarter gets underway, here are some takeaways from the market's second-quarter performance to consider as you make investment decisions.
-
Why Homeowners Should Beware of Tangled Titles
If you're planning to pass down property to your heirs, a 'tangled title' can complicate things. The good news is it can be avoided. Here's how.
-
A Cautionary Tale: Why Older Adults Should Think Twice About Being Landlords
Becoming a landlord late in life can be a risky venture because of potential health issues, cognitive challenges and susceptibility to financial exploitation.
-
Home Equity Evolution: A Fresh Approach to Funding Life's Biggest Needs
Homeowners leverage their home equity through various strategies, such as HELOCs or reverse mortgages. A newer option: Shared equity models. How do those work, and what are the pros and cons?
-
Eight Tips From a Financial Caddie: How to Keep Your Retirement on the Fairway
Think of your financial adviser as a golf caddie — giving you the advice you need to nail the retirement course, avoiding financial bunkers and bogeys.
-
Just Sold Your Business? Avoid These Five Hasty Moves
If you've exited your business, financial advice is likely to be flooding in from all quarters. But wait until the dust settles before making any big moves.