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.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Be a smarter, better informed investor.

Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free 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.
-
Kickstart Your 2026 Retirement Plan Now
Retirement can feel far-off, or too close for comfort, depending on where you’re at. But one thing’s clear — now is the ideal time to get your retirement plan in order.
-
Four Clever and Tax-Efficient Ways to Ditch Concentrated Stock Holdings, From a Financial Planner
Holding too much of one company's stock can put your financial future at risk. Here are four ways you can strategically unwind such positions without triggering a massive tax bill.
-
Four Clever and Tax-Efficient Ways to Ditch Concentrated Stock Holdings, From a Financial Planner
Holding too much of one company's stock can put your financial future at risk. Here are four ways you can strategically unwind such positions without triggering a massive tax bill.
-
Beyond Banking: How Credit Unions Serve Their Communities
Credit unions differentiate themselves from traditional banks by operating as member-owned financial cooperatives focused on community support and service rather than shareholder profit.
-
Answers to Every Early Retiree's Questions This Year, From a Wealth Adviser
From how to retire in a crazy market to how much to withdraw and how to spend without feeling guilty, a financial pro shares the advice he's given this year.
-
The Risks of Forced DST-to-UPREIT Conversions, From a Real Estate Expert
Some new Delaware statutory trust offerings are forcing investors into 721 UPREIT conversions at the end of the hold period, raising concerns about loss of control, limited liquidity, opaque valuations and unexpected tax liabilities.
-
I'm a Financial Adviser: You've Built Your Wealth, Now Make Sure Your Family Keeps It
The Great Wealth Transfer is well underway, yet too many families aren't ready. Here's how to bridge the generation gap that could threaten your legacy.
-
Want to Advance on the Job? Showing Some Courtesy and Appreciation Could Help
Two business professors share their insights about the impact of digital communication on the social skills of some in Gen Z and the importance of good manners on the job.
-
From Job Loss to Free Agent: A Financial Professional's Transition Playbook (and Pep Talk)
The American workforce is in transition, and if you're among those affected, take heart. You have the skills, experience and smarts that companies need.
-
A Financial Planner's Top Five Items to Prioritize When Your Spouse Is Ill
During tough times, it's easy to overlook important financial details, but you'll be so much better off if you take care of these things right now.