Ups and Downs

In this episode, Don and Tom address the market’s recent correction—without ever saying the “D-word.” They explain how global diversification cushions the blow, why balanced portfolios aren’t as battered as headlines suggest, and how reacting emotionally is the real danger. They also dive into classic investing mistakes, like stock concentration and chasing headlines, and share guidance on rebalancing thresholds. Listener questions include when to rebalance, how to strategically tap accounts in retirement, and whether it’s time to break up with Edward Jones (spoiler: it is).

0:04 “D-word” banter and market correction intro

1:24 The $5 trillion “missing” from markets—why it’s not doomsday

2:10 Tariffs, uncertainty, and what markets hate most

3:29 Year-to-date performance: S&P 500, total U.S., and global portfolios

4:56 Diversification works—global value stocks still positive

5:14 Media panic vs. reality—why not watching CNBC is a good move

6:11 Real portfolio check-in: diversified and down just 5%

7:36 What to do when the market drops—don’t panic

8:00 “It’s different this time”—but not really

9:35 Risk check: how much are you really taking?

10:43 Concentration risk: why individual stocks and tech are volatile

11:50 Tesla and Apple tank—example of why you diversify

13:45 Expert noise: Bill Gross vs. Ed Yardeni—ignore both

15:54 Market predictions: why you should tune out “legendary” investors

16:31 Jason Zweig’s pyramid of regret—make small, smart moves

18:28 Tariffs aren’t good, but they’re also not the end

20:19 Listener Patty asks: When should I rebalance? (5–10% rule explained)

25:31 Listener Karen asks: Which account should I draw from in retirement?

33:07 Listener Dan asks: Should I still sell stocks and buy ETFs? (Yes.)

35:21 Listener Frank asks: Is it time to stop trading with Edward Jones? (Absolutely.)

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices