“We just dropped off our oldest child at college for her freshman year. They weren’t kidding when they said ‘the days are long, but the years are short.’ Eighteen years flew by in the blink of an eye. As a parent, it’s a bittersweet milestone, and as a financial advisor, it’s also a vivid reminder of how much the cost of college has soared since my own college days.”

Every time the news screams crisis, investors wonder if this is finally the moment to pull the plug. But what if the headlines have it backwards? In this post, Stephen Iaconis, CFP®, walks through 50 years of market history to show how panic rarely pays—and why staying the course has historically been the smartest move. From the oil crisis to COVID, the pattern is clear: markets recover faster than the news cycle does. Want proof? We ran the numbers. The cost of reacting to fear might surprise you.

Losing your job isn’t just about losing a paycheck—it’s about losing a sense of stability. But here’s the thing: stability doesn’t come from a paycheck. It comes from having a plan. Whether you’re facing job loss right now or just want to be prepared, this guide walks you through the mental, financial, and practical steps you can take to regain control. From side hustles to retirement options, we cover what actually works—and how to move forward with confidence.