NAVIGATOR 21 | What Should I Do When Markets Fall?

A calm, practical guide to navigating volatility without making permanent mistakes.

MEET JOHN

John had lived through market declines before. He knew the statistics. He understood that markets recover. He had told others to stay calm. But when this correction hit, it felt different. Every correction does. The news felt urgent. The losses felt personal. The fear felt rational — even responsible.

John noticed the familiar internal pressure to act. Not because his plan had changed — but because discomfort demanded relief. Looking back on previous downturns, John saw a clear pattern:

The worst damage never came from the market. It came from decisions made while emotions were elevated. The real question wasn’t whether the market would recover. It was more personal and more important:

“How do I respond to fear without letting it rewrite my long-term plan?”

WHAT THIS NAVIGATOR IS

A steady, decision-focused guide for what to do — and what not to do — during market corrections, helping you protect your long-term plan when volatility tests discipline. This Navigator is about behavior under pressure, not market timing.

A CHECKLIST | To Help You Navigate Some Important Questions!

Market Reality

☐ Market corrections are normal and recurring.

☐ Declines are temporary; decisions are permanent.

☐ Volatility is the price of long-term returns.

☐ Every correction feels unique while it’s happening.

Personal Readiness

☐ Do I have adequate short-term liquidity?

☐ Can I meet spending needs without selling investments now?

☐ Has my personal life changed — or just the market?

Emotional Awareness

☐ Am I feeling urgency to act?

☐ Am I reacting to headlines more than facts?

☐ Am I seeking relief from discomfort rather than clarity?

Decision Filters

☐ Does this action align with my long-term plan?

☐ Would I make this decision if markets were calm?

☐ Is this an all-or-nothing move?

☐ Am I acting to avoid regret rather than improve outcomes?

Behavioral Guardrails

☐ Do I have a mandatory pause rule (e.g., 48 hours)?

☐ Have I talked to someone before acting?

☐ Do I know which actions are not allowed right now?

Portfolio Awareness

☐ Is my portfolio built to withstand declines?

☐ Do I understand the role of each asset in a downturn?

☐ Is rebalancing part of my plan — not a reaction?

Perspective & History

☐ Have markets recovered from worse declines before?

☐ Do I remember past corrections accurately — not emotionally?

Process & Support

☐ Do I know who to call before making changes?

☐ Am I following a pre-agreed process?

☐ Do I trust the plan more than the moment?

☐ Would future-me thank present-me for this decision?

ACTION PLAN

1. Pause — no same-day decisions

2. Revisit your original investment plan

3. Separate market movement from life change

4. Confirm liquidity and near-term cash needs

5. Avoid all-or-nothing moves

6. Rebalance only if it is part of the plan

7. Limit exposure to market noise

8. Talk before you act — every time

WHAT TO DO NOW:

Do This Today

               •             Commit to a 48-hour pause rule before any market-related decision.

Do This This Month

               •             Review liquidity and spending coverage.

               •             Re-read your investment philosophy and assumptions.

               •             Write down which actions are never allowed during volatility.

Do This This Year

               •             After calm returns, review how you handled this correction.

               •             Refine guardrails for the next one — because there will be another.

Schedule a Conversation: Meet with your Gentian advisor during volatility, not just after — to ensure decisions stay aligned with your long-term plan and not driven by fear. ......................................................................................................................................................................................................

Gentian Financial | 12740 N River Road, Mequon Wi 53092 | PH 262-518-7575

Any opinions are those of Gentian Financial and not necessarily those of Raymond James. Expressions of opinion are as of this date and are subject to change without notice. Raymond James and its advisors do not offer tax or legal advice. Hypothetical examples are for illustrative purposes only. You should discuss any tax or legal matters with the appropriate professional. Investing involves risk and you may incur a profit or loss regardless of strategy selected, including diversification and asset allocation. Prior to making an investment decision, please consult with your financial advisor about your individual situation. Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Investment Advisory Services offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. and Gentian Financial Inc. Gentian Financial, Inc. is not a registered broker/dealer, and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services. Donor Advised Funds: Donors are urged to consult their attorneys, accountants or tax advisors with respect to questions relating to the deductibility of various types of contributions to a Donor-Advised Fund for federal and state tax purposes.