If you’ve been watching your investment account lately and thought, “Wait… where did my money go?”—you’re not alone.
We’re officially in a bear market, which means the stock market is down 20% or more from its recent high. For new investors (and even seasoned ones), this can feel unsettling. But I want to share what I’m doing right now—and what you can do too.
🧠 First, a Mindset Check
Markets go up. Markets go down.
This is completely normal and part of the investing journey.
What separates people who build wealth from those who don’t… is how they respond during times like these.
💪 Here’s What I’m Doing in the Bear Market:
1. When in doubt, ZOOM OUT!
I remind myself: I’m investing for the long term—not for this month or even this year.
The market has always recovered. Historically, every bear market has been followed by a bull market (aka growth!).
2. Staying Invested
I’m not pulling my money out. I’m sticking to my plan.
Trying to time the market almost always leads to missed opportunities. I’d rather stay consistent and let compound interest do its thing.
3. Dollar-Cost Averaging
I continue to invest on a regular schedule—same amount, same day, no emotions.
This strategy means I’m buying more shares when prices are low (aka discounted). It’s like a sale on my future wealth. Yes, please.
4. Reviewing My Budget
Bear markets are a good time to tighten up. I’ve looked at my spending to make sure I’m:
- Keeping my emergency fund intact
- Avoiding high-interest debt and paying off debt FAST
- Still able to invest at my comfort level
To learn how to invest, here’s a post on how to get started.
5. Focusing on What I Can Control
I can’t control the stock market. But I can control how much I save, how much I invest, and what I learn. So I’m using this time to deepen my financial knowledge and stay connected to my “why.”
🙋🏽♀️ If You’re a Nurse Feeling Nervous—Here’s My Advice:
- Don’t panic. Selling at a loss locks in that loss.
- Stick to your plan. If you don’t have one yet, this is a great time to create one.
- Keep learning. The more you understand money, the less afraid you’ll feel.
- Talk to someone. Join a community, take a course, or reach out to a trusted financial educator (👋🏽 hi!).
🌱 Final Thoughts
Bear markets are tough—but they’re also a gift.
They test our mindset, build resilience, and offer the chance to grow our wealth at a discount.
So I’m not sitting around waiting for the market to bounce back.
I’m doing what long-term investors do which is staying calm, consistent and invested.
And I hope you do too.
Want to learn how to confidently invest through any market?
My course, Employ Your Money, is designed just for nurses like you. We break everything down—no jargon, no overwhelm, just clarity.
Let’s build wealth—even in bear markets. 🐻📈
