What to Do When Your Investments Tank: A Woman’s Guide to Staying Grounded in Uncertain Times
In the past several days, I’ve had conversations with friends that go something like this:
"I’m afraid to log in and look at my investment accounts. It makes me feel like throwing up."
Or, "I opened my online investments today. My account is down thousands of dollars."
Can you relate?
You're not alone if you're having these kinds of conversations right now. It's scary as hell to see your hard-earned savings drop—literally overnight. I feel it, too.
Even as a money coach, I’m not immune to the gut-punch of watching the numbers fall. But here's what I know deep in my bones: this is not the time to panic—it’s the time to pause, regulate, and re-center.
This post is your gentle, yet empowering guide for what to do right now when your investments take a nosedive and your nervous system goes into overdrive. Let’s walk through it together.
Why Investment Losses Feel So Personal for Women
As women, many of us were taught that financial security = safety. So when the stock market crashes, or your IRA plummets, it doesn’t just feel like numbers on a screen—it feels like your future is collapsing.
That’s not irrational. It’s biology + lived experience.
We’ve spent our lives trying to get ahead in a system that often doesn’t reward us equally. So when we finally have savings or retirement accounts and they tank? The panic is real.
But here's the truth: market downturns are temporary. Your power is not.
Step 1: Regulate Before You React
When you see a big drop in your accounts, your nervous system goes into fight, flight, or freeze mode. That’s normal—but it’s not the place to make big financial decisions from.
So, first:
Breathe. Deep, slow inhales and exhales help your body return to a grounded state.
Move. Shake out your limbs. Go for a walk. Get back into your body.
Name it. Say out loud, “I’m feeling panic. I’m afraid of losing everything. And I’m safe in this moment.”
This helps bring your rational brain back online, so you can respond instead of react.
Step 2: Zoom Out (This Is a Long Game)
If you’re investing for retirement or long-term goals, this moment is a blip—not the whole story.
Historically, the market corrects and rebounds over time. Yes, even during recessions and political chaos.
Try this:
Look at a 10- or 20-year chart of the S&P 500. You’ll see dips and crashes—and you’ll see recovery.
Remind yourself: Unless you sell, those “losses” are unrealized. You haven’t lost anything yet.
Step 3: Get Curious, Not Catastrophic
When fear takes over, we start telling stories like:
“I’ll never retire.”
“I’m bad with money.”
“Everything I worked for is gone.”
Pause. Ask yourself:
Is this true?
What else might be true?
What support or information would help me feel more grounded right now?
Fear loves drama. Curiosity builds power.
Step 4: Don’t Make Rash Moves
Unless you need your money today, now is not the time to cash out, panic sell, or make drastic changes to your investment strategy.
What to do instead:
Check your allocation (or ask a financial advisor): Are you invested in a way that still aligns with your goals and risk tolerance?
Avoid emotional decision-making. Give yourself at least 48 hours before acting on fear.
Lean into education. The more you understand market cycles, the less power fear has.
Step 5: Recommit to Your Bigger Vision
This is your chance to reconnect with why you’re investing in the first place.
Whether it's:
A secure retirement
Financial freedom
Leaving a legacy
Or just not working until you’re 80
This vision is still alive. One rough week (or month or even year) doesn’t erase that.
You Are Still Powerful With Money
Here’s what I want every woman to remember:
You are not powerless in a crashing economy.
You are wise, resourceful, and capable of weathering financial storms with your values and your vision intact.
This is not the end of your money story. It’s just one chapter—and one that will make you stronger.
If you’re needing support navigating your money mindset during this roller coaster season, I’m here. This is what I do. I help women shift from financial anxiety to confidence—no matter what the stock market is doing.
Want to Stay Grounded With Your Money During Uncertainty?
Book a free exploration call with me to talk through your current money worries—no shame, just support.
Lastly, if this post helped you, share it with a woman you love.