Navigating Market Volatility and Retirement Planning
I recently sat down with two of the smartest financial minds I know—Jim Franklin, associate dean for Accounting, Finance and Supply Chain programs at the WGU School of Business, and Ron Premuroso, an instructor in our accounting program (which, fun fact, is the largest in the country). We had a candid conversation about the market, retirement planning and the myths that trip people up. Spoiler: It’s not about having some secret investing hack—it’s about consistency, perspective and not losing your mind when the market wobbles.
You Can’t Time the Market. Stop Trying.
When I asked them what myths they’d love to debunk, Jim didn’t even blink: “That you can time the market.” He’s not wrong. A lot of people convince themselves they’ve figured out when to buy and sell, but even the smartest folks he knows haven’t cracked that code. Timing the market is a gamble.
Ron chimed in with one of my favorite moments of the whole chat. “Don’t panic sell,” he said. “You might feel better that night, but long term? You’ve probably just locked in your losses.” It was one of those moments where I thought: yep, this is exactly the kind of wisdom people need to hear.
When in Doubt, Zoom Out .
One of the best pieces of advice came when I asked what someone should do if they’re genuinely nervous about retirement right now. Ron shared that during the 2008 crash, he didn’t look at his retirement accounts for more than a year. He focused on his life and his family, and he didn’t obsess over the noise. That kind of long-term perspective is something I rarely hear—especially from someone who literally teaches accounting.
Jim agreed but added a useful twist: Do check your portfolio every so often—not to worry , but to make sure your allocations still match your goals and risk tolerance. “Don’t go checking daily,” he warned. “There’s going to be volatility no matter what.”
The Real Takeaways
Here’s what stuck with me:
Don’t do this alone.
Be consistent.
Ride the wave.
Know what you’re invested in.
And maybe log out of your retirement app now and then.
The WGU School of Business wins because of leaders like Jim and Ron. They bring real-world experience and a steady presence to conversations that can feel overwhelming. At WGU, students learn through real-world applications, not just textbooks. Stay tuned for more insights from the School of Business.
This article is for informational purposes and does not constitute financial advice. Consult with a qualified financial adviser before making financial decisions.
