If you’re feeling uneasy about the markets right now, you’re not alone. I’d be lying if I said this is easy. Markets are volatile, headlines are unnerving, and the future feels uncertain. It’s a lot.
And yet, when my mind starts to spin, I find some clarity in history. We can learn a great deal from past market crises—what caused them, how investors responded, and the process of recovery that followed. In every case, whenever we thought, “This time is different,” we eventually made it through.
From the Great Depression to the oil shocks of the ’70s, from 9/11 to the financial crisis, from COVID’s market freefall to today’s geopolitical uncertainty and policy whiplash, we have faced fear, loss, and doubt time and time again. And still, historically, the long-term trajectory has been growth. In fact, through 13 recessions and 11 bear markets over the last 70 years, U.S. stocks have delivered average annual returns of about 8%.1
That doesn’t mean every portfolio follows the same path. And it doesn’t mean things aren’t painful in the short term. But history reminds us of two things: fear is temporary, and resilience is real.
History gives me hope, but I don’t want to oversimplify. Just because markets have always recovered doesn’t mean every investor experience is the same, or that every moment of volatility feels manageable while it’s happening.
Yet, it is noteworthy that we don’t help our clients invest based on assumptions that everything will always go up. In fact, we specifically design strategies to include a variety of asset types—some intended to grow, some to preserve, some to help buffer against shocks—because real life is messy, and markets reflect that messiness.
No portfolio is perfectly protected from short-term pain. But the goal isn’t perfection. It’s durability. The work we do with our clients around setting goals, clarifying priorities, and choosing the right mix of investments is a big part of what contributes to long-term resilience.
If you’re feeling uneasy, I get it. These are tough times, and staying invested isn’t always comfortable. But reacting emotionally to short-term swings can often create long-term setbacks. History repeats that pattern, too.
If you want to discuss your strategy or share what’s on your mind, we’re here. This is exactly the kind of moment we plan for.
P.S. Market commentary reflects broader trends, not individual results. Your portfolio’s performance will depend on your strategy, goals, and risk profile. And that’s a good thing—because your plan is built just for you.
Sources:
1. Morningstar, 2025 [URL: https://www.morningstar.com/economy/what-weve-learned-150-years-stock-market-crashes]
Concerns or questions about how your investment portfolio will hold up in the current market environment? Contact Financial Synergies today.
We are a boutique, financial advisory and total wealth management firm with over 35 years helping clients navigate turbulent markets. To learn more about our approach to investment management please reach out to us. One of our seasoned advisors would be happy to help you build a custom financial plan to help ensure you accomplish your financial goals and objectives. Schedule a conversation with us today.
More relevant articles by Financial Synergies:
Blog Disclosures
This content, which may contain security-related opinions and/or information, is provided for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon in any manner as professional advice, or an endorsement of any practices, products or services. There can be no guarantees or assurances that the views expressed here will be applicable for any particular facts or circumstances, and should not be relied upon in any manner. You should consult your own financial advisors as to legal, business, tax, and other related matters concerning any investment.
The commentary in this “post” (including any related blogs, videos, and social media) reflects the personal opinions, viewpoints, and analyses of the Financial Synergies Wealth Advisors, Inc. employees providing such comments, and should not be regarded as the views of Financial Synergies Wealth Advisors, Inc. or its respective affiliates or as a description of advisory services provided by Financial Synergies Wealth Advisors, Inc. or performance returns of any Financial Synergies Wealth Advisors, Inc. client.
Any opinions expressed herein do not constitute or imply endorsement, sponsorship, or recommendation by Financial Synergies Wealth Advisors, Inc. or its employees. The views reflected in the commentary are subject to change at any time without notice.
Nothing on this website or Blog constitutes investment or financial planning advice, performance data or any recommendation that any particular security, portfolio of securities, transaction or investment strategy is suitable for any specific person. It also should not be construed as an offer soliciting the purchase or sale of any security mentioned. Nor should it be construed as an offer to provide investment advisory services by Financial Synergies Wealth Advisors, Inc.
Any mention of a particular security and related performance data is not a recommendation to buy or sell that security. Financial Synergies Wealth Advisors, Inc. manages its clients’ accounts using a variety of investment techniques and strategies, which are not necessarily discussed in the commentary. Investments in securities involve the risk of loss. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
Any charts provided here or on any related Financial Synergies Wealth Advisors, Inc. personnel content outlets are for informational purposes only, and should also not be relied upon when making any investment decision. Any indices referenced for comparison are unmanaged and cannot be invested into directly. As always please remember investing involves risk and possible loss of principal capital; please seek advice from a licensed professional. Any projections, estimates, forecasts, targets, prospects and/or opinions expressed in these materials are subject to change without notice and may differ or be contrary to opinions expressed by others. Information in charts have been obtained from third-party sources and data, and may include those from portfolio securities of funds managed by Financial Synergies Wealth Advisors, Inc. While taken from sources believed to be reliable, Financial Synergies Wealth Advisors, Inc. has not independently verified such information and makes no representations about the enduring accuracy of the information or its appropriateness for a given situation. All content speaks only as of the date indicated.
Financial Synergies Wealth Advisors, Inc. is a registered investment adviser. Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where Financial Synergies Wealth Advisors, Inc. and its representatives are properly licensed or exempt from licensure. Investments in securities involve the risk of loss. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
See Full Disclosures Page Here
This Isn’t the First Crisis. It Won’t Be the Last. And That’s Okay.
If you’re feeling uneasy about the markets right now, you’re not alone. I’d be lying if I said this is easy. Markets are volatile, headlines are unnerving, and the future feels uncertain. It’s a lot.
And yet, when my mind starts to spin, I find some clarity in history. We can learn a great deal from past market crises—what caused them, how investors responded, and the process of recovery that followed. In every case, whenever we thought, “This time is different,” we eventually made it through.
From the Great Depression to the oil shocks of the ’70s, from 9/11 to the financial crisis, from COVID’s market freefall to today’s geopolitical uncertainty and policy whiplash, we have faced fear, loss, and doubt time and time again. And still, historically, the long-term trajectory has been growth. In fact, through 13 recessions and 11 bear markets over the last 70 years, U.S. stocks have delivered average annual returns of about 8%.1
That doesn’t mean every portfolio follows the same path. And it doesn’t mean things aren’t painful in the short term. But history reminds us of two things: fear is temporary, and resilience is real.
History gives me hope, but I don’t want to oversimplify. Just because markets have always recovered doesn’t mean every investor experience is the same, or that every moment of volatility feels manageable while it’s happening.
Yet, it is noteworthy that we don’t help our clients invest based on assumptions that everything will always go up. In fact, we specifically design strategies to include a variety of asset types—some intended to grow, some to preserve, some to help buffer against shocks—because real life is messy, and markets reflect that messiness.
No portfolio is perfectly protected from short-term pain. But the goal isn’t perfection. It’s durability. The work we do with our clients around setting goals, clarifying priorities, and choosing the right mix of investments is a big part of what contributes to long-term resilience.
If you’re feeling uneasy, I get it. These are tough times, and staying invested isn’t always comfortable. But reacting emotionally to short-term swings can often create long-term setbacks. History repeats that pattern, too.
If you want to discuss your strategy or share what’s on your mind, we’re here. This is exactly the kind of moment we plan for.
P.S. Market commentary reflects broader trends, not individual results. Your portfolio’s performance will depend on your strategy, goals, and risk profile. And that’s a good thing—because your plan is built just for you.
Sources:
1. Morningstar, 2025 [URL: https://www.morningstar.com/economy/what-weve-learned-150-years-stock-market-crashes]
Concerns or questions about how your investment portfolio will hold up in the current market environment? Contact Financial Synergies today.
We are a boutique, financial advisory and total wealth management firm with over 35 years helping clients navigate turbulent markets. To learn more about our approach to investment management please reach out to us. One of our seasoned advisors would be happy to help you build a custom financial plan to help ensure you accomplish your financial goals and objectives. Schedule a conversation with us today.
More relevant articles by Financial Synergies:
Blog Disclosures
This content, which may contain security-related opinions and/or information, is provided for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon in any manner as professional advice, or an endorsement of any practices, products or services. There can be no guarantees or assurances that the views expressed here will be applicable for any particular facts or circumstances, and should not be relied upon in any manner. You should consult your own financial advisors as to legal, business, tax, and other related matters concerning any investment.
The commentary in this “post” (including any related blogs, videos, and social media) reflects the personal opinions, viewpoints, and analyses of the Financial Synergies Wealth Advisors, Inc. employees providing such comments, and should not be regarded as the views of Financial Synergies Wealth Advisors, Inc. or its respective affiliates or as a description of advisory services provided by Financial Synergies Wealth Advisors, Inc. or performance returns of any Financial Synergies Wealth Advisors, Inc. client.
Any opinions expressed herein do not constitute or imply endorsement, sponsorship, or recommendation by Financial Synergies Wealth Advisors, Inc. or its employees. The views reflected in the commentary are subject to change at any time without notice.
Nothing on this website or Blog constitutes investment or financial planning advice, performance data or any recommendation that any particular security, portfolio of securities, transaction or investment strategy is suitable for any specific person. It also should not be construed as an offer soliciting the purchase or sale of any security mentioned. Nor should it be construed as an offer to provide investment advisory services by Financial Synergies Wealth Advisors, Inc.
Any mention of a particular security and related performance data is not a recommendation to buy or sell that security. Financial Synergies Wealth Advisors, Inc. manages its clients’ accounts using a variety of investment techniques and strategies, which are not necessarily discussed in the commentary. Investments in securities involve the risk of loss. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
Any charts provided here or on any related Financial Synergies Wealth Advisors, Inc. personnel content outlets are for informational purposes only, and should also not be relied upon when making any investment decision. Any indices referenced for comparison are unmanaged and cannot be invested into directly. As always please remember investing involves risk and possible loss of principal capital; please seek advice from a licensed professional. Any projections, estimates, forecasts, targets, prospects and/or opinions expressed in these materials are subject to change without notice and may differ or be contrary to opinions expressed by others. Information in charts have been obtained from third-party sources and data, and may include those from portfolio securities of funds managed by Financial Synergies Wealth Advisors, Inc. While taken from sources believed to be reliable, Financial Synergies Wealth Advisors, Inc. has not independently verified such information and makes no representations about the enduring accuracy of the information or its appropriateness for a given situation. All content speaks only as of the date indicated.
Financial Synergies Wealth Advisors, Inc. is a registered investment adviser. Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where Financial Synergies Wealth Advisors, Inc. and its representatives are properly licensed or exempt from licensure. Investments in securities involve the risk of loss. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
See Full Disclosures Page Here
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