A Post-Volatility Reflection

There’s a funny pattern we’ve noticed in wealth management:
When markets drop 1,000 points, the phone starts to ring.
When they rally 1,000 points? Silence.

This Monday morning, the Dow is set to open up over 1,000 points. The sun is out, the caffeine is flowing, and it feels better. Stocks have rebounded sharply from their recent lows- major stock indices are now up greater than 10% off the bottom seen just a few weeks ago. Futures this morning are pointing higher on the heels of strong earnings from market bellwethers, easing inflation expectations, and a softening in geopolitical tensions (specifically around China/US Tariffs this morning) that spooked investors earlier in Q2.

But let’s be honest—investing is never just about how we feel on any given day. It’s about what we do when the noise is loudest.

A few weeks ago, we were staring at some real volatility. Emotions ran high. Headlines screamed. And even the most seasoned investors felt the heat. As professionals, we’re trained to remain cool, calm, and strategic—but we’re also human. When you manage portfolios that represent your clients’ life’s work—their retirement, their healthcare needs, their children’s future—it’s personal.

And it should be.

At Members’ Wealth, we believe you can be rational and human at the same time. That’s why after periods of volatility, we like to perform a “post-mortem” not just on the markets—but on ourselves.

What did we get right?
We communicated frequently.
We rebalanced portfolios when opportunity called for it.
We did not freeze.
We didn’t go to cash in a panic.
We stuck to process over prediction.

Could we have done more? Always.
Could we have traded more? Bought more? Hedged more? Perhaps. But as every investor knows, it’s easier to second-guess in hindsight than to execute in the fog of uncertainty.

The truth is:

We don’t raise the all-clear flag.
We don’t claim to know where the top or bottom is.
We focus on executing the plan—and evolving it when needed.

And now, with markets climbing again, we ask:
How did you do?

If the recent volatility shook your confidence…
If you were close to pulling the trigger and reducing equity risk at precisely the wrong moment…
If your personal situation—your age, health, spending needs, or family priorities—has evolved…

Then now is the time to talk.
Not during the next panic. Now!
Because calm markets offer space for clear thinking. And that’s when good strategy happens.

We’ve said it before: just because you didn’t flinch during a 20% drop in 2015 doesn’t mean you won’t feel different today. Each stage of life brings new variables. And with that, your investment strategy should evolve too.

Call us now, not in the next storm.
Let’s review what worked, what didn’t, and what needs adjusting.
This is how we build resilience—before the next round of volatility hits.

Because in investing, as in life, the only constant is change. And why we have Evolve in our logo.

Preserve.Grow.Endure.Evolve

Investment strategies, including rebalancing, do not guarantee improved performance and involve risk, including potential loss of principal. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

The information provided is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice and it should not be relied on as such. It should not be considered a solicitation to buy or an offer to sell a security. It does not take into account any investor's particular investment objectives, strategies, tax status or investment horizon. 
All information has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but its accuracy is not guaranteed. There is no representation or warranty as to the current accuracy, reliability or completeness of, nor liability for, decisions based on such information and it should not be relied on as such.

About the Author

Dane Czaplicki, CFA®

Dane Czaplicki is CEO of Members’ Wealth, a boutique wealth management firm that offers a comprehensive approach to serving individuals, families, business owners, and institutions. The firm’s goal is to preserve and grow its clients’ wealth to endure over time, while thoughtfully evolving its strategy to suit an ever-changing world. With over 20 years of wealth management experience, Dane and the Members' Wealth team thrive on bringing clarity and confidence to clients' unique situations. He believes everyone needs sound financial advice from someone whose interests are aligned with theirs, and is determined to put service before all else.

Dane received his MBA from The Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania and his bachelor’s degree from Bloomsburg University. Outside work, he enjoys spending time with his wife and kids, hiking and camping, reading, running, and playing with his dog. To learn more about Dane, connect with him on LinkedIn.

To get in touch with the Members’ Wealth team today, I invite you to email info@memberswealthllc.com or call (267) 367-5453. 

You can learn more about how we serve our clients by tapping the button below.

Investment advisory services are offered through Members’ Wealth, LLC., a Registered Investment Advisory Firm.

Registration with the SEC does not imply a certain level of skill or training. We are an independent advisory firm helping individuals achieve their financial needs and goals

Members’ Wealth does not provide legal, accounting or tax advice. Please consult your tax or legal advisors before taking any action that may have tax consequences.

This commentary reflects the personal opinions, viewpoints and analyses of the Members’ Wealth, LLC employees providing such comments, and should not be regarded as a description of advisory services provided by Members’ Wealth, LLC or performance returns of any Members’ Wealth, LLC client. The views reflected in the commentary are subject to change at any time without notice. Nothing in this commentary constitutes investment advice, performance data or any recommendation that any particular security, portfolio of securities, transaction or investment strategy is suitable for any specific person. Any mention of a particular security and related performance data is not a recommendation to buy or sell that security. Members’ Wealth, LLC 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

Copyright © 2023 Members' Wealth LLC