Market downturns can be unsettling, especially when you see your hard-earned savings lose value. But volatility is a normal part of stock market investing, and understanding how it works can help you avoid emotional decisions and stay focused on your long-term goals. Financial Advisor David Gearhart explores why volatility matters, how time horizons and risk tolerance influence investment decisions, and how investors can use strategies like dollar-cost averaging and rebalanci

Retirement planning involves much more than choosing investments and saving enough money. Financial Advisor David Gearhart highlights five common retirement mistakes—from waiting too long to plan and overlooking taxes to taking too much investment risk or making emotional decisions—and explains how thoughtful planning can help reduce financial stress.