In September 2025 the stock market index has hit an all-time high. What can we do to protect the money we have that is exposed to risk in the stock market? I have heard buy gold or move out of the stock market but what are our options? Rules for IRA must not move any out unless over 59.5 years old
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Hello,
Jeff hit on a few good points. One of them is not to time the market and instead create a long-term risk-adjusted approach. I’m assuming, and if you are like most folks, that a retirement account, such as an IRA, is the end goal to live off the money in retirement.
When is retirement for you? Next 5 years, in retirement, 15 years away, 30 years away.
Time and goals are not the only variables, but two key ones that help determine risk. Once you understand your appropriate risk and goals, you can allocate investments within your IRA properly.
Alternative investments to stocks:
There are bonds that historically are more conservative than stocks, and come in a variety of forms. Gold, and other types of commodities, are another alternative investment (gold is also at all-time highs by the way), real estate ETFs are another alternative, and money market funds, which are similar to savings funds, are another option.
Here’s the plug.
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*Information is for educational purposes and not advice. Consult a licensed professional before trading investments.
When the market is at all-time highs, it’s natural to wonder if you should pull back. I don’t believe in trying to time the market or making emotional decisions. Instead, I focus on building disciplined, diversified portfolios that are aligned with each client’s goals, time horizon, and comfort with risk.
With IRAs, you can’t simply move funds out before age 59½ without penalty, but you can manage how the money is invested inside the account. That might mean diversifying across stocks, bonds, and alternatives, rebalancing to keep things in check, and keeping shorter-term dollars more conservative while longer-term dollars stay invested for growth.
The goal isn’t “all in or all out” — it’s about having a plan that works in both good markets and bad, so you can stay on track no matter what headlines say.
If you’d like to review your own allocation and see whether adjustments make sense for your situation, let’s schedule a time to talk.