Investing is more complicated than just picking a few stocks, buying a mutual fund, or following financial headlines. And when markets are volatile, the risks of managing your investments alone can grow exponentially. While you may thrive with the do-it-yourself approach, you may find yourself overwhelmed, second-guessing your decisions, or making costly mistakes that could have been avoided with trusted guidance.
You wouldn’t plan and execute a military mission alone, and you don’t need to navigate the markets without reliable leadership. That’s where AAFMAA Wealth Management & Trust LLC (AWM&T) comes in. Read on to explore the risks of self-managing your investments during a volatile market.
When markets are steady, self-managing your investments might feel manageable. But when conditions shift – as they inevitably do – going it alone gets harder.
Here’s why:
• Lack of Time. Markets move fast. Staying on top of financial news, economic indicators, interest rates, tax law changes, and global events isn’t just a hobby, it’s a full-time job. As an individual investor, you don’t always have the hours in your week to track market movements and adjust your portfolio accordingly.
• Limited Expertise. Investing well requires more than just knowing how to buy or sell. Without guidance, self-directed investors often fall into the emotional traps of buying high, selling low, or making reactive decisions based on fear or headlines. Investing requires:
• Deep understanding of asset allocation
• Risk tolerance assessment
• Time horizon planning
• Tax implications
• Sector and geographic diversification
• Behavioral discipline
• Missing the Big Picture. It’s easy to get caught up in individual investments, but without a comprehensive strategy, isolated decisions can lead to fragmented results. Do your investments align with your long-term goals? Are they tax efficient? Are you taking on more risk than necessary? If you’re not certain, that’s a red flag.
• Mistakes Can Be Expensive. These missteps don’t just hurt your returns – they can derail retirement timelines, college savings goals, and legacy plans. Common self-directed investor mistakes include:
Ignoring diversification
• Over-concentrating in a single stock or sector
• Misunderstanding risk vs. reward
• Forgetting about tax consequences
• Panicking during market downturns
• Timing the market incorrectly
When you partner with AWM&T, you’re not just getting investment advice, you’re also gaining a team of seasoned professionals who are focused on helping you achieve financial security. We’ve helped countless military families and Veterans navigate uncertain markets with confidence.
Here’s what working with AWM&T means for you:
• A customized investment strategy tailored to your goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon
• Access to decades of collective investment experience
• Ongoing monitoring of market trends, economic conditions, and portfolio performance
• Trusted fiduciaries always acting in your best interest
• Proactive adjustments based on research and insight, not emotion
• Peace of mind
We believe your time is better spent living your life, not trying to outsmart the market. Visit aafmaatrust.com to learn more or call 1-910-307-3500 today.
Founded in 2012, AAFMAA Wealth Management & Trust LLC (AWM&T) was created to meet the distinct financial needs of military families. We proudly deliver experienced, trustworthy financial planning, investment management, and trust administration services – all designed to promote lasting security and independence.
We are proud to share the mission, vision, and values of Armed Forces Mutual, our parent company. We consistently build on the Association’s rich history and tradition to provide our Members with a source of compassion, trust, and protection. At AWM&T, we are committed to serving as your trusted fiduciary, always putting your best interests first. Through Armed Forces Mutual's legacy and our financial guidance, we provide personalized wealth management solutions to military families across generations.
© 2025 AAFMAA Wealth Management & Trust LLC. Information provided by AAFMAA Wealth Management & Trust LLC is not intended to be tax or legal advice. Nothing contained in this communication should be interpreted as such. We encourage you to seek guidance from your tax or legal advisor. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Investments are not FDIC or SIPC insured, are not deposits, nor are they insured by, issued by, or guaranteed by obligations of any government agency or any bank, and they involve risk including possible loss of principal. No information provided herein is intended as personal investment advice or financial recommendation and should not be interpreted as such. The information provided reflects the general views of AAFMAA Wealth Management and Trust LLC but may not reflect client recommendations, investment strategies, or performance. Current and future financial environments may not reflect those illustrated here. Views of AAFMAA Wealth Management & Trust LLC may change based on new information or considerations.