Should You Be Nervous About 2026? What Smart Investors Do Now

Every December, investors ask the same question: “Is it still safe to stay invested, or should I move to cash?”

 

Today, Jason & Alex break down one of the most common (and dangerous) behavioral questions investors face. With markets at or near all-time highs and uncertainty ahead in politics, global events, and the economy, it’s completely natural to feel nervous. But the data tells a very clear story, and it might surprise you.

 

We walk through:

📌 Why market timing consistently destroys investor returns

📌 What 100+ years of bull and bear market history reveals

📌 Why behavioral mistakes are the #1 detractor of long-term wealth

📌 How often markets are positive vs negative

📌 Why endowments & family offices invest differently than the average investor

📌 What you should be doing with your portfolio before year-end

📌 How alternatives can improve risk-adjusted returns

📌 Why now is the time to get a second opinion on your strategy

 

If you’ve been wondering whether it’s time to “jump to cash,” this episode will give you the clarity and confidence you need to make an informed, long-term-focused decision.

 

💬  Want a personalized review of your year-end planning? Schedule a no-cost, no-obligation consultation with our IDA Wealth team.

 

📺  Prefer to watch us on YouTube

 

Learn More:

Jason Labrum – Founder, Financial Detox
Alex Klingensmith – Partner & Wealth Advisor, IDA Wealth

📘 Financial Detox by Jason Labrum

IDA Wealth
https://www.linkedin.com/company/idawealth/
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Disclosure:

The information presented in this episode of Financial Detox is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered personalized investment, financial, tax, or legal advice. Charts, data, and illustrations are provided for general context only and are not intended to predict or guarantee future results. Certain examples may reference outcomes experienced by actual clients; however, these examples are general in nature, may not be representative, and are not a guarantee of future performance. 

References to having “better odds” when investing are based on historical market data showing that, over approximately the past 100 years, the S&P 500 Index experienced positive calendar-year returns in roughly 74% of years. This information reflects historical data only and does not guarantee future results. Market losses are possible in any period, and past performance is not indicative of future results. Investors cannot invest directly in an index. Charts referenced during this podcast are sourced from First Trust.

Statements regarding the potential benefits of avoiding behavioral mistakes and working with an adviser are based on research suggesting that behavioral coaching and disciplined planning may improve investor outcomes relative to self-directed decision-making. This perspective is informed by multiple industry studies, including research from (1) Value of an Adviser Report | 2019 – Russell Investments; (2) Alpha, Beta, and Now…Gamma | Aug 2013 – Morningstar; (3) Putting a Value on Your Value: Quantifying Vanguard Advisor’s Alpha® | July 2022 – Vanguard; (4) Capital Sigma: The Advisor Advantage | 2019 – Envestnet; (5) Know Your Alternatives | 2019 – J.P. Morgan; and (6) Quantitative Analysis of Investor Behavior (QAIB) – DALBAR. While professional guidance and discipline may help improve the investor experience, no strategy or adviser can eliminate investment risk, guarantee outperformance, or ensure positive investment results. Actual outcomes will vary based on market conditions, investor behavior, fees, taxes, and individual circumstances.

All investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. Tax-related strategies involve specific rules, limitations, and risks and may not be appropriate for every individual. Intelligence Driven Advisers (“IDA”) does not provide tax or legal advice; viewers should consult a qualified professional before implementing any strategy discussed. Intelligence Driven Advisers is an SEC-registered investment adviser. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Please review our Form ADV and Form CRS at IDA Wealth for additional information about our services, fees, and potential conflicts of interest.