As we’ve seen over time, market falls are an integral part of investing. They are the “other side of the coin”- we benefit from the growth and then there is a period of retracing that needs to happen so that the market returns to a fair value for it’s participants. Acknowledging this truth is the first step to gaining some benefit from it.

There will likely be a number of these market cycles between now and when you retire, so it is important to know where you are, what you can do to help your outcomes along the way. One of the strategies that we talk about at times like these is Rebalancing. Over time, investment assets don’t all perform at the same level. Following a reduction in asset values it might be a good opportunity to sell down in some areas and purchase in others; the reduced asset values meaning a lower capital gains tax impact.

Another strategy that might help you to take advantage of the times is to commence regular savings. With reduced share prices, it is possible to get more for your money than what it was prior to the market correction. This also applies to managed funds that are unitised. Commencing your savings plan now will mean that you are buying more units/ shares and will ultimately have more participating in any future rebound in asset prices.

Above all, it is important to look at your future goals, identify the gap between where your current plans will land and what is needed. The you need to take steps to really understand the risk you are prepared to take on to achieve what you want for the future. Naturally, everyone’s situation is different, and there are many differing experiences of the current circumstances out there. That’s why it is important to get personalised advice in light of your own particular circumstances.

Doing this now will move you closer to your goals by “not letting a good crisis go to waste”.