January 2026 Blog Newsletter
Captain’s Log
January 2026 Market Perspective: Volatility Is Normal—Staying the Course Matters
As we begin a new year, it’s natural to reflect on market performance and wonder what lies ahead. Headlines often focus on short-term swings, but history gives us a much clearer—and calmer—perspective.
One important truth worth repeating: volatility is not a sign that something is broken; it’s part of how markets work.
Market Pullbacks Are Common—Even in Good Years
When investors look back on market returns, it’s easy to forget what it felt like to live through them. Historically, the stock market experiences meaningful declines almost every year—even in years that ultimately end with strong gains.
Since 1980, the S&P 500 has experienced an average intra-year decline of about 14%, yet it still finished the year with a positive return in 35 out of 46 years. Over that same period, the average annual return was 10.7% for the S&P 500.
A great recent example is 2025. Despite ending the year up roughly 16%, the S&P 500 was down nearly 19% at one point during 2025. Investors who focused only on short-term movement may have felt anxious, but those who stayed disciplined were rewarded.
Why This Matters for Long-Term Investors
Market declines are uncomfortable—but they are also temporary. Selling during periods of fear often turns short-term volatility into permanent loss. Long-term success in investing has less to do with predicting the next downturn and more to do with remaining committed to the purpose of your money and financial plan.
This is why we emphasize planning, diversification, and behavior, not headlines.
Dollar-Cost Averaging: Turning Volatility into an Ally
For new money to be invested, volatility can work in your favor. Dollar-cost averaging—investing consistently over time—helps smooth out market ups and downs. When prices are lower, your dollars buy more shares; when prices rise, you participate in the growth.
Rather than trying to time the market, this approach keeps emotions in check and reinforces long-term discipline.
Our Commitment at Anchor Wealth
At Anchor Wealth, our role is not to predict the next market move—it’s to help you stay anchored through all of them. Volatility will always be part of investing, but history consistently shows that patience, perspective, and discipline are rewarded over time.
If you have questions about your portfolio, cash flow needs, or upcoming goals, we’re here to help. A conversation can often bring far more clarity than a headline ever will.
Adam
CEO/Wealth Advisor
Credit Card Debt Is Your Financial Worst Enemy — Here’s How to Defeat It
Credit cards are often marketed as convenience, a simple swipe now, deal with it later. But for many households, that “later” turns into months or even years of payments, interest charges, and stress. Left unchecked, credit card debt can quietly undermine your financial progress and limit your ability to build real wealth.
The truth is simple: credit card debt turns small, everyday purchases into long-term liabilities. And the longer balances linger, the harder it becomes to regain control.
Why Credit Card Debt Is So Dangerous
High-interest credit card debt reduces your financial flexibility. Money that could be used for savings, investing, or even enjoying life is instead redirected toward interest payments. Even worse, minimum payments create a false sense of progress. They are designed to maximize profit for credit card companies, not to help you achieve financial independence.
CLICK HERE to finish reading Shane Stuart’s Blog for January.
Adam’s Nightstand
This month, I’m reading Small Giants: Companies That Choose to Be Great Instead of Big by Bo Burlingham. From the moment I saw the title, it resonated deeply with how I think—and with what our team at Anchor Wealth is intentionally building for our clients.
How many times have we all felt frustrated dealing with the largest corporations in America? Endless hold times, multiple transfers, and all you want is a simple answer from a real person. Bigger doesn’t always mean better.
The book highlights companies that deliberately choose a different path, focusing on:
- Purpose over profit
- Quality over quantity
- Deep community integration
- Putting employees first
- Sustainable, intentional growth
These themes strongly align with our philosophy at Anchor Wealth. Growth matters—but how you grow matters even more. I’ve learned a great deal from this book, and whether you own a business or not, it’s a thoughtful and worthwhile read.
CLICK HERE for additional information.