The Sentinel

Guest Commentary |
Riding the stock market roller coaster; don't jump

Now is not the time to faint or jump from the roller coaster. Who knows how the market will perform over the next few weeks.

by Glenn Mollette, Guest Commentator

You never undo your seat belt or jump from a moving roller coaster. Nor, should you when it comes to our current Stock market.

Eight years ago, if you bought a share of VOO or Vanguard S & P 500 ETF stock, you may have paid about $220 for the share. Today, as of this writing it’s worth $490.55. In other words, even with the fall of the stock market recently you have made good money on your investment. A couple of weeks back it was up to $560 which means you were flying high on your profit. Still yet, you have done well.

If you bought your share of VOO two weeks ago at $560 then you have lost $70, at least for now. You may lose some more but you have to hold tight. Don’t panic and sell now or you will have a loss. Ride it out and give the market time to settle down and rise again. If you have to cash in your stock then cash in while they are high.

Now may be a good time to buy but keep in mind the market may go down some more.

Don’t invest your grocery money in stock. This is the money you need every week for food, shelter, travel and overhead. This is not the money you spend on stock. If you do, then in two weeks you will have to sell your stock to eat and risk losing some of the money you invested. Only invest in stock what you don’t currently need for general living expenses.

Who knows how the market will perform over the next few weeks. It’s going to be a few weeks or months before the tariffs really shape up as to what is really what. The reports are that numerous countries are coming to the table interested in making deals and playing fair with the United States. This will be good for us and them. As these deals stabilize look for the stock market to become more stable once again. If Japan, India, South Korea, Canada and Mexico all level the playing field with the United States our stock market will level out. If there are more reports of industry manufacturing coming to the United States the stock market will begin to rise again.

Now may be a good time to buy but keep in mind the market may go down some more. If you bought VIG two weeks ago then you’ve already seen a significant drop. Keep in mind you only lose it if you sell it when the stock is down. I feel confident that the stock market will come back bigger and bolder than ever but it may take a few months or longer.

The stock market has averaged making about ten percent over the last fifty years. This means it has had years when it made more and years when it made less. An average of ten percent is about the best you can do on your money over the long haul.

Now is not the time to faint or jump from the roller coaster. Rely on your stable income such as Social Security, or any other stable income you may have. If you have a regular paying job you may want to stay with it a little while longer if you can and if you enjoy your work.

About the author ~

Glen Mollett is the author of 13 books including Uncommom Sense, the Spiritual Chocolate series, Grandpa's Store, Minister's Guidebook insights from a fellow minister. His column is published weekly in over 600 publications in all 50 states.

The views expressed are those of the author and are not necessarily representative of any other group or organization. We welcome comments and views from our readers. Submit your letters to the editor or commentary on a current event 24/7 to editor@oursentinel.com.

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Refunds to New Rides: 3 essential tips for buying a good used car this spring

Photo: Leon Seibert/Unsplash

Family Features - Tax refunds have started rolling in, which means many people are looking to use this influx of cash to make purchases they’ve been putting off. According to an Oxford Economics report, the amount of money received from income tax refunds this year could be among the highest in recent years, so many people may have more money in their pockets to spend this spring.

One purchase typically rises to the top this time of year: used vehicles. The Oxford report shows used vehicles are one of the most popular purchases for Americans during tax refund time as this coincides with higher resale values of used vehicles. When making this purchase, it’s important to consider several factors to make a smart financial decision.

Make Sure the Purchase Fits Within Your Budget

Data from Kelley Blue Book and Cox Automotive suggests average used car prices are around 50% less than new vehicle prices. Trusted used car companies and dealerships often feature a wide selection of inventory, including different makes and models, so customers can select a vehicle that excites them and fits within their budget.

“While there are several considerations to keep in mind when shopping for a vehicle, consumers should never exceed their budget,” said Laura D. Adams, personal finance expert, host of the “Money Girl” podcast and a paid Enterprise Car Sales spokesperson. “A vehicle that is near new is often an excellent sweet spot for consumers looking for quality without wanting to make the leap to purchase an expensive, new vehicle.”

Searching for a vehicle with a retailer you trust can help make it easy to stay within your budget. For example, with Enterprise Car Sales, the price listed is the price you’ll pay.

Keep the Monthly Payment Low

The more you can invest in the down payment on a vehicle, the lower your monthly cost will typically be and the less interest you will typically pay over the length of the loan. This can lead to lower, more manageable monthly payments.

“In setting a budget for a quality used vehicle, it’s important to consider the initial down payment, the monthly payments, and the interest,” Adams said. “When consumers can put a little more toward the initial down payment, while staying within budget, they often thank themselves later when they have lower monthly payments and less interest accrued.”

There are many online resources that can help consumers make this calculation. For example, an auto loan calculator can show you how a down payment can affect interest charges.

Purchase a Reliable Vehicle

No matter who you buy from, ensuring you are purchasing a high-quality, reliable vehicle is of the utmost importance. Do your research before signing on the dotted line and conduct a test drive if you can.

“When conducting your search, it’s important to put companies and dealerships you trust at the top of your list,” Adams said. “Maintenance costs can sometimes creep up down the road, so it’s important to make this significant purchase from a company or dealership you trust.”

Some dealers also provide additional benefits to help protect a purchase. For example, all vehicles purchased through Enterprise Car Sales are “Enterprise Certified,” pass a rigorous inspection by ASE-certified technicians and come with a 12-month or 12,000-mile limited powertrain warranty (whichever occurs first), 12 months of roadside assistance and a 7-day or 1,000-mile (whichever occurs first) buyback policy.

With a little research and careful planning, you can find a reliable used vehicle that excites you. Visit enterprisecarsales.com for more information.