By Kevin Campbell | Wealth Advisor & Founder | Peaks Financial
Host of Kitsap Matters Podcast | Author of Fearless: Charting Your Course to Financial Independence
We’re living in strange times. Inflation’s sticky, interest rates are punchy, and the markets can’t seem to decide whether they’re caffeinated or exhausted. One week we’re up. The next we’re wondering if someone pulled the plug.
For many investors, uncertainty feels like a signal to retreat—to hide out in cash, wait for “the bottom,” or make knee-jerk moves based on headlines. But as I often tell clients: volatility isn’t a reason to panic. It’s a reason to plan differently.
The Problem With “Hope-Based” Investing
Traditional investing wisdom often boils down to “buy low, hold tight, and hope for the best.” But in volatile markets, hope is not a strategy. Uncertainty demands something more thoughtful—something I call formulaic investing.
Formulaic investing is just what it sounds like: a rules-based approach that helps you make objective decisions, even when markets get emotional. It’s like flying with instruments instead of guessing based on how it “feels” outside the cockpit.
Why Structure Helps When Emotions Run High
When markets drop, most people instinctively want to run from risk. But that often leads to locking in losses or missing the rebound. A structured investment process helps keep your decisions aligned with your goals—not your gut.
At Peaks Financial, we use our SAIL FORMula to anchor portfolios across four key pillars: Safety, Access, Income, and Long-term Growth. That balance helps weather uncertainty without sacrificing opportunity.
Think of it like sailing (yes, pun intended). You don’t abandon the boat when the wind changes. You trim the sails.
Is It Possible to Have Upside Without Excessive Downside?
One common misconception I hear is that you have to choose between safety and performance. Either you’re “all in” on the market or you’re hiding in cash and bonds. But today’s investment landscape offers more nuance.
There are strategies designed to participate in growth while offering some form of downside protection. Formulaic Investing, Structured notes, buffered ETFs, and other strategies can offer a different path for risk-conscious investors.
Of course, not every strategy fits every investor, and these tools come with their own complexities. But the key takeaway is this: you’re not limited to the binary choice of fear or FOMO (fear of missing out).
Local Business Owners, Take Note
If you’re a Kitsap-area business owner navigating uncertain times, the same rules apply. Just like diversifying your customer base or building up working capital buffers, diversified and risk-aware portfolios can stabilize your personal finances—even when your business is riding economic headwinds.
And if your retirement plan for employees feels outdated or overly exposed to market swings, now’s a great time to explore more resilient plan designs.
Don’t Let Today’s Volatility Derail Tomorrow’s Goals
It’s easy to lose sight of long-term goals when the short-term noise is loud. But successful investing often looks boring in the moment and brilliant in hindsight.
Rather than trying to outguess the market, build a thoughtful plan to stay aligned with your long term goals. Structure your investments. Build in flexibility. Focus on your timeline—not the news cycle.
A Thoughtful Course Forward
If the current market rollercoaster has left you wondering whether your portfolio is working for you—or against you—this is the perfect time to revisit your plan. Is it built to withstand uncertainty? Does it give you confidence, not just hope?
If not, it may be time to think differently.
Disclosure:
Kevin Campbell is an Investment Advisor Representative of, and advisory services are offered through USA Financial Securities, A Registered Investment Advisor located at 6020 E. Fulton St., Ada, MI 49301. Peaks Financial is not affiliated with USA Financial Securities.
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