How to Invest During Market Uncertainty, According to a Santa Barbara Financial Advisor

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – Tim Tremblay of Tremblay Financial Services said he has guided countless clients through uncertain times like these.

On Monday, the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell about 900 points, or 2%.

The S&P 500 dropped 2.7%, while the Nasdaq, known for its tech stocks, fell 4%.

Some financial websites called it the worst day since 2022.

"Folks are calling. I have to hold hands during this time, and that is part of the business," Tremblay said. "When we are done with our phone call, they always feel a whole lot better because they see this is really not that unusual. We have seen these kinds of downturns."

On a day like this, his staff at the office off State Street in Santa Barbara works to allay the fears of longtime clients.

"I've had this experience. I have been doing this since 1983," Tremblay said.

He said he has learned a lot during historic market ups and downs.

"Keep the emotions out of it."

The former Wake Forest University football player saves his emotions for an enviable collection of sports memorabilia that decorates his office.

Tremblay said he doesn’t criticize the financial media for frequently using the word “uncertainty.”

"It is uncertainty when you look at what is going on in the market. The tariffs—are they good, or are they going to be bad? Political consternation takes place and causes people to feel uncertain. And it is uncertain to see down the road how these things are going to affect our economy," he said. "But the one thing I can certainly tell you is if you stay the course and do the right things, even during these difficult markets, you are going to be just fine."

Tremblay, who previously taught financial terms on KEYT, usually recommends staying the course.

"Look at all the times the market has come down. If you continue to buy on the downside, on the way up, you would be so much further ahead," he said.

He added that an investor’s time frame is important to consider.

"Look at your strategies, follow them and stay the course."

Many investors use dollar-cost averaging by investing a fixed amount of money regularly to reduce risk.

"It is so bad when people invest and make decisions for their future based on emotions," Tremblay said. "Take a look at the facts. Look at what you are trying to accomplish and the stocks you hold. It might be time to buy more. You might want to dollar-cost average. If we dollar-cost average with a position, your cost basis decreases during these downturns, and you applaud the market when it comes down."

Investors are often asked to consider what they hope to accomplish with their investments.

"Each person is going to be different. What is your time frame? When are you going to retire? Are you long term or short term? Each of those situations is going to require different strategies, so it is really important to look at what your goals are," Tremblay said.