Stock market investing, particularly in turbulent economic times like we are facing today, can be an emotionally draining experience. It's easy to get caught up in the wild day-to-day swings of the market, and lose your focus as an investor. It's easy to give advice such as "invest for the long-run," but the fact is, we live in the short-run. What's happening today, this week, this month, is of critical importance to us. It's natural to worry when we see things such as the banking crisis, the real estate slump, and the price of oil over $100 a barrel. There are things, however, the individual investor can do to relieve some of this financial market stress.



Broaden your sources of information. Too often we obtain financial information through listening to the talking heads on TV, or reading the sometimes hysterical headlines in the newspapers or on the Internet news sites. Their goal is to grab your attention. Stirring up emotions, even fear, is a standard way the news media increases readership and viewership. But there are also calmer sources of financial information available, such as the monthly financial magazines, and investment newsletters published by well-known market experts. It can be helpful to increase the number of perspectives we have access to. The more information we have, the better chance we have of making thoughtful, rather than irrational, investment decisions.

Take a lesson from history. The U.S. has faced economic challenges much worse than the ones we face today. Investing has always been about accepting risk, and believing in the future. If we use history as a guide, it is clear we will emerge from the current difficulties as well.

Be more conservative than normal in your asset allocation. Lowering your exposure to risk can reduce the chances of sleepless nights. There are times when keeping a higher percentage of your assets in cash makes good sense. You might be sacrificing some potential for higher returns, but the peace of mind could be worth it.

Seek out investment advice. Internet technology has allowed more investors to do their own stock research and trade online without having to deal with a traditional broker who you would call on the phone. If trying to understand these turbulent markets has become a greater challenge than you expected, it can be helpful to find a traditional financial advisor to assist you. Going it alone is not always the best way.

Talk to friends and colleagues. If you're worried about your investments, you can be sure that nearly everyone else is as well. It can be useful to talk about your concerns with your friends or associates-particularly those older than you who may have weathered cycles like this before. They may have information or past experience that is useful to you as you chart your course back toward prosperity. If nothing else, it will feel better to express your concerns.