If you’ve looked at your super balance lately and felt a rising sense of dread, you’re not alone. With markets wobbling due to political volatility, rising tariffs, and unsettling headlines, it’s easy to believe that your retirement dreams are slipping away. But according to Jonathan Young, Director and Senior Financial Adviser at PWS, there’s no need to panic. In fact, panic is the worst possible response.
Instead, there’s a simple message Jonathan wants you to hear: Have a plan, stay diversified, and don’t act on fear.
Diversification is Your Best Friend
Jonathan’s number one rule? Diversification. “It’s the only free lunch in investing,” he says. That means having your money spread across different asset classes—Australian and international shares, infrastructure, fixed income, even gold. Within your super, it also means making sure you’re not unknowingly overexposed to growth assets. “Some so-called ‘balanced’ funds are almost entirely growth,” he warns. “You have to know what you actually hold.”
Running to Cash Isn’t a Strategy
One of the most common mistakes Jonathan sees is people pulling their money out of the market and putting it all in cash. “You have to be right twice,” he says. “Once when you pull out, and again when you go back in. And you won’t be.” Markets move at lightning speed these days, so trying to time them is not only stressful—it’s ineffective.
Instead, advisers often use strategies like “bucketing,” where part of your portfolio is set aside in cash or low-risk investments to cover the first few years of retirement, while the rest stays invested for long-term growth.
Ignore the Headlines, Focus on Fundamentals
Bad news sells. Jonathan reminds us that media headlines are designed to get attention, not provide calm, balanced guidance. “Ignore the noise,” he says. “Markets have been through two world wars, a depression, assassinations, and financial crises—and yet, they’ve grown significantly over time.”
The key is to stop checking your balance every day and trust in your strategy. The people Jonathan sees most at peace are those who only review their portfolios a few times a year. “They know where their money is, and they’re not living in fear.”
What If You’re Starting Late?
Even if you’re in your 50s or 60s and feel behind, it’s not too late. “More often than not, people are actually okay,” says Jonathan Young. “They just need to know that and understand their options.” That’s where professional advice comes in. A good adviser can help you get clear on your retirement income needs, your desired retirement age, and how to adjust your strategy if needed.
It may mean planning to work a little longer or tweaking your investments—but that’s very different from giving up on your goals.
There’s Always a Way Forward
Above all, Jonathan’s message is one of hope. “There’s always a solution,” he says. “You just need to know your position, your goals, and what levers you can pull.”
And if you’re unsure where to begin, finding an adviser to look at your situation might just be the game-changer you need. Understanding your options is powerful—and it’s the best antidote to fear.
Because while we can’t control global events, we can control how we respond. And with the right guidance and a clear plan, you will get through it.
For help finding a trusted adviser, visit https://vanessastoykov.com.au/financial-advice. To learn more about PWS, visit https://www.pws.net.au.