At this stage of life, your focus is likely to be shifting. Retirement is no longer a distant concept, but a real and approaching milestone. While market uncertainty can feel more significant now, reacting to short-term trends can undermine long-term plans.
Research shows many people feel unsure about investing, but even at this stage, you don’t need to know everything. What matters is having a clear, structured approach.
Myth vs mindset: resisting short-term thinking
Seasonal strategies like ‘sell in May’ can be tempting, particularly when markets feel volatile. However, trying to step in and out of markets risks missing key growth periods – something that can materially affect your retirement outcomes.
The focus should remain on time in the market, ensuring your investments continue to work for you.
Behaviour and risk
Emotions can run higher as retirement nears. It’s natural to feel more cautious, but being too conservative too soon can also be a risk, particularly with longer life expectancies.
Investor research shows that reacting emotionally to market movements is common, but those who stay disciplined tend to achieve better long-term outcomes.
Rebalancing for the future
This stage is less about maximising growth at all costs and more about balance:
- Aligning investments with your planned retirement date
- Gradually adjusting risk levels where appropriate
- Maintaining diversification
- Considering income needs alongside growth.
Acting your investor age
You’re entering a transition phase – moving from accumulation towards planning for income. That doesn’t mean stepping away from investing altogether. Your money may still need to last decades.
The bottom line
Ignoring short-term noise and maintaining a disciplined investment strategy remains key. Staying invested, while adapting your approach, can help ensure your finances are ready to support the retirement you’ve planned.
The value of investments can go down as well as up and you may not get back the full amount you invested. The past is not a guide to future performance and past performance may not necessarily be repeated.