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Ukraine, Inflation, Stock Losses And Times Of Investment Fear

The first war in Europe since World War II, rampant inflation, and a -1.55% stock market decline in stock prices today, dropping stocks back into -10% correction territory today. Today’s headlines are frightening, which makes this the right time to talk about investment fear.

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Turmoil in the world, economic setbacks, and financial volatility can spark financial fear and anxiety in moments like this. This is a reminder that the most important thing you can do is talk about it with a professional.

"Talking about your financial fear helps process what’s happening," according to Dr. Frank Murtha, founder of the Financial Counseling Institute. "Talking is a constructive way of recognizing, understanding, and reacting to your fear. Keeping it inside causes anxiety. "

According to Dr. Murtha, personal financial fear has the power to evoke a full spectrum of human emotions, from panic to irrational exuberance and everything in between.

"Fear is the most influential of all emotions," he says. "Financial fear and anxiety can be chronic conditions if you are paying down a large debt, caring for a family member, living in fear of running out of money in retirement, or facing myriad other uncertainties."

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How you experience fear is partly dependent on your brain. The brain’s fear center, the amygdala, triggers three reactions to fear – perhaps not surprisingly -- all "f words:" fight, flight, freeze.

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Talking with a professional is a smart step toward restoring a sense of control and eliminating anxiety.


Nothing contained herein is to be considered a solicitation, research material, an investment recommendation, or advice of any kind, and it is subject to change without notice. Any investments or strategies referenced herein do not take into account the investment objectives, financial situation or particular needs of any specific person. Product suitability must be independently determined for each individual investor. Tax advice always depends on your particular personal situation and preferences. You should consult the appropriate financial professional regarding your specific circumstances. The material represents an assessment of financial, economic and tax law at a specific point in time and is not intended to be a forecast of future events or a guarantee of future results. Forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties. Actual results, performance, or achievements may differ materially from those expressed or implied. Information is based on data gathered from what we believe are reliable sources. It is not guaranteed as to accuracy, does not purport to be complete, and is not intended to be used as a primary basis for investment decisions. This article was written by a professional financial journalist for Advisor Products and is not intended as legal or investment advice.