The secret investing formula that experts really don’t show US retirees. Know it well and you can stop worrying in 2026

Core Insights - Financial media often exaggerates market volatility, leading to increased anxiety among older Americans and retirees [1][2] - A portfolio manager's analysis reveals that significant market crashes are rare, suggesting retirees may not experience severe downturns during their retirement [3][6] Group 1: Market Crash Frequency - Market crashes of 30% or more occurred in only 10% of the years from 1928 to 2021, while 40% drawdowns happened in just 5% of those years [6] - The likelihood of a 65-year-old witnessing a 40% market drawdown before reaching 85 is very low, indicating limited risk for retirees [6] Group 2: Historical Context - Individuals over 30 have experienced several major market downturns, including the dot-com bust, the 2008 financial crisis, and the pandemic correction [4] - Despite the dramatic nature of these events, historical data suggests that the frequency and severity of market corrections are less alarming than perceived [5]