04/16/2026
Market dips can feel unsettling, but they often present opportunity.
For those with a longer time horizon, downturns can be a time to lean in rather than pull back.
One concept I often share is being diversified not just across assets, but across time. Here’s what that can look like:
Short-term bucket (0–3 years):
This portion is typically more conservative. The goal is to provide stability and liquidity so you’re not forced to pull from longer-term investments during a downturn. Think money markets, CDs, bonds, or other fixed-income solutions. This bucket helps you ride out volatility with confidence.
Mid-term bucket (3–7 years):
Designed to replenish your short-term bucket over time. Here, you may take on a bit more risk in pursuit of higher returns, while still maintaining balance. Investments might include a mix of bonds and high-quality stocks like large-cap or blue-chip companies.
Long-term bucket (7+ years):
This is where growth takes priority. With more time to recover from market downturns, portfolios here are often more aggressive—featuring equities like small- and mid-cap stocks, growth-focused ETFs or mutual funds, and diversified managed strategies.
TLDR: having a plan can make all the difference. When each of your invested dollars has a plan, you’re better positioned to stay invested and avoid emotional decisions when volatility hits.
See thrivent.com/social for important disclosure information.
Learn more about Thrivent's social media privacy policy and guidelines.