Stock prices, as measured by the Standard & Poor’s 500 index, closed a fraction lower than their all-time-record high of January 3, 2022, and are not cheap by historical price/earnings valuations. With Houthi rebels threatening the U.S., deep domestic political derision, and economic uncertainty clouding the outlook, what’s an investor to do? 
The 27 crises since 1957 highlighted in this chart are useful to recall at this moment. Crises came and went for the past 57 years. Will that suddenly change? It’s possible. However, stock prices have been a function of corporate earnings growth here in the United States — regardless of world events. Crises are not going to stop happening. When the next crisis comes, when the next correction or bear market strikes, try to remember that and to stick with your long-term commitment to investing in a diversified portfolio. A strategic plan for maintaining your commitment to stock investing is important to helping you remain psychologically able to withstand stock market corrections and bear market drops. We are reminding you of this investment lesson based on history as the market seems on the verge of breaking its all-time high-price record set two years ago. We are urging you to also consider tax- and retirement-income planning maneuvers that can increase chances for financial success. 
The Standard & Poor’s 500 stock index closed Friday at 4783.83, up +0.08% from Thursday, and +1.84% higher than a week ago. The index is up +113.81% from the March 23, 2020 bear market low, and -0.27% lower than its January 3, 2022, all-time high.
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