As America prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary, NAIFA Secretary Carina Hatfield reminds us that the American Dream has always depended on people willing to take a chance on themselves, their businesses, and their futures. In her article published in InsuranceNewsNet, The Freedom to Dream, the Courage to Build, Carina reflects on her own journey as a third-generation insurance agency owner and the role financial professionals play in giving others the confidence to pursue their own dreams

Financial professionals can help consumers stay disciplined during market swings by establishing dependable income before focusing on long-term growth opportunities

By Jason Mickool,  guest contributor

Many Americans retire with strong savings and well-constructed plans, but their confidence can unravel quickly once market uncertainty begins to affect their everyday financial security.

A sharp downturn stops feeling temporary and starts feeling like a threat to their lifestyle, healthcare plan, or ability to remain retired. Even people with substantial savings can become hesitant investors once unpredictability takes over. They pull back from equities, claim Social Security earlier than expected, hold excessive cash, or delay spending because the entire strategy begins to feel fragile.