30. Don't Panic!

Contrary to the dire predictions, the debt ceiling crisis was averted.

Contrary to the optimistic predictions of a relief rally, the market tumbled the following day by 4-5%.

What should a demystified investor do?

First,

There are two excellent options, depending on the equipment you have.

If you happen to have a time machine, I would highly recommend going back to Wednesday (or, rather, two weeks ago), sell everything you have and buy gold.

In case you don't, a close second option is to turn off the TV, ignore the news, and stay the course. Remember, prices falling mean a better buying opportunity is coming. And your annual rebalancing day will use these attractive valuations to buy low (stocks) and sell high (bonds).

In any case, don't panic!

And, don't listen to all the experts who explain why this was expected, why it's happening now, and where we go. When times are good they'll predict unbounded prosperity. When the market falls, they predict doom and gloom. Neither version is correct, and the long term positive average is good enough. Stay the course and you'll be fine.