This Week’s Blog Is Written By Scott D. Heins, CFP®, IAG Chief Investment Officer
March 11, 2026
Phobias
2026 is turning out to be a really tough year for paraskevidekatriaphobiacs.
Every February 1 that falls on a Sunday leads to a Friday that falls on the 13th. In non-leap years like 2026, every February 13th that falls on a Friday results in a consecutive month with a Friday the 13th in March.
This is truly the worst-case scenario for those afraid of Friday the 13th. Thankfully, the next occurrence is not until 2037 to give paraskevidekatriaphonbiacs time to recover.
There are rational phobias and irrational phobias. From my perspective, fear of Friday the 13th falls on the irrational side. There is literally nothing dangerous about a date that could negatively impact your well-being.
I am sure ablutophobia, pogonophobia, xanthaphobia, and omphalophobia are real to those who suffer from them, but they also are fairly irrational.
Rational phobias make more sense to me. Fear of heights (acrophobia) is logical – if you fall you can hurt or kill yourself. Fear of snakes (ophidiophobia) has some root in rational thought as a small percentage of them are poisonous. Certainly, if you have had a negative experience with a dog, cynophobia makes sense.
So where does marketfallaphobia land on the irrational phobia to rational phobia spectrum?
On the rational side, marketfallaphobia can be quite dangerous. Market downturns tend to correspond with the onset of fear, regret, sadness, and apprehension. This can lead to indiscriminate selling, abandonment of long-term plans, and the infliction of permanent financial loss. Very dangerous, indeed.
At the same time, marketfallaphobia also has irrational characteristics. Up to this point, the markets have never failed to recover from a downturn. It definitely can take longer than anyone would wish, but those who choose to face their fears and patiently wait have been rewarded instead of punished. Not very dangerous at all.
Market downturns also create opportunities for long-term thinkers who enjoy purchasing assets at low(er) prices or creating tax benefits. Being fearful of opportunities is truly irrational.
While we cannot be of much help if you are a paraskevidekatriaphonbiac, our caring advisors are always available to assist you and your family in creating a rational long-term financial and portfolio plan to treat your marketfallaphobia before the markets fall.
Quote of the week: Seneca: “An important lesson from history is that the long run is usually pretty good and the short run is usually pretty bad. It takes effort to reconcile those two and learn how to manage them with what seem like conflicting skills. Those who can’t usually end up either bitter pessimists or bankrupt optimists.”
Securities offered through LPL Financial. Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advice offered through IAG Wealth Partners, LLC, (IAG) a registered investment advisor and separate entity from LPL Financial.
The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results.
Any opinions are those of IAG and not necessarily those of LPL Financial. Expressions of opinion are as of this date and are subject to change without notice. This information is not intended as a solicitation or an offer to buy or sell any security referred to herein. No strategy assures success or protects against loss. Investing involves risk including loss of principal.
ART: 1073147
Photo Credit: iStock 2258879321
