Please don’t say…sell in May and go away.

Every spring, the old Wall Street saying “Sell in May and go away” makes its annual comeback—prompting both seasoned and would-be investors to wonder: should I really pull out of the stock market for the summer? As a fiduciary financial advisor, I hear variations of this question every year, and the reasoning is classic: historic data shows summer months tend to lag, while fall and winter often post stronger gains. So, is this age-old investing adage the secret to superior returns, or just another catchy rhyme that’s more memorable than it is useful?

Let’s dig in: yes, S&P 500 data reveals that between November and April, average returns have been much higher than the May–October stretch. But here’s what matters for your long-term retirement planning and wealth management: even during the so-called “slower” months, markets still generally trend positive. And trying to time the market—jumping in and out based on catchy strategies—is rarely a winning move. As I shared with Investopedia, our brains love rhymes and easy rules, but “please don’t do anything in any month based on seven syllables and a rhyme scheme.” Seasonality aside, history—and the math—show that “time in the market” beats “timing the market.” Pulling out, even temporarily, means risking missing out on rebounds and compound growth that drive financial wellness over time.

The bottom line? Smart investing relies on evidence-based strategies: diversified portfolios, consistent contributions, and goals-based financial planning—never on the whims of market maxims. If you want clarification on your investment portfolio or help from a certified financial planner, let’s connect. Staying invested and ignoring rhyming advice might not sound flashy, but it’s the kind of boring, boring stuff that builds real wealth.

🟢https://www.investopedia.com/should-you-sell-in-may-and-go-away-8644577