Advertiser and Editorial Disclosures

2 Places To Put Your Money if the Stock Market Freaks You Out Right Now

investing - investing basics
Last updated Aug. 5, 2025 | By FinanceBuzz Editors

Turn uncertainty into a plan

Not sure whether to stick with cash, buy more gold, or jump back into stocks? A fiduciary financial advisor can walk you through the trade‑offs and design a strategy built for your goals.

How it works

  1. Take a 2‑minute quiz. Answer a handful of questions about your timeline, risk comfort, and portfolio size.
  2. Get matched with a vetted fiduciary. We pair you with an advisor who is legally obligated to put your interests first.
  3. Enjoy a free consultation. Talk through your next steps, ask every question on your mind, and leave with clear action items — no cost, no obligation.

Why speak with an advisor now?

  • Objective guidance. Fiduciaries work for you, not a commission.
  • Customized solutions. Your mix of cash, gold, and equities should reflect your life stage, not the day's headlines.
  • Peace of mind. A solid plan lets you stop worrying and start focusing on long‑term growth.

Ready to get clarity?

Start the quiz and get a free assessment on your financial plan

Worried that tariffs and tumbling bonds will keep crushing stocks? There are still two classic safe havens: gold and cash.

Gold is shining again

Gold slipped only briefly recently before roaring back above $3,100 an ounce and is now up nearly 20% in 2025.

"The problem with gold is that in good times it's going to lag. It's a proxy for cash," said John Canally, chief portfolio strategist at TIAA Wealth Management.1 

"The current situation — high geopolitical tensions and the consequent economic instability — boosts the demand for gold," added Alex Tsepaev, chief strategy officer at B2PRIME.1 

Analysts note that some foreign central banks may be swapping Treasuries for bullion, which could keep prices elevated.

Cash still wears the crown

When markets get rocky, money‑market funds that hold cash and short‑term Treasuries become the comfort trade. Top offerings from Vanguard, Schwab, Invesco, Fidelity, and JPMorgan are all yielding north of 4%. The Vanguard Federal Money Market Fund's 10‑year annualized return is 1.8% — hardly life‑changing, but enough to let jittery investors breathe easier. 

"Cash right now is the bright and shiny object," Canally said. "But we tell our clients … that if you are trying to time the market, you have to get many decisions right. Cash is not a great long‑term store of value."1

Play defense now, offense later

Parking money in gold and cash can steady nerves, yet remember these assets will not build real wealth over decades. Once the panic fades, think hard about which stocks you want to own five, ten, even twenty years from now — and stick with them.2

Cash? Gold? Stocks? Get Clarity Before You Decide.
Not sure where your money should go next? A vetted fiduciary advisor can help you weigh the trade-offs. Choose your state, answer a few questions, and compare up to three advisors that serve your area.
— Select a state below —