2016 began with a jolt of volatility that captivated headlines for more than a quarter. Then Brexit and terror attacks in Europe contributed their fair share to at least the perception of the market roller coaster action. Yet, no one can really tell when we’re in a bull market or bear market until we’re already well entrenched. So how are investors to cope with this possibly unsettling information? Working with a financial advisor, those who are in an accumulation stage of life should continue to invest with patience and calm, keeping in mind that what comes down usually goes back up. However, for those in or nearing retirement, who may not have the time to wait for the downs to go up, they may want to consider alternatives to traditional investing to provide a measure of protection for their hard-earned assets.