Investing in Uncertain Times for Folks 50+
May 21, 2025
Today we meet financial advisor Eric La Manna to unravel the complexities of investing—especially for those of us navigating career pivots or thinking more seriously about retirement.
Eric shares his expertise through relatable metaphors, eye-opening stats, and accessible explanations. Whether you're someone who's dipped a toe into the investing world or someone wondering if crypto is your private jet to retirement (spoiler: it’s probably a motorcycle), this episode is full of practical insights.
Here are some highlights from the conversation:
Choosing the Right Investment Vehicle Is Like Choosing Your Commute
Eric breaks down investing risk using a brilliant analogy. Imagine you need to get to work 15 miles away:
- Walking = ultra-safe but slow (like a money market account).
- Biking = low to moderate risk (think bond accounts).
- Driving = moderate and manageable risk (high-quality dividend payers).
- Motorcycle = fast, but with high volatility (hello, cryptocurrency!).
The takeaway? All investment options get you to your financial destination—you just need to decide how fast you want to get there and how much risk you're willing to take.
What Is Cryptocurrency, anyway?
Eric gives a high-level explanation of crypto, defining it as a digital currency that lives on a blockchain ledger, tracking every transaction. The field is vast and speculative, with Bitcoin being the most recognized.
Interestingly, Eric notes a generational divide: older investors gravitate toward gold and silver as a hedge, while younger generations tend to see crypto as the modern alternative.
The Market: Zoom Out for Perspective
While the market can feel volatile in the short term, Eric offers historical context that brings peace of mind:
- Since 1950, there have been 11 bear markets (a 20% or greater drop).
- The average bear market lasts 12 months with a -33% return.
- The average bull market lasts 67 months with a 265% gain.
We tend to feel losses more intensely than gains (he calls this the "emoji rule": 1 smiley for a win, 2 sad faces for a loss), but zooming out helps you keep a level head.
If You're Self-Employed, Don’t Sleep on Retirement Options
Eric emphasizes that independent workers—freelancers, consultants, remote professionals—have powerful tools available for retirement savings. Options like solo 401(k)s, SEP IRAs, and Simple IRAs give you flexibility and control.
If you’ve left a traditional job with a retirement plan still sitting there, it might be time to roll it over into something you actively manage.
The Real Secret? Have a Plan.
Investments themselves are widely available and largely commoditized. The differentiator is the plan and the person you trust to help you build it. Eric's advice: don’t fly by the seat of your pants in retirement. Instead, craft a roadmap from where you are today to where you want to be—and work that plan with purpose.
Key Takeaways:
- Start Where You Are, Even If You're Late to the Game
It's never too late to start planning for retirement. Even in your 50s, strategic financial planning and investing can help you build a more secure future — especially when paired with remote work or business income. - Know Your Risk Tolerance and Time Horizon
Understanding how much risk you're comfortable with and how much time you have until retirement is critical. This insight shapes your investment choices and helps you stay calm during market fluctuations. - Diversify, Don’t Gamble
Cryptocurrency and individual stocks can play a role, but Eric stresses the importance of diversification and caution. Build a portfolio with a solid foundation rather than betting on high-risk, high-reward assets. - Plan with Purpose
Retirement isn’t just about money — it’s about the lifestyle you want. Eric recommends reverse engineering your plan: determine your ideal future, then work backward to figure out the financial steps needed to get there. - Stay Educated and Empowered
Many people feel overwhelmed by investing, but you don’t have to go it alone. Learning the basics, asking questions, and working with a trusted advisor can help you feel more confident and in control of your financial future. - Remote Work Creates Financial Flexibility
Remote work and entrepreneurship in your 50s and beyond can give you the flexibility to save more, delay drawing on retirement accounts, or pivot into meaningful work — all of which support a healthier long-term financial outlook.
Final Thoughts
This episode was such a rich and relatable conversation. Eric not only demystifies investing but does so in a way that makes it feel less like a gamble and more like a choose-your-own-adventure story—one that’s driven by your goals and your comfort level with risk.
You don’t need to be a financial expert to get started, but you do need clarity on where you’re headed. And if you want a companion on that road, Eric’s someone who brings wisdom without the jargon.
Want to connect with Eric La Manna?
Visit: www.edwardjones.com/eric-lamanna
Call: (832) 592-0041
Eric La Manna is a financial advisor with Edward Jones in The Woodlands, TX. He began his career in financial services in 2006 in California, and in 2019 opened his personal practice with Edward Jones. Eric holds the Accredited Asset Management Specialist designation. He focuses on helping individuals, families, and business owners simplify and organize their financial lives, along with financial goal planning.
Host Camille Attell is a remote work strategist, career coach, and the host of The Remote Work Retirement Show. After leaving a 20-year corporate career, she transitioned to a flexible, location-independent lifestyle and has since helped thousands of professionals do the same. Through her Remote Work School program, Camille empowers mid-career professionals and retirees to find meaningful remote work opportunities, build financial security, and design a work-life on their own terms.
Take her FREE remote work training:
www.camilleattell.com/remote-training
Learn how to leverage your digital products or service:
www.camilleattell.com/remoteworkschool
Click below to connect with Camille online:
Read more about the RV and Remote Work Lifestyle at https://www.morethanawheelin.com/
