5 Things You Should Do Immediately If the Market Crashes in 2026

By Matt Frankel, CFP – Mar 24, 2026 at 6:23AM ESTBehavior during a stock market downturn is a big determinant of long-term investor success. With that in mind, here's a short video from Certified Financial Planner® Matt Frankel discussing five smart things investors can do now, and if the market gets worse from here. *Stock prices used were the morning prices of March 20, 2026. The video was published on March 21, 2026. Read NextMar 24, 2026 •By David Dierking3 Dividend ETFs That Could Replace Bond Income in 2026Mar 24, 2026 •By Sean WilliamsThe First Federal Reserve Inflation Forecast for March Is In -- and It's Not PrettyMar 24, 2026 •By David DierkingS&P 500 Is Sitting 6% Below Its January Record. Is Now the Time to Add to Your SPY Position?Mar 24, 2026 •By Katie Brockman3 Unstoppable Vanguard ETFs to Load Up On if the U.S. Enters a RecessionMar 24, 2026 •By Keith SpeightsBlackRock Just Declared the 60/40 Portfolio Dead. Here's What Replaces It.Mar 24, 2026 •By Anthony Di PizioShould You Buy Gold After Its 19% Correction? Here's What History Says.About the AuthorMatt Frankel, CFP, is a contributing Motley Fool stock market analyst specializing in the real estate and financial sectors. Prior to The Motley Fool, Matt taught high school and college mathematics. He holds a bachelor’s degree in physics from the University of South Carolina, a master’s degree in mathematics from Nova Southeastern University, and a graduate certificate in financial planning from Florida State University. He won a SABEW award for coverage of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. He is also regularly interviewed by Cheddar, Globe St, The National Desk, and other TV networks and publications for his real estate, financial, stock market, and investing expertise.TMFMattFrankelX@MattFrankelCFP