Next week, my son is moving for school and work. The good news? We actually like our sons—most of the time—and he’s moving closer to us. The bad news? I get to drive six hours and help him move heavy furniture.
When he said, “I think I’ll just rent a U-Haul and load everything up,” I immediately imagined a cartoon parody of a commercial:
Announcer: “Need to move? No problem. Take it yourself with U-Haul.”
Customer: “But I’ve never driven a truck before.”
Announcer: “No problem! U-Haul lets anyone drive a giant truck—because, hey, you’re moving!”
Cue scene of a U-Haul swerving across the freeway, forcing other cars off the road.
Customer: “Sorry! I’m making a go of it in a new city!”
I’ve been there. At his age, I rented a 26-foot U-Haul and drove it across town. It was nerve-wracking: slow acceleration, no rear-view mirror, only side mirrors, and a braking distance that felt like it needed an extra football field. But that anxiety made me cautious—and that caution kept me safe.
Now, I’m trying to instill the same awareness in my son. There are more things to think about when driving something big and unfamiliar—and that’s where this story crosses over to the markets.
Friday’s moves forced many traders into their own metaphorical U-Haul. The market got volatile, fast. Bigger than we’re used to. Less predictable. Suddenly, we’re behind the wheel of something oversized and unwieldy.
And when that happens, we have a choice. We can grip the wheel tighter, drive with heightened awareness, and manage risk deliberately. Or we can say, “This is too much vehicle for me today,” and step away. Both are valid choices. The only wrong move is to jump in and drive recklessly.
Not every day in the market is a smooth ride. Sometimes, the best decision is knowing when not to drive. But if you do decide to trade, be cautious. Be mindful. Make it to your destination safely.
The keys are in your hand. Drive carefully out there.
Blake Young