During the weeks we prepared this issue, the stock market fainted straight-away. As I write this letter, the Dow has fallen back below 11,000. It's scary. As viscerally as I believe that, over time, economic growth takes the markets up with it—and that we will eventually figure out new ways to grow—I also loathe down markets. All the intellectual understanding in the world won't make that loathing (and its partner, fear) go away.

Here at the office, as the market swooned, we immediately started thinking about what we could do for you. We quickly interviewed leading planners on what steps they were taking to help their clients and protect their practices. You'll find the results in "What Do I Do Now?" The author is our new managing editor, Richard Bierck. Talk about walking into a maelstrom.

I strongly suggest that you check out Richard's story. After all, many of your clients may have lost money. Even if they are perfectly allocated to withstand this bear market (and if so, bravo to you), they may still be concerned. Their homes are likely to have lost value; their jobs may be in jeopardy; their children might need a cash flow pick-me-up. It's time to check in, just as you would after a hurricane.

Of course, a down market represents a buying opportunity. While addressing attendees at Financial Planning's first Women Advisor Forum—an invitation-only event for female subscribers to our magazine, On Wall Street and Bank Investment Consultant—Sallie Krawcheck, CEO of Citi Global Wealth Management, said, "we're going to look back in a few years and know that these are the greatest opportunities we've ever seen." I believe her.

I also believe in our new forum. If this industry is going to attract and retain female financial talent, we have to create opportunities for women to share ideas in an accepting atmosphere. This event took place in a small Manhattan auditorium. Women advisors spilled about landing clients, negotiating maternity leave, trying to look older (yes, it's true) and tuning out obscene comments on the trading floor. The forum was the first of a series—so ladies, watch for an email when we're coming to your town.