A stock market correction or crash is inevitable given historical patterns, and investors should prepare now. The S&P 500 recently traded at a price-to-earnings ratio of 32, a level last seen before the 2020 crash, following six double-digit annual gains in seven years. Rising inflation driven by tariffs, the war with Iran, and AI data center demand could prompt the Federal Open Market Committee to hike interest rates, further pressuring stocks. Investors are advised to keep money needed within five to ten years out of the market, ride out downturns if they have a long horizon, and consider shifting assets to less volatile investments like CDs or bonds near retirement. Some may also sell overvalued or volatile holdings to raise cash for bargain purchases after a pullback.