In related news, TimelessWealth.net Staff advise investors to take everything they hear, read, and see with a grain of salt - and perhaps an Advil for that matter (at least for the time being). The rule of thumb states that both bull and bear markets are exaggerated, which is essentially why corrections exist - to validate and restore equilibrium in the market(s). But the question is not what is going on (if you haven't heard, we'll keep you up to speed) or why is what's going on...well, going on (there are enough "gurus" sharing their "expertise" on the matters). Our readers are more interested in how to brace for what's going on and sequentially end up making some 'coin' when it's all said and done. Our members have asked for guidance and so we give you three simple ideas to bank on.

Often referred to as 'black gold', oil is priced to attract speculators and value investors who see potential on the 'long' side of a trade. Oil effectively encompasses the philosophy "buy low, sell high" while it rests at a significant supporting level. To illustrate this purpose, we will use Exchange Traded Fund, United States Oil Fund ($USO).

In the month of May, oil has fallen near 24%, resting at July 2009 support, just shy of $32. In the past 10 months USO has retraced and rallied at least four times, with an average return of 19.5%. While it won't double or triple your investment in one month, United States Oil Fund ($USO) is an attractive bet sitting on a bullish double-bottom.

Should everything go awry, know that many investors will flock to the 'safe haven' gold is supposed to provide. Gold allows investors to hedge risk in volatile markets; capitalize on long-term growth. To track gold we will use ETF SPDR Gold Trust ($GLD), a popular choice amongst investors.

An uptrend is evident when a supporting trendline originating in September of 2008 is extended through to the present point in time. $GLD currently trades above a supporting trendline that effectively defines 'long-term growth'. While the ROI isn't as lucrative as other investment vehicles may be, many analysts believe Gold is on an infinite upwards spiral. Where the uptrend ends is anybody's guess.

Some prefer the K.I.S.S. (Keep It Simple Stupid) principle and rely on simple trend analysis to guide them towards mainstream financial instruments. However, have you the time to search for undervalued stocks, here is a creative way some investors are bracing for the retracement and looking to make some money out of it as well. Assessing the value behind companies you may favor is an effective way to hedge risk. Our personal preference is in cash-rich, debt-free corporations who trade under Wall Street's radar. These companies were unanimous in leading the recovery (return-wise) in March of 2009, when the Dow Jones Industrial Average ($INDU) found a bottom slightly below 6500 points. It is not a matter of whether or not the market will correct itself, it is a matter of when. Meanwhile, start researching and follow our reports on undervalued and overlooked stocks.