I'm editing my response.
You question seems to be of two parts:
1) You seem particularly concerned now.
My general advice is that I am not aware of Something Big that people should be aware of. There are some horrific possibilities out there, but there are always horrific possibilities out there, though, there are some more now. While I have some funds on the sidelines waiting for a good price, I do not recommend newcomers to try to time markets, unless there was some special circumstance. If you had some special insight due to your expertise (like medically, you knew things were far better or worse than appeared, or geopolitically, you thought this could lead to war), then you might have some special insight into the situation that has not been factored into the prices.
But otherwise, assume the current prices factor in the current possible upside and downside surprises. Personally, I think they could factor in some more downsides, but not enough that I'd recommend a newcomer to actually try to time things, especially if you don't pay attention to markets.
2) You are new to investing / financial planning.
One piece of advice is to form a network of co-workers/lunch buddies and to talk personal finance with them. For example, if you live in a college town with very low costs, maybe some friends buy properties and rent them to students. Your peers may have some ideas for ppl in your situation/geographic location/opportunities. If there is a pension there, one of your peers may know how it works. unless all of your peers are French Literature professors, in which case definitely don’t do what they’re doing (just kidding)
You question seems to be of two parts:
1) You seem particularly concerned now.
My general advice is that I am not aware of Something Big that people should be aware of. There are some horrific possibilities out there, but there are always horrific possibilities out there, though, there are some more now. While I have some funds on the sidelines waiting for a good price, I do not recommend newcomers to try to time markets, unless there was some special circumstance. If you had some special insight due to your expertise (like medically, you knew things were far better or worse than appeared, or geopolitically, you thought this could lead to war), then you might have some special insight into the situation that has not been factored into the prices.
But otherwise, assume the current prices factor in the current possible upside and downside surprises. Personally, I think they could factor in some more downsides, but not enough that I'd recommend a newcomer to actually try to time things, especially if you don't pay attention to markets.
2) You are new to investing / financial planning.
One piece of advice is to form a network of co-workers/lunch buddies and to talk personal finance with them. For example, if you live in a college town with very low costs, maybe some friends buy properties and rent them to students. Your peers may have some ideas for ppl in your situation/geographic location/opportunities. If there is a pension there, one of your peers may know how it works. unless all of your peers are French Literature professors, in which case definitely don’t do what they’re doing (just kidding)