Midyear money moves: sometimes staying ahead of the market means sticking with a proven investment plan.

When the Federal Reserve raises interest rates to slow economic growth and keep inflation at bay, Wall Street gets jittery. But for individual investors keeping close tabs on their portfolios, patience may translate into solid returns. That's the thinking of experts like Farmer, a financial services professional at insurance giant New York Life in Columbia, Maryland. "Whether it's high Oil prices or high interest rates, you want to stay the course."

Even as interest rates and energy prices continue to rise, Farmer maintains that investment decisions shouldn't focus on the frenzied highs and lows of market indicators or signs of inflation. And trying to time the market is a losing proposition. "Even experts have difficulties timing the market," he says. "You don't want to jump just because everyone else is."

Experts maintain that in today's environment the best money moves require discipline and commitment. Using a team of financial experts, plot an investment strategy based on short- and long-term financial goals and risk-tolerance level and stick to it. But, …