(Click for video linked to a searchable transcript of this Mad Money segment)
"What's the right thing to do? I think it's to raise cash," said Cramer.
The Mad Money host sees 7 catalysts that could roil stocks in the days and weeks ahead.
"Now, you don't need to panic," assured Cramer. Rather you should simply sell into strength; make that your M.O., at least for the time being.
Here's why:
1. Geo-political events involving the Middle East are unfolding by the minute. "We have no idea what's going to happen in Syria," Cramer explained.
2. "We have no idea who the Fed chief is going to be either," Cramer added. And if there's anything that Wall Street hates it's uncertainty. "Most of the people I talk to who are professional investors want Janet Yellen. But it seems like the President may go with Larry Summers."
3. Talk of a government shutdown will likely dominate the national conversation as lawmakers again grapple with debt limits. "Nobody, but nobody cares about the stock market in Washington."
4. Concerns about housing are growing incrementally worse. "Not only are homes not as affordable as they were but if mortgage rates go above five percent I believe home sales will get hammered," Cramer said.
5. Retail is too much of a wildcard. "We have no idea how back-to-school's really going. Somehow I don't think we are going to hear good things," Cramer said.
6. Employment is improving. "I expect we could get a terrific employment number Friday," Cramer said. That may seem bullish, but Cramer believes a strong jobs number will again generate chatter of Fed tapering. In turn, that should send stocks lower.
7. It's September. "Historically, September is a rough month," Cramer said. "I lost a ton of money trading at my hedge fund in September. My charitable trust has rarely done well in September. It's just a crummy month and I don't like the odds."
All told, Cramer believes these catalysts will conspire to send stocks lower. And Cramer wants you to be prepared.
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However, that's not to say you should put money in your mattress – far from it. Instead the Mad Money host wants you to stay nimble and get ready to put that money to work at some point down the road.
"I expect to see some terrific buying opportunities," he said. But not until the market pulls back, first.
Call Cramer: 1-800-743-CNBC
Questions for Cramer? madmoney@cnbc.com
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