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Throughout my career, mentioning that I'm a financial planner typically gets one of two reactions. The first is the classic avoidance maneuver: darting eyes and a hurried "I've got a guy." I always want to say, "Whoa there, buddy! I'm not trying to sell you anything." For the past 15 years, I've seen "sales" as simply education, not convincing you to work with me, but helping you understand how to maximize your money to live your best life. Because isn't that what we're all after? The freedom to live life on our own terms?
The second reaction? It only happens in environments like this (and honestly, I don’t mind the change in tone). When markets get chaotic like they are now, suddenly everyone wants to be my friend. They want opinions, insights, and to "pick my brain." These are the moments when financial planners like me push up the glasses slipping down our noses, grab our market performance charts and financial calculators, don our metaphorical superhero capes, and plead with everyone not to let emotions drive their investment decisions. It's challenging work, but honestly, we live for these opportunities to provide clarity amid the chaos.
Questions I've received at parties, from family members, and the industry as a whole is seeing in our inboxes: "Have you seen the news about these new tariffs? Should we change our investment strategy? What about my retirement?"
These concerns are coming from everywhere lately. And I understand the worry. Truly, I do. When headlines scream about market volatility, economic uncertainty, and global trade tensions, it's natural to feel anxious about your financial future. You’re getting hit with it at every angle.
But here's something I've learned over my years as a financial advisor: the media doesn't make money by telling you everything is fine. They make money through your attention, and fear is the most reliable way to capture it.
The Media Fear Machine
Think about it – which headline would make you click faster: "Markets Continue Steady Long-Term Growth Pattern. Please proceed about your day." or "MARKET CHAOS: Is Your Retirement at Risk?" I’m skimming the Wall Street Journal as I write this and see words like carnage, blow to growth, and selloff. The media knows exactly which buttons to push, and they've perfected the art of transforming market movements into perceived catastrophes.
This isn't to say that economic developments like tariffs don't matter. They absolutely do. There are real economic impacts here.
But, perspective is everything. Throughout history, markets have weathered wars, recessions, political upheavals, pandemics, and yes, trade disputes. Through it all, disciplined investors who stayed the course have consistently been rewarded for their patience.
Control What You Can Control
The most damaging financial moves are often made during periods of uncertainty – selling quality investments at depressed prices, shifting to cash out of fear, or trying to time market movements. These reactionary decisions can derail even the most thoughtfully constructed financial plans.
When we feel anxious, it's usually because we're focused on things beyond our control. So let's do a quick recap and adjust our focus to what we can impact:
You can't control: Tariff policies, Federal Reserve decisions, market reactions, geopolitical tensions, or economic cycles. In addition, you can’t control news headlines, much or your social media algorithm (although you can try), and what your neighbor, John, on Facebook, has to say about recent developments.
You can control:
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Your media consumption. Consider implementing a strict news diet. Choose one or two reliable financial sources and check them once a day (cough, cough: not once an hour). Unsubscribe from the alarmist email newsletters. Delete financial news apps that send anxiety-inducing notifications. Your mental health will thank you, and surprisingly, your financial decisions will likely improve.
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Your financial plan. Is your investment strategy aligned with your goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon? If so, short-term market fluctuations shouldn't derail your approach. This is the perfect time to review your plan with your advisor to ensure it still reflects your needs (and I implore you - not to make reactive changes based on headlines).
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Your contribution rate. While others are panicking, consider whether you can increase your 401(k) or IRA contributions. Market volatility often presents buying opportunities for long-term investors.
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Your spending habits. Feeling anxious about your finances? Channel that energy into reviewing your budget. Finding extra funds to save each month will have a far more significant impact on your financial security than trying to time the market.
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Your financial education. Use this moment to deepen your understanding of how markets work. Knowledge is a powerful antidote to fear.
Finding Peace in the Journey
Those who achieve their financial goals aren't necessarily the ones with the highest incomes or the most investment knowledge. They're the ones who maintained perspective, stuck to their plans during volatility, and focused on factors within their control.
Financial peace doesn't come from having perfect market conditions (which never exist anyway). It comes from building a plan that acknowledges the inherent uncertainty of markets and life itself.
So the next time a frightening headline catches your attention, take a deep breath. Ask yourself: "Has anything fundamentally changed about my financial goals or time horizon?" If not, the best action might be no action at all. Sit in the uncomfortable silence and trust the plan you've created.
Remember, today's alarming headlines will be forgotten in a year. But the consistent habits you maintain through uncertain times? Those will compound into financial security for decades to come.
Stay focused on your journey, not the noise. Your future self will thank you for your steadiness when others were swayed by fear.
Here's to taking control of what we can, and finding peace with what we can't.
Related: Why We Undervalue Ourselves Financially—And How to Stop