If you’ve been reading my blog for long, you know that I’m a firm believer that there is ALWAYS chaos in our world. What I like to call the apocalypse du jour–things like COVID, election panic, and economic downturns—have always happened and will continue to happen for the foreseeable future. It’s just the way the world works.
There is no use trying to change outside influences and sticking your head in the sand and waiting for the most recent apocalypse to pass can backfire big time. So what should you do when you feel overwhelmed by chaos? I’m here to help you figure it out.
First, Stay Calm
I know, I know. Staying calm during chaotic times is much easier said than done. To make it easier, try to tune out the news and avoid any of your doomsday-type friends, colleagues, or family members who insist the world is ending. I find that reading history books or watching shows that reinforce the fact that chaos has been present in our world from day one helps me, as does practicing mindfulness, deep breathing techniques, and meditation.
Next, Start Planning
Have some time for your investments to grow? If you’re in your 40s or 50s (or younger), planning is your friend during turbulent times. Putting your head in the sand is one of the worst things you can do because you won’t be able to take advantage of the many opportunities that times like these offer. Even worse, you could do your portfolio a lot of damage by just leaving things “as is”. If you look around and see that your colleagues are putting a halt to all their financial decisions right now, you’ll know you’re several steps ahead of them when you push forward.
Start Looking at Opportunities
Now that you know you’re ready to start planning, the next step is to identify which opportunities you should take advantage of. Being strategic and tactical are the keys in times like these. However, I always like to remind my clients that this is not their job. Many of my clients are executives—many of them in the busy and stressful transportation industry—and their job is to run their companies. Making strategic and tactical financial decisions is your advisor’s job.
Consider Switching Advisors
If you aren’t hearing a peep from your advisor during these times, you need to seriously consider changing who you work with. Now is the time when you should be communicating with your advisor the most. If they are mysteriously MIA or are too busy with other clients to return your phone calls, you’ve got the wrong advisor. A fiduciary who puts your interests first will always make the time to walk you through your options during a chaotic time, ensure you know what your best options are, and help you make the decisions that will put you in the best financial position.
Do you need some help getting through these times with a solid financial portfolio that will serve your family well for years to come? Please reach out. I’d love to talk more.
