Quaker Wealth Management

In 2008, extreme fear sent the VIX soaring above 80, signaling one of the worst market downturns—yet it was followed by a historic recovery. Today, we’re seeing VIX backwardation again. What does this mean for investors? History offers some clues. Stay grounded in long-term fundamentals as we explore VIX backwardation, its implications, and how to navigate market volatility.

In March 2009, the market was in free fall, fear was everywhere, and recovery seemed impossible. But that moment of uncertainty turned out to be one of the best buying opportunities in a generation. A reminder that fear often peaks right before opportunity knocks.

You’re stuck in traffic. Your lane is at a standstill, but the one next to you is moving freely. Frustrated, you find an opening and switch lanes—only for your new lane to grind to a halt. That’s how retail investor sentiment works. When everyone feels stuck, convinced the market is going nowhere but down, they start jumping ship.

Presidents change. Principles don’t. Election seasons stir emotions, but smart financial planning transcends politics. While it’s important to understand policy impacts, it’s even more important to stay consistent with your goals. ?? Tips to Keep You Grounded: ? Review Tax Policies Changes may impact deductions, retirement contributions, or estate planning. ? Diversify Wisely A well-balanced portfolio minimizes risks tied to policy shifts. ? Think Long-Term Elections are short-term events—your goals are not. Keep perspective. Focus on the horizon, not the headlines. ?? What’s one way you stay focused amidst political noise? ------------------------------------- Hi, I'm Jake Heisler, CFP?. A dad, husband, and co-owner of Quaker Wealth Management. I believe in helping people live richer lives—not just financially, but in time, relationships, and purpose. If this post resonated, I’d love to hear from you. ?? Share your thoughts below or hit ?? if you found value. Let’s connect and keep the conversation going!

Your financial future isn’t determined by the White House. Every election brings uncertainty, but your financial strategy should stay grounded. Markets may react, but long-term success depends on discipline and adaptability. Here’s how to navigate policy changes: ? Focus on What You Can Control Stick to your plan—saving, investing, and managing expenses. ? Stay Informed Tax and policy shifts may affect you individually. Work with an advisor to adjust. ? Avoid Emotional Decisions Reacting to headlines can derail your long-term goals. Your future isn’t tied to election cycles—it’s tied to your actions. What’s your strategy for staying focused in times like these? -------------------------------- Hi, I'm Jake Heisler, CFP?. A dad, husband, and co-owner of Quaker Wealth Management. I believe in helping people live richer lives—not just financially, but in time, relationships, and purpose. If this post resonated, I’d love to hear from you. ?? Share your thoughts below or hit ?? if you found value. Let’s connect and keep the conversation going!

Watching the stock market is like watching a baby learn how to walk. There’s a lot of wobbling, falling, and unpredictable moves that can make you anxious. But over time, with perspective, it finds its balance and moves steadily forward. So, how can we navigate this financial toddlerhood? ??Patience is Key → Just like you wouldn't rush a child, don't rush your investments. Markets evolve, and patience often yields the best results. ??Stay Informed, Not Obsessed → Arm yourself with information, but avoid becoming consumed by every market fluctuation. It's about understanding the bigger picture. ??Diversification is Your Safety Net → Just as a child learns to balance by trying different moves, diversify your investments. This spreads risk and offers a smoother journey. ??Embrace the Falls → Yes, there will be falls. But each tumble is a learning opportunity. Learn from market downturns and adjust your strategies. ??Purpose-Driven Goals → Remember why you started investing. Align your financial goals with your life's purpose. This makes the journey meaningful and fulfilling. The stock market, much like life, is about balance and resilience. So, next time the market wobbles, take a deep breath. Remember, it's simply finding its footing. What strategies do you use to stay balanced in a turbulent market? Share your thoughts below. ------------------------------------- Hi, I'm Jake Heisler, CFP? A dad, husband, and co-owner of Quaker Wealth Management. I believe in helping people live richer lives—not just financially, but in time, relationships, and purpose. If this post resonated, I’d love to hear from you. ?? Share your thoughts below or hit ?? if you found value. Let’s connect and keep the conversation going!

Your financial plan doesn’t need a January reset. The calendar may change, but your strategy shouldn’t depend on dates—it should evolve with your life. Here’s how to stay consistent in 2025: ? Revisit Goals Quarterly Life changes fast. Reviewing goals regularly ensures your plan stays relevant. ? Redirect Raises to Savings A salary increase is the perfect opportunity to boost your 401(k) or other investments. ? Automate Financial Decisions Set up automatic transfers for savings, bills, and investments to simplify good habits. ? Track Progress Gradually Small, consistent wins add up over time—don’t strive for perfection. Financial planning isn’t about starting over every January; it’s about steady alignment with your values and goals. How are you maintaining momentum this year? ------------------------------------- Hi, I'm Jake Heisler, CFP? A dad, husband, and co-owner of Quaker Wealth Management. I believe in helping people live richer lives—not just financially, but in time, relationships, and purpose. If this post resonated, I’d love to hear from you. ?? Share your thoughts below or hit ?? if you found value. Let’s connect and keep the conversation going!

Waiting for tax season is costing you money. Tax planning doesn’t start in April. By then, opportunities to maximize your savings may have passed. Here’s how to take control now: 1?? Max Out Retirement Contributions Contribute to your 401(k) or IRA to reduce taxable income and grow wealth tax-deferred. 2?? Leverage Employer Benefits Use tax-advantaged accounts like HSAs and FSAs effectively before deadlines. 3?? Plan Charitable Giving Track donations to lower your tax burden while supporting causes you care about. 4?? Offset Gains with Tax-Loss Harvesting Balance investment gains with losses to save on capital gains taxes. 5?? Adjust Withholdings Avoid surprises by ensuring your paycheck deductions align with your tax goals. Don’t leave money on the table—proactive planning creates real savings. ?? What steps have helped you reduce your tax burden? Let’s discuss below! -------------------------------- Hi, I'm Jake Heisler, CFP? A dad, husband, and co-owner of Quaker Wealth Management. I believe in helping people live richer lives—not just financially, but in time, relationships, and purpose. If this post resonated, I’d love to hear from you. ?? Share your thoughts below or hit ?? if you found value. Let’s connect and keep the conversation going!

Ever notice how every new year comes with a frenzy? The 'new year, new me' mantra screams from every corner. But what if I told you this isn't necessary? If you've nailed your financial planning, the new year shouldn't mean reinventing yourself. Here's why: A solid plan transcends time. → It’s not about starting over each January. ? It’s about maintaining momentum. Goals should be dynamic, not annual. → Life doesn't reset on January 1st. ? Your goals shouldn't either. Consistency beats intensity. → Small, steady progress outshines occasional sprints. Align with life's purpose, not society's calendar. → Financial plans should support your life vision. ? Not dictated by a date on a calendar. So, how can you ensure your financial strategy flows seamlessly into the new year? ?Review your goals regularly. ?Adapt to life changes, not just calendar changes. ?Celebrate small wins, not just yearend achievements. The truth? The key to financial success isn’t about waiting for a new year. It’s about living your purpose every day. Your financial strategy should be a reflection of your life's journey, not a yearly checklist. What’s your approach as the new year rolls in? Would love to hear your thoughts! -------------------------------------- I'm Jake Heisler, CFP? I'm a dad. A husband. A business owner. And I'm learning about life, business, and happiness just like you. If this resonated, let's connect. Share your thoughts below or give a ?? if you found value.

20 years in the financial world have taught me a lot. But perhaps the most enlightening lesson is the importance of balance. Let me share a story. Years ago, a client came to me in a panic. The market was crashing, and he was ready to sell everything. His fear was palpable. Instead of jumping into market talk, I asked him: What does your ideal life look like? What truly matters to you? His answer surprised both of us. He spoke about family, travel, and peace of mind. Not about numbers or the immediate fear of loss. Together, we crafted a plan that focused on these values. We looked beyond the noise and honed in on his true purpose. With a purpose-driven approach, he found clarity. He held onto his investments through the storm. And in time, he thrived. You see, wealth isn't just about assets and returns. It's about aligning your finances with your life’s purpose. It's about finding a balance between today’s needs and tomorrow’s dreams. I've learned that when you invest with purpose, fear loses its grip. You become resilient. You see opportunities instead of obstacles. So, I urge you to take a step back. Ask yourself what really matters. Let your purpose guide your financial decisions. Because in the end, it's not just about wealth. It's about living a life that brings true happiness. Have you aligned your investments with your life's purpose? -------------------------------------- I'm Jake Heisler, CFP? I'm a dad. A husband. A business owner. And I'm learning about life, business, and happiness just like you. If this resonated, let's connect. Share your thoughts below or give a ?? if you found value.