Finding certainty in an uncertain world

Hello friends. It feels like forever since I’ve written. It has only been a few months since my last blog; but it feels like a shockingly long time inside the current time warp. Since January, much has changed. Many of us are enjoying some semblance of ‘normal’ now that Covid numbers are dropping, masks are essentially off, and (yes!) theatres are open. Unfortunately, the buoyancy we may have felt from that shift is overshadowed by the horrors that are happening in Ukraine, including the fastest-growing refugee crisis since World War II, a renewed nuclear threat, and innocent people being injured and killed in the name of war. Covid may be impacting our daily lives less than before, but the world feels just as uncertain as it has for the past two years.

As we Americans struggle to digest it all from so far away—to grasp the enormity of what’s happening and seek ways to help the Ukrainian people in any way we can—we, too, are feeling the waves of war. Gas prices have risen to historic highs, and wary investors have pushed the stock market into correction territory for the first time since March 2020 when, like now, fear of the unknown ruled the day.

In some ways, the market correction of two years ago is a reminder of the normalcy of volatility and of the resiliency that, historically, has followed market downturns. (We surely all learned our lesson during and after the 2008 financial crisis, but the more recent the event, the more powerful the ‘voice of experience’ in our heads!) As I’ve said many times before, being reactive to market volatility is the very last thing a wise investor should do. But that does not mean that we don’t feel reactive. If your emotions are getting the best of you, remember that discipline and planning are the keys to long-term financial stability. Though the time may come to harvest losses and rebalance accounts to adjust to the changing environment (which is how we are effectively able to ‘buy low and sell high’), any action we take will be measured against your carefully constructed financial plan. If you are retired, know that the cash you need in the near term has already been set aside in safer investment vehicles, so your financial health should be sound. If you are still in your earning years, time is on your side from an investment perspective, so sitting tight is likely your best path forward. (For a more in-depth analysis of the market today, see the weekly market update from my colleagues at EP Wealth here .)

While all this has been swirling around us, Jamie and I have been fully absorbed with the arduous process of transitioning the business of Klein Financial Advisors to EP Wealth Advisors, as well as with completing 2021 returns for our tax clients. Between the two, this has surely been the craziest quarter of my life! That said, I am quickly learning the ropes at EP—including many new processes, technologies, and people—and I can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. Now that I’m feeling back in my stride, I’m looking forward to introducing you to the larger team at EP. I have no doubt that you will immediately see why joining forces was a great move for Klein Financial and for every member of our cherished client family.

The world continues to be rife with uncertainty, but one thing you can count on is my guidance and attention to the details of your finances. I am as committed to helping you achieve financial confidence and peace of mind as ever. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out. I am happy to clear my calendar to schedule a time to chat… perhaps even in real life if possible. As always, I am here to help.

Until we see each other again, stay safe, stay healthy, and hug the people you love. ?