Investing in Uncertain Times: Stay Disciplined

Trade policy and tariffs have taken center stage the first two months of President Trump’s second term. Tariffs on China as well as our border neighbors of Mexico and Canada have dominated the economic and stock market headlines over the last few weeks. Each day and week there seems to be a breaking news headline regarding tariffs. As investors, we need to block out the headlines and focus on our long-term investment strategy. While we don’t talk about seasonality all that much, historically, the few months post-inauguration is one that can be choppy, and that is something we have seen play out thus far. Continue to remain disciplined and remember that short-term volatility can create long-term investment opportunities.

- Retire Sooner Team at Capital Investment Advisors

Feeling Uncertain About the Markets? We’re Here to Help.

With market volatility, rising inflation, and shifting economic policies, it’s more important than ever to have a strategy in place. Our team at Capital Investment Advisors can help you navigate these uncertain times with confidence. Whether you're planning for retirement, looking to protect your investments, or seeking new opportunities, we’re here to guide you.

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Since 1996, Capital Investment Advisors has been helping families across the country retire with confidence. From Atlanta to Tampa, Denver, Phoenix, and Dallas, our growing team of financial professionals is dedicated to simplifying the complexities of wealth management—so you can focus on enjoying the life you’ve worked so hard to build.

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5 Habits That Will Help You Stay A Millionaire

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The Federal Reserve’s Survey of Consumer Finances shows a striking trend: the average American family’s net worth surpassed $1 million for the first time in 2022, up 42% from 2019. More than 16 million U.S. families are now millionaires. How did they get there—and how do they stay there?

The Profile of Today’s Millionaire

• Annual income: $150,000 to $250,000
• 90% own stocks, directly or through retirement accounts
• 87% own their homes
• Debt consumes just 12.9% of their income (down from 19% in 2007)
• 21% of families aged 55-64 are millionaires, rising to 45% among college grads

While soaring home values and a rising stock market played a role, these millionaires also share key habits that help them build and preserve wealth.

1. Live Below Your Means

Wealth isn’t just about how much you earn—it’s about how much you keep. Many millionaires are self-employed or in commission-based roles, but others are teachers, engineers, and managers who simply spend less than they make. The key? Moderate spending relative to earnings.

2. Prioritize Wealth-Building Activities

Millionaires take an active interest in investing. They seek advice from financial professionals, focus on long-term strategies, and think beyond “Where is my money safest?” to “How can my money grow?”

3. Seek Freedom, Not Status

Financial independence is the goal—not keeping up with the Joneses. Millionaires tend to buy rather than lease cars, live in comfortable but not extravagant homes, and avoid unnecessary expenses like costly food delivery or rideshares.

4. Raise Independent Children

Financially supporting adult children can drain retirement savings. Research shows that retirees giving their kids $2,000+ per month are four times more likely to be unhappy. Teaching children financial responsibility early helps ensure their independence later.?

5. Work Hard and Stay Disciplined

Most millionaires didn’t strike it rich overnight. They built their wealth through years of steady work, smart choices, and disciplined investing. There’s no secret shortcut—just a proven path.

Bottom Line

There’s no magic formula to financial success, but adopting these habits can put you on the right track. Whether you’re working toward your first million or preserving wealth for the future, these principles can help ensure long-term financial stability—and maybe even an early, happy retirement.

Read the original article this was based on here. (Paywall)?

A Quick Reminder

This information is provided to you as a resource for informational purposes only and is not to be viewed as investment advice or recommendations. Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. There is no guarantee offered that investment return, yield, or performance will be achieved. There will be periods of performance fluctuations, including periods of negative returns and periods where dividends will not be paid. This information is being presented without consideration of the investment objectives, risk tolerance, or financial circumstances of any specific investor and might not be suitable for all investors. There are many aspects and criteria that must be examined and considered before investing. Investment decisions should not be made solely based on information contained in this article. This information is not intended to, and should not, form a primary basis for any investment decision that you may make. Always consult your own legal, tax, or investment advisor before making any investment/tax/estate/financial planning considerations or decisions. The information contained in the article is strictly an opinion and it is not known whether the strategies will be successful. The views and opinions expressed are for educational purposes only as of the date of production/writing and may change without notice at any time based on numerous factors, such as market or other conditions.The S&P 500 Index is a market capitalization-weighted index based on the results of approximately 500 widely held common stocks. The Dow Jones Industrial Average is one of the oldest and most commonly followed equity indexes, it is a stock market index that tracks 30 large, publicly-owned blue-chip companies traded on stock exchanges in the United States. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) measures the overall change in average prices paid by consumers over time. Please note an investor cannot invest directly in any index. Performance results are for informational purposes only, moreover, index performance does not reflect the deduction of advisory fees, transaction charges, and other expenses. Past performance is not indicative of future results.