Yes. Never before in our lifetimes have we experienced the shutdown of businesses across the globe that we have seen in recent weeks. Never before have schools closed across our nation. Never before have sports events of all types been cancelled. Never before have we as a nation been confined to our homes and experienced this type of isolation.
No. As long as our hearts are beating and our brains are working, change is as constant as life itself. The financial world has never been static and will always react to the perceived analysis and emotions of both domestic and global conditions. Throughout history, the market has recovered and grown again 100% of the time. The question is, “How long will it take?” That has always been the question and there will never be an accurate answer because the answer is unknown.
The question that we should ask is, “How has my world changed?” We are creatures of emotion and we have the capacity to see the devastation that has taken place and feel the fear of uncertainty. We wonder whether we will ever be able to enjoy life as we once did.
Also, as creatures of emotion, we have the capacity to have faith, hope, love, and joy. We have the ability to adapt and still find reasons to enjoy life each day. We choose the voice that we listen to. You can choose darkness or you can choose light.
While I am not blind to the conditions around us, I challenge myself as I challenge you to see a nation that has endured numerous battles of war and strife. The battle that we face is real, but the truth is, we face battles daily, and the world of change within is the most important battle.
This has been a very real reminder to have clarity in your finances. Has this pandemic changed my investment philosophy? Not at all. But it has shown me how many people have not taken the time to develop a plan that addresses the changes that life can present. Good planning involves having funds in a position that provides guarantees and liquidity that are not impacted by market volatility. At the same time, funds in this position will never achieve the growth to meet our needs and standard of living long-term.
Good planning should provide flexibility and be customized to your particular needs, desires, goals, and objectives. Our finances have a serious impact on our world and we should each be responsible for taking the time to address the issues that affect our future. Use wisdom and seek the advice and counsel of those who have expertise and experience and those you can trust to have your best interest at heart.
