It’s easy to get excited reading the news. With all the storm and stress of the last few years, it’s only natural to react to each ping of our phone’s news apps with a deep sigh and a cynical “what now?”
The truth is, there’s always good news and bad news if you dig deep enough into the paper. For every international crisis, there’s a medical breakthrough. Each victory has a counteracting problem when you step back and look at the big picture. Does this mean that we should just shut off the news and let things happen? No, it’s good to stay informed. Keeping all that information in perspective, though, can be difficult. If you aren’t careful, it can lead to emotional or rash decision-making.
The terrible events in Ukraine have been on-going for two nearly weeks. You’ve likely heard, and seen, the second-order effects, like a skittish stock market, potential energy supply constriction, and the threat of continuing supply chain disruptions.
No one knows how long the current crisis will last or how it may further rattle an already volatile market. While I am no foreign policy experts, I wanted to reach out to let you know I am keeping a close eye on the latest news as it unfolds, with a specific focus on the ways it may impact you directly.
If you’d like to follow along with the news, I’ve found the ABC News live blog insightful and well-sourced. Bloomberg also has excellent reporting on how the conflict may further impact oil and other commodity prices.
Your financial strategy has been developed with the “big picture” in mind. Many things can happen in that time, and our strategy gives room for those events to rise, take place, and then fall into the rearview
However, keeping it all in perspective can be tough at times, but this is one of the many reasons you aren’t going it alone. When times seem turbulent, it’s good to have someone to reach out to who can help you keep that big picture in mind. Give me a call or feel free to schedule some time to chat, if you’re feeling that turbulence; I’d be happy to check in with you and help you keep your focus. Here is a link to my calendar.
Thoughts and prayers to those in Ukraine affected by senseless acts of violence and for all the affected families around the world.
On a more uplifting note, I was recently quoted in an AARP story, which can be viewed by clicking this link.
Sincerely,
Rob Leiphart, CFP®