How are you holding up? The stress created by the uncertainty we have all experienced these past four months can certainly take its toll. 

During this time we have seen the economy shut down by “stay-at-home orders”, a huge rise in unemployment, and stock prices fall into a bear market with a drop of 34%. Then, followed by an immediate bull market where in August we are hitting new record highs.  Add to that the constant awareness or concern that you may catch or spread the virus and you have the perfect storm of uncertainty.

That was the past, but now the immediate future likely holds just as much uncertainty.  As we head into Fall, the Presidential Election and continued COVID-19 case numbers to likely to dominate the news, but stocks seem to be looking past these and counting on a fairly swift economic recovery. We expect there to be more volatility as the markets digest the dysfunctionality in Washington, the election cycle and daily virus news. We can be sure there will be days with bad, even terrible, news and there will be days with good news.  Over time, we believe we will get through this and ultimately investors will continue to be rewarded for patiently sticking with sound financial strategies. But short-term, prices will reflect and react to such news. 

So we ask again how are you handling all this uncertainty?  During periods such as these, experts say it is important to stay connected, control that which you can control, and build a new routine. 

When it comes to your finances, now may not be the time to make any big money moves, but it’s certainly not the time to bury your head in the sand either. We all know we can’t control the news, stock prices or interest rates, but we can control how we respond.   Read our recent post on 3 financial responses you can take as we wait out COVID and enter the election season.

I’m sure you’ve heard it before and now is no different, focus on what you can control – your spending and how you make financial decisions. 

Remember God is in control of world events – trust Him, not your investments.