Investing can be stressful at times; money is always something we worry about and for good reasons. Turbulent markets, though very common, can cause unease within the investing public. Over the decades we have been through these periods, and right now it is feeling all too familiar.
When we are asked about investing in the present, we always assure people nothing has changed, least of all with our investment strategy, unless of course, something has changed with your goals. Why is that?
Because we keep our eyes on the ball. The ball is you and we relentlessly work together toward your long-term goals. We stay true to our focus and vision, which is fueled by you and your unique financial plan. All along the way we stress-test your financial plan, and we are already prepared for these events because we planned for them years ago.
One of the most common stress tests is the “bad timing” scenario, you might remember this from our financial plan reviews. It analyzes what the long-term outlook for your financial plan is if you were to experience two terrible years in the market, given your investment mix and allocation. Is your plan still successful? For all of you, the answer is absolutely yes, we can weather a storm.
We also stress test your financial plan for many other variables to make sure you are on solid ground. We don’t wait for markets to get choppy, for political regimes to change, for the economy to inflate or deflate, or anything else. We stress test it on a continuous and ongoing basis, to make sure you are on solid ground.
And on solid ground you stand, because we planned, in some cases years ago or even decades ago.
Examples of stress on your financial plan can be higher than expected inflation. Spending too much. Reductions in social security payments. Poor returns. Disability, long-term care, or unexpected death. We throw a lot of bricks at your financial plan picture window and try to break it. If we can’t, you are given the thumbs up by us. You are good to go. If we can break it, we provide you next steps to help insulate you from a potential storm.
The current market conditions are turbulent. There could be many things coming our way, and that is okay. Unexpected and unplanned things can happen too. Dot.com bust. 9/11. Real estate implosion. But we made it through those storms and came out the other side better than before.
We will weather this bump in the road too with an unwavering commitment to keep our collective eyes on the horizon always shooting for your long-term goals while making sure you stand on solid ground. And you do.
From the desk of
Erik Lawrence CFP®
The information contained in this correspondence is intended for general educational purposes only and as a means for facilitating a conversation. Please consider our door always open to discuss your particular situation and how this information might benefit you and fit your specific needs.
About TenBridge Partners
TenBridge Partners is an independent financial planning and investment management firm based in Portland, Oregon with a simple focus of honoring the fiduciary responsibility of putting clients first.
Planning is central to everything we do. Our focus is on a complete understanding of a client’s and potential client’s needs through the financial planning process, before we move forward with anything else.
We bring clarity and confidence to an otherwise confusing financial world.
We are about people.