A Thoughtful Approach to Navigating Today's Financial Markets

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Uncertainty about the economy and investments is natural, especially in times like these. If you're feeling a bit concerned right now, you're not alone. With that in mind, I want to offer some clarity, share my insights, and outline actionable steps to help you stay focused and adaptable—key factors in achieving long-term financial success.

Key Economic Challenges

High Valuations: Current stock valuations have been at historically vulnerable levels.
Tariffs and Costs: Persistent and uncertain tariffs are pressuring businesses and supply chains.
Recession Risks: Some economic indicators are mixed or signaling weakness, and many experts are urging caution.

Opportunities to Consider

Bond Yields: At 4.86%, bonds now offer attractive stability and returns.
Diversification: Incorporating investments that are at better valuations and provide additional diversification can help balance risk.
Alternatives: Adding an allocation to Investments that incorporate downside protection features can help mitigate risk while providing upside potential.

How This Impacts You

Young Professionals: Increasing 401(k) contributions, using dollar-cost averaging, and aligning your portfolio for long-term goals have historically benefited from market rebounds.
Near or In Retirement: Re-evaluating investment risk, increasing cash reserves, updating your financial plan, and exploring investments with downside protection may offer stability and reduce anxiety.
Business Owners: Focus on liquidity, tax planning, employee well-being, and cash flow to navigate uncertainty effectively.

Steps We Can Take Together

Review and update your financial plan to reflect current circumstances.
Adjust portfolio risk based on your life stage and goals.
Explore tax efficiency strategies, such as loss harvesting and asset location.
Reassess and add to emergency funds if needed for added peace of mind.
Implement disciplined investing approaches to stay aligned with your long-term vision.
Business owners can consider a securities-based line of credit for emergencies.

For more information, see our attached checklist:

I appreciate the opportunity to help you navigate these uncertain times and work toward your financial goals. If you'd like to review your portfolio or discuss any of these ideas further, feel free to schedule a conversation. Together, we’ll ensure your investments stay aligned with your needs and aspirations.

About David

David Blount is President and CEO of Investment & Insurance Planning Services, LLC (IIPS), an independent and fee-based firm that helps clients establish their financial goals and creates custom financial plans to help them pursue those goals. They specialize in working with pre-retirees, individuals in a career transition, L3Harris engineers, and JetBlue pilots. David’s motivation comes from seeing his clients pursue their goals. He says, “It’s very rewarding to help people make successful transitions from one career to another, start a small business, or retire.”

David received his bachelor’s degree from Troy University, and before becoming a financial planner in 2000, he had a nine-year career in the United States Coast Guard. He obtained the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ designation in 2007. He has served as the guest financial expert on Orange Television’s Adult Lifestyle Magazine Show and frequently provides financial and retirement planning workshops. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Michelle, their two kids, Ryan and Alana, their dog, Jack, and visiting with friends. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoys fishing, hiking, and exercising, and as a committed person of faith, he enjoys attending church and is passionate about helping people in his community. To learn more about David, connect with him on LinkedIn.

Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC

The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.

All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and may not be invested into directly.

The economic forecasts set forth in this material may not develop as predicted and there can be no guarantee that strategies promoted will be successful. Investing involves risk including loss of principal.

There is no guarantee that a diversified portfolio will enhance overall returns or outperform a non-diversified portfolio. Diversification does not protect against market risk.