Investing in an Indefinite World
by Tim Tremblay
Financial goal setting can seem like an insurmountable task when our world is filled with uncertainty. I’ve never seen such a difficult time for my clients, associates, and friends with their “goal setting” over the past several years. We have had a tough economy with dramatic inflation. The open border has added to the skepticism, with millions of undocumented individuals having poured into our country, many with criminal backgrounds. A more lenient police force, attorney general and justice department have enabled a significant increase in criminal activity with little recourse. Many have lived with the fear of being “canceled” if they were to say the “wrong thing,” regardless of the intention.
Changes, however, are on the way. With a new administration about to take over the country, a new law enforcement outlook, and a new and different Homeland Security, current policies are being reversed. The pendulum is swinging back, and the radical “Progressive” agenda is coming to an end (for now). U.S. citizens are feeling more confident about the future and are back to “financial goal setting” in a big way as they begin the new year. Most believe they have an idea of what to expect moving forward and are anxious to plan accordingly.
We are experiencing an optimism that we haven’t seen for quite some time!
Even with this renewed confidence though, we are faced with an entirely different financial marketplace. The national debt (over $36 trillion), the yearly deficit (over $2 trillion), and the unfunded liabilities (over $220 trillion) are huge concerns. What will Social Security look like in the future? What can we expect with healthcare? Will Trump’s “Department of Government Efficiency” make a significant difference with the rampant government spending and waste?
How can we plan for our financial wellbeing in the face of these looming and unresolved concerns?
Considering Alternatives
New, original, and creative ideas are coming to the financial marketplace. Billionaire and hedge fund manager Bill Ackman has come up with a financial plan that includes the government giving every child in the country $7,000 at birth. This “retirement plan” will compound and grow tax deferred until the age of 59½ or retirement. Say what you will, it is an innovative approach.
It is more important now than ever before to plan and set financial goals if you want to have the kind of future and retirement that most of us seek for our families and loved ones.
Goals are important for financial success, but they must be realistic. As you reflect on your financial health, it’s important to remember that everyone is in a different place financially, so tailor your resolutions to fit your unique situation.
The Following Five Steps May Help You Achieve Your Goals:
Reflect on Your Current Financial Situation
Begin with a thorough examination of your existing financial landscape. Review your income, expenses, assets, and liabilities. A thorough analysis will provide a comprehensive understanding of your economic standing and help you craft a personalized plan for your financial future.
Establish Clear Objectives
Articulate your financial objectives clearly. Whether your aim is to build an emergency fund, plan for a dream vacation, buy a home, or prepare for retirement, identifying your goals sets the foundation for your financial journey. Consider the time frame associated with each objective, from short-term to long-term commitments.
Make Your Goals Smart.
Specific: Clearly define what you want to accomplish. For example, “Save $10,000 for a car down payment.”
Measurable: Set specific amounts and deadlines, like “Save $500 per month for 20 months to reach $10,000 by a specific date.”
Achievable: Make sure your goals are attainable within your current financial situation.
Relevant: Align your financial goals with your overall life objectives.
Time-Bound: Set a deadline for each goal to create a sense of urgency.
Seek Professional Advice
Consider consulting a financial advisor, CPA, and an estate attorney, especially for complex goals like retirement planning, estate planning, tax planning, and investment strategies. Don’t hesitate to ask for help; their knowledge can greatly enhance your financial well-being.
Stay Disciplined, Deliberate and Motivated
Discipline is crucial. Regularly check your progress and celebrate milestones. Keep your ultimate dreams at the forefront of your mind. This personal financial journey requires consistency and enthusiasm.
Remember too that achieving financial goals is not always a linear process. Life can – and often will – throw unexpected challenges your way. Remain flexible and adjust your goals as required. Embrace the new year as an opportunity to shape your financial future and take proactive steps toward achieving your dreams.
Be optimistic.
The future is bright.
You can achieve all your goals.
And remember to “stay the course.”
Reads like a commercial for Trembly Financial. I hope The Current was paid to run this advertisment. The truth is that most financial advisors cannot beat the S&P 500 so it is generally better to just buy an S&P 500 index fund or a total stock market index fund. Vanguard has a total stock market fund with very low expense ratio of about 0.2%. Financial advisors make money by directing their clients to funds that pay a comission which is how they get paid. These are not often the best funds and rely on advisors selling them to their clients for the commission and not on their performance. Finally I try to avoid facilitating income to those who do not create anything of value for our economy. The function of financial advisors is in my mind parasitic.
I read this article by financial professional Mr. Trembly "Investing in an Indefinite World"
and I quote from same "Never Mind that Stuff - I am going to tell you the financial facts
of life!"
I provide a new title "Never mind that Stuff - I am going to tell you of the Threats in Life!"
As seen by the recent terrible news there are Threats All Around Us that can strike at any Moment in your Life. The recent news tells us so weblink and title below>
"Live updates: FBI investigating New Year’s Day attack in New Orleans that killed at least 15 people."
https://apnews.com/live/new-orleans-truck-attack-updates
That Threat is here in Santa Barbara, up/down the coast and in California where the
So-Called-Leaders cannot detect the THREAT, but some are actually THE THREAT.
Govern yourself accordingly as we enter this New Year of 2025.
I leave you all with this Holocaust statement>>
"First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a socialist.
Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a trade unionist."
"Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—because I was not a Jew."
"Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me."
—Martin Niemöller
Howard Walther, Member of a Military Family
PS1- A review of the prelim. events of the Recent Terrorist Attack in New Orleans shows
a Catastrophic Failure of the entire System just like right here in Santa Barbara.
PS2 - You all may want to listen to this weblink "Protect Yourself ... and your family ... it is here"
https://x.com/atensnut/status/1874668281669500934
PS3 - Listen to this weblink by Shwan Ryan interview of Sarah Adams >>
https://x.com/WallStreetApes/status/1874598646991241384
"These terrorist attacks were PLANNED, The FBI and The CIA knew they were going to happen"