Ted’s Talk: Regardless of the Election Results IEM Will Be By Your Side
I don’t think Hollywood would have been able to write the kind of script for what we’ve all been through in 2020 – COVID-19 and its universal impact, a divided republic on a variety of issues, racial tension in the aftermath of George Floyd, protests and civil disturbances, violent environmental swings, the impeachment of a U.S. president, and a stock market correction of 35% to date – just to name a few. (At the time of this writing, we are seeing a stock market correction of almost 10%).
It has surely been challenging in many respects, and on November 3rd, the nation will endure another momentous decision as Americans cast their votes for the next President of the United States, as well as the future political power structures in Congress and state legislatures around the country. No matter your political beliefs, faith, opinions, or allegiance to a particular political party, I want you to know that IEM will continue to put you, our clients first – always.
I think it is safe to say that a lot of us have suffered from high anxiety this year, and we haven’t been able to embrace the good things in life like years’ past. On the bright side, one thing that 2020 has awarded me is the ability to take a step back, reflect, and take-in what you, the client, really needs from a holistic financial planning perspective.
To think that IEM has been able to weather so many storms is quite remarkable. Over forty-years ago, I started this company and had no idea the amount of trials and tribulations we would have to overcome. In all honesty, that is a testament to all of you – putting your continued faith in what I, and the rest of the IEM team, has to offer in giving you peace of mind regarding your financial security.
Here are a few tips I would like to share with you, regardless of the election results on November 3rd:
The permutations of the 2020 election results will have ripple effects across the financial services industry, but IEM is here to help guide you through any changes that may occur. In anticipation of any of your concerns, IEM will have its first webinar on November 18th to discuss topics of interest.
In the end, from an investment point of view, what matters most is whether we have been able to contact and consult with you, while making sure you are properly allocated at an appropriate risk level depending on your time horizon and temperament.
If you have taken a shorter time frame approach to your funds, or have entered the retirement stage of your life, it will be beneficial for you to think about conserving your assets and portfolio(s) for the time being.
If you have taken the longer view time frame approach, keep investing your assets, while keeping in mind there will be highs and lows of investment prices and possible market fluctuations.
We expect that we will see a large amount of market volatility up to, and after the elections for some period of time. We are hopeful that these potential fluctuations will be short-lived.
IEM will continue to do what is best for you. We have made it THE top priority to ensure we are attentive to your financial goals, individual circumstances, and provide you with comfort around your financial planning needs; and remember, your investments are just one piece of the puzzle to help you reach your goals. Financial and political storms will come our way whether we like it or not – but we will always be in this together.
~ Presented by Ted Smith