Watch this week’s video on this topic here.
People spend a great deal of time worrying about the election event though no one knows what’s going to happen or who is going to win. When it comes to election years, uncertainty seems to come with the territory. But there are some things you can do to keep your finances in order, even during these chaotic times.
Unless you’re doing something bad (such as not living below your means, budgeting, or saving), keep doing what you’re doing. So, literally don’t change one thing! As I said above we have no idea who is going to win (despite what the polls say), what that means for the future, or how it’s going to affect policies. Therefore, focus on what you can control and move forward with confidence.
Time in the market is more important than timing the market. So, if you’re a new investor, you shouldn’t wait. No one knows what’s going to happen at the end of the year. And in 14 of the last 17 election years, the market went up. No one can predict anything, including politics. So, don’t wait!
This is something you should pay more attention to than what will happen in the election. For example, have you maxed out your 401(k) and IRA accounts? Have you used up the entire balance of your Health Savings Accounts? And finally, have you harvested available tax losses where it’s appropriate?
Think back to the last election year. Everyone was surprised that Trump won, and a lot of people were concerned. After Trump was elected however, the market went up at least 25% the following year. You will never be successful if you have an emotional reaction with regard to your investments. In fact, it’s a recipe for disaster.
Even during these crazy times, the fundamentals still and will always matter. Take a look at your portfolio to see if you’re diversified enough. Earnings and profits drive stocks up or down. And if you don’t have a financial plan, you need to obtain one as soon as possible because it’s the most critical thing you can have as an investor.
For more advice on how you can be more successful as an investor, be sure to get in touch with Trevor Shakiba at Shakiba Capital.
With the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, the federal government was able to create a wealth-building vehicle for investors by giving them access to opportunity zone funds. Trevor explains the pros and cons.
Because of the spread of COVID-19, many parts of the country have had to shut down (which brought the economy to a grinding halt). The recent crisis has left many businesses and investors in a precarious situation, as the stock market plunged in a matter of weeks. You might be wondering how you can continue to make money during this crisis, but you can come out ahead over the long term if you get more strategic about your investing.