Market headlines are everywhere right now, and tariffs dominate the conversation. From conservative business owners raising prices ahead of cost increases to analysts predicting economic doom, the emotional reactions span the political spectrum. However, we’ve learned something important from working with hundreds of families approaching retirement: the problem isn’t the tariffs themselves—it’s whether you have a plan that accounts for economic uncertainty.
The Real Issue Isn’t Market Volatility
We hear from clients and prospects daily about tariff concerns. Interestingly, our existing clients rarely call in a panic about these headlines. Meanwhile, new prospects frequently reach out saying, “I’m freaking out about what I heard on the news. Can we talk?”
This difference isn’t because we have a crystal ball about trade policy. Rather, our clients have already gone through comprehensive planning that addresses market volatility, inflation, and economic disruption. They’ve seen stress testing that shows what their portfolios would look like during various economic scenarios.
The truth is, if it wasn’t tariffs generating headlines, something else would be. We’ve seen this pattern repeatedly—COVID, elections, supply chain issues, bird flu affecting egg prices. There’s always a “flavor of the day” that dominates financial news.
Your Past Financial Story Shapes Today’s Fears
Everyone carries financial stories from their past that influence current reactions to market news. If you experienced significant losses during the 2008 financial crisis or the dot-com bubble, today’s tariff headlines might trigger those same fears.
However, you can actually stress test your current situation against these historical scenarios. What would your portfolio look like if 2008 happened again? What if inflation reached 8-10%? This kind of analysis often reveals that well-diversified portfolios fare better than many people expect, especially when properly structured for someone approaching or in retirement.
The Critical Transition: Accumulation to Distribution
Many investors don’t realize they need fundamentally different portfolio strategies for accumulation versus retirement. During your working years, market volatility creates opportunities for growth. You can ride out the ups and downs because you’re decades from needing the money.
But the moment you stop contributing and start withdrawing—when your portfolio becomes your paycheck—volatility becomes one of your biggest risks. A portfolio designed for growth operates completely differently from one designed to generate retirement income.
This transition typically happens when you’ve completed most of your lifetime saving, usually in your late fifties to early sixties. At this point, losing 10% hurts more than gaining 10% helps. If you haven’t analyzed whether your current investments align with this new reality, you’re vulnerable to every market headline that comes along.
Two Essential Questions Every Pre-Retiree Should Answer
Before worrying about tariffs or any other market concern, ask yourself these fundamental questions:
First, is your current portfolio aligned with your personal comfort level for risk? Most people approaching retirement haven’t done a formal risk assessment. They’re not sure if their investments match their emotional capacity for market volatility.
Second, are you receiving value for the fees you’re currently paying? Whether you work with an advisor, manage investments yourself, or rely on workplace retirement plans, you should understand what you’re paying and what value you’re receiving.
When we ask these questions during initial consultations, nine out of ten people can’t answer them confidently. That uncertainty creates the “sinking feeling” many experience when reading alarming headlines.
Comprehensive Planning Provides Clarity
We’ve developed a three-week process specifically designed to address these concerns. During this time, we answer all your retirement questions, determine your personal risk tolerance, and ensure your investments align with your comfort level and goals.
We also stress test your plan against major risks: market volatility, inflation, taxes, and healthcare costs. This means you can see exactly what tariffs or other economic disruptions would mean for your specific situation, rather than relying on generalized media predictions.
The process includes tax optimization strategies to minimize what you pay Uncle Sam throughout retirement. Most importantly, it establishes ongoing monitoring with quarterly check-ins and annual reviews, so you never wake up years later surprised by market changes.
Best Financial Planner in Woodstock, GA for 2023, 2024, and 2025
We’re proud to have our team of fiduciaries and Certified Financial Planners®, holding the CFP® designation—the highest credential in the financial advising industry. This expertise allows us to provide comprehensive, objective financial guidance that puts our clients’ interests first.
Take Control of Your Financial Future
Instead of letting headlines drive your retirement decisions, consider taking a proactive approach. Our complimentary three-meeting retirement planning process helps you understand exactly where you stand and what steps to take next. Whether you’re concerned about tariffs, market volatility, or any other economic uncertainty, we can show you how these factors specifically impact your situation.
Ready to gain clarity about your retirement strategy? Visit www.vincentplanning.com or call 770-485-1876 to learn more about our comprehensive planning process. You can also Book a ‘Can We Help’ Call to speak with an advisor and determine if we are the right fit for your needs.
For personalized financial guidance, reach out to Vincent Financial Group today to schedule a consultation.