Presidential election years bring a lot of uncertainty and stress. And that’s not just for the candidates who are running.

In fact, during the 2016 election cycle, one study found that at least 50% of Americans were more stressed out because of the election. And this was true across all party lines.¹

So, why does that matter?

Because stressing about election uncertainty can affect your mindset and trigger emotional investing decisions.²

The good news is that you can avoid the frenzy around the upcoming election—and the stress and poor financial choices that may come with it—if you know the facts about the markets during presidential election years. Knowing these facts can help you keep a level head no matter what the outcome of the next election is.

• FACT ONE: Past performance does not predict future results. That is, what happened in markets the last time a party was in the White House may not happen in the future.
• FACT TWO: Technology innovations, interest rates, and business profitability may have a greater influence on the market and the U.S. economy than presidential election results.
• FACT THREE: The S&P 500 has been positive in 16 out of 23 presidential election years since 1928.
• FACT FOUR: Since 1952, the Dow has increased an average of 10.1% in election years with a sitting president running for reelection.
• FACT FIVE: When it comes to the stock market and investing, it really doesn’t matter which party wins. Normal variations in market returns eclipse any minor differences from president to president.
• FACT SIX: Long-term investment success depends more on the strength of the U.S. economy than the party in the White House.
• FACT SEVEN: The S&P 500 has an 86.4% success rate at predicting a White House win. Historically, if markets were down in the 3 months leading up the election, the incumbent often lost.

It’s no secret that presidential election years are uncertain times—and that investors and the stock market like certainty.

It’s also no secret that the stock market is influenced by several factors—and that a presidential election may not even be the most significant one.³

Of course, it can be easy to get caught up in campaigns, politics, and elections. And they do matter. Just not as much as you may think when it comes to investing.

Unfortunately, too many people let ideas about who could win office—and what they’ll do when they get there—run wild. And that can mean more stress and anxiety that overshadow sound investment choices and strategies.

In the end, stressing about the “what ifs” of the election just isn’t productive. As a financial adviser, I’ve seen how elections can fuel investors’ stress and lead them astray when it comes to their financial choices and their long-term goals. I also know how helpful it can be to have a sounding board when emotions run high. That’s why I’m here.

So, while the excitement of the election can be great inspiration to vote, don’t let it drive your investment choices. And, remember, whatever happens on November 3, 2020, life will go on. Instead of stressing about the “what ifs,” give me a call. I’m here to support you, and I can help you create a personal financial strategy for the election year and beyond.

Wyatt Swartz | Financial Adviser, RIA

Should you leave it where it is?

Move it?

Roll it over?

I’m talking about that old 401(k), 403(b), or 457 plan that’s been sitting untouched after you left an employer.

(If you’re facing retirement, it’s even more critical that you make the right decision.)

Employer plans are designed to be “one size fits most” based on what the employer feels will benefit their employees the most.

So when you leave, change employers, or transition into retirement, it’s up to you to re-evaluate your plan by asking yourself,

“Is my old employer plan serving me the best way I believe it should?”

If you don’t have the answer yet, that’s OK.

This FREE guide will help you get the answer that makes the most sense for you.

By reading this short guide (about 5 minutes), you’ll see a list of the 5 options available to you when it comes to your old 401(k), 403(b), or 457 plan.

Each option highlights the pros and cons so you can get crystal clear on what steps you should take next (if any).

You’ll also learn how to avoid accidentally making your retirement account permanently taxable.

When you’re done reading, can I ask a favor?

“Reply” to this email and let me know which of the 5 options you feel is best for you.

Or if you have questions, you can call my office at (636) 667-5209 and I’ll happily answer them during a private consultation.

Read Now: What Should I Do With My Old 401(k) or Employer Plan? A clear guide to your options for 401(k), 403(b), and 457 plans (including how to avoid a surprise tax bill or IRS penalties that could put you in the crosshairs)

Sincerely,

Wyatt Swartz

Financial Adviser, RIA
W. Swartz & Co., LLC

All of a sudden, a thick layer of fog socks in as you’re driving…

You can barely make out the centerline of the road.

The rearview mirror is a blanket of white.

The road you’ve driven 1,000 times becomes treacherous with uncertainty.

Oncoming headlights appear as a mysterious, fast approaching beacon.

You’re on high alert. A simple mistake could cause an accident.

It’s downright scary, unpredictable, and disorienting.

Isn’t it?

This feeling of driving in a thick layer of fog is just like retiring during uncertain times.

And right now uncertain times are our reality.

We’re facing historic levels of uncertainty with the coronavirus, bear market, and recession.

Most retirees are lying in wait. As if they are pulled over on the side of the road waiting for the fog to lift.

But no one knows when it will lift.

Or when it will sock us in again.

So the only thing you can do is prepare for the inevitable “fog” in the future.

Take proactive measures so you don’t get stuck, lost, or disoriented when it does happen again.

And the same goes for your retirement future.

By taking certain steps now, you can help safeguard your retirement.

All you need to do is have a path to follow, and this free guide can help.

I recommend you read this now (instead of “putting it off for another day”).

It will only take about 7 mins and you’ll learn:

• 3 easy steps to help protect your well-being, cash flow, and investments
• 2 very common mistakes to avoid at all costs
• The first step to create a clear path amid the “fog” of uncertainty

If you’re questioning whether or not your retirement plan is on track to perform amid these historic levels of uncertainty, you’ll want to read this.

After you read it, reply to this email with any questions you have.

Read Now: Retiring in Uncertain Times? The “Dos” and “Don’ts” to Help Safeguard Your Future

Sincerely,

Wyatt Swartz