How to Navigate a Noisy Year With Financial Clarity

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This year is shaping up to be another politically, financially and emotionally noisy year.

Election cycles crank up the volume: More headlines, more predictions and more anxiety about what might happen next.

When the noise level rises, so does the temptation to "do something" with your money. But in my experience, clarity is almost always the better strategy.

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Clarity doesn't come from watching the news or checking your portfolio more often. It comes from stepping back and asking better questions — ones that realign your financial plan with your values.

Before setting new goals or reacting to what's happening "out there," I encourage clients to ask themselves three questions:

What brings me the most joy, and am I funding it?
Who do I want to show up for this year, and how can my money reflect that?
What would my 8-year-old self or future self be proud of me for pursuing?

These aren't just feel-good prompts. They change the conversation. Clients stop focusing on market moves and start thinking about what matters. When your values lead, better decisions tend to follow.

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The market doesn't care who wins

One of the most common questions I get in election years is: "Should I do something different with my investments?" My answer: Probably not.

No matter who wins in November, people will still shop at Walmart, drink Coca-Cola and eat at McDonald's. While government policy can influence the economy, it's usually at the margins. What really drives markets is earnings growth — and that's where we invest.

When clients let politics steer financial decisions, they often regret it. COVID was a vivid example. The market dropped 30% in six weeks. Some investors pulled out in panic; then came one of the fastest recoveries we've ever seen. As scary as it felt, reacting emotionally hurt more than staying the course.

It's the same with elections. If your preferred candidate loses, it can feel like the world's off track. But markets have historically performed well under both parties. Investing in politics is a bet. Investing in businesses is a plan.

Start with what really matters

That's why, especially in noisy times, I encourage clients to shift the conversation away from predictions and back toward purpose. Those three questions help us do that.

1. What brings me the most joy, and am I funding it?

If travel, time with family or giving to causes you care about lights you up, is that reflected in your financial life? Clients often light up when they realize they can take that dream trip or support someone they love. It's rarely about the balance sheet. It's about what that money allows them to do.

2. Who do I want to show up for this year, and how can my money reflect that?

Charitable giving often starts here. Many clients want to support multiple causes but feel overwhelmed about where to begin. Others want to help their adult children but wait too long — when help would have meant more during the "messy middle" years of raising a family.

We talk a lot about "giving with a warm hand" rather than a cold one. Supporting the people and causes that matter to you while you're alive to see the impact is one of the most fulfilling uses of wealth.

3. What would my 8-year-old self or future self be proud of me for pursuing?

This one gets people thinking in unexpected ways. I've had clients reconnect with childhood passions they hadn't revisited in decades.

One client in her 60s sold her veterinary practice and trained to become a whitewater rafting guide. Another went back to school midcareer to become a boat captain. These weren't just fun ideas — they were meaningful decisions backed by planning.

Purpose makes planning stick

These conversations aren't fluff. They're what make financial plans stick. When your plan reflects your values, your decisions become easier and more sustainable.

One mindset tool I often return to is what I call "measuring backward." Instead of comparing yourself to others — or to some abstract goal — look at where you started and how far you've come. That shift in perspective often brings more confidence than hitting any number on a spreadsheet.

Some clients chase "the number" — a target net worth that's supposed to unlock peace of mind. But a number without meaning often falls short. When you ground your plan in what really matters, you're far more likely to follow through.

Quiet planning in a loud world

My advice for this year? Focus less on what's out there and more on what matters to you.

We can't control the election. We can't predict the markets. But we can control how we respond and how we align our money with our purpose. That starts with asking better questions and letting the answers guide your decisions.

The noise will always be there. But when your plan is built on clarity and values, you're much more likely to stay grounded — no matter what the headlines say.

Signature Estate & Investment Advisors, LLC (SEIA) is an SEC-registered investment adviser; however, such registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training and no inference to the contrary should be made. This material is for informational purposes only and is not intended as individual investment advice or as a recommendation of any particular security, strategy or investment product. Investment decisions should be made based on the client's specific financial needs, objectives, goals, time horizon and risk tolerance.

Financial markets are inherently volatile and all investment strategies, including those perceived as low-risk, carry some level of investment risk. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Client experiences may not be representative of the experience of other clients and is not a guarantee of future performance or success. There is no guarantee that any investment strategy will achieve its intended results.

All investments carry inherent risks, including the potential loss of principal. Prospective and current advisors and clients should carefully consider their investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses before making any investment.

SEIA is not responsible for the consequences of any decisions or actions taken as a result of the information provided herein. In particular, none of the examples should be considered advice tailored to the needs of any specific investor.

Securities offered through Signature Estate Securities, LLC member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through SEIA, 2121 Avenue of the Stars, Suite 1600, Los Angeles, CA 90067, (310) 712-2323

Disclaimer

This article was written by and presents the views of our contributing adviser, not the Kiplinger editorial staff. You can check adviser records with the SEC or with FINRA.

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Frank Legan is a Cleveland-based author and a Financial Adviser with SEIA. Frank spends his days designing and implementing personalized financial planning strategies for corporate executives, business owners, artists, families and retirees. He focuses on lifetime income planning strategies, investment advice and estate planning services. He also works with businesses to develop strategic and succession planning strategies.