Election Year Financial Uncertainty? Consider These Tips to Ease Your Mind

As the 2024 presidential election approaches, many of us grapple with heightened anxiety about the potential impact on our financial futures. It’s a natural reaction to feel jittery when the political landscape seems to be in flux, but it’s essential to maintain perspective and adhere to a solid financial strategy.

Consider these tips for managing your financial planning with confidence during election years.

Understanding the Impact of Elections on Your Finances

Election years often come with increased market volatility, driven by speculation about potential changes in economic policy. While the Democratic platform advocates for expanding U.S. manufacturing, investing in clean energy, and controlling healthcare costs, the Republican platform seeks to support traditional energy sources, reducing financial regulations and easing real estate development restrictions.

Despite these stark differences, it’s crucial to remember that any proposed policies require Congressional approval and might face legal challenges before they take effect.

Historically, the impact of a presidential election on the broader market has been less dramatic than one might expect.¹ The key to navigating these times lies in maintaining a long-term perspective and not allowing short-term political developments to dictate your financial decisions.

Stay Focused on Your Long-term Goals

As financial planners and investment advisors, we consistently advise against making significant changes to your investment strategy based on election-year volatility. The underlying principle is simple: short-term market fluctuations should not derail your long-term financial plans. A well-diversified portfolio tailored to your risk tolerance and financial goals should be robust enough to weather temporary market dips.

Historical performance shows that markets often rebound positively following elections and have typically posted solid returns during presidential election years.² This trend underscores the importance of staying true to well-established financial plans.

Reactionary Decisions and Maintaining Control

One of the most significant risks during election years is making reactionary decisions based on current events or political anxiety. Instead, focus on aspects of your financial plan that you can control.

Consider evaluating your savings rate, ensuring an adequate emergency fund, and reviewing your insurance policies. Unlike the broader political landscape, these areas directly impact your financial stability and are within your control.

Diversification and Risk Management

Maintaining a diversified investment portfolio is a fundamental strategy for managing risk. Diversification helps spread risk across different asset classes and sectors, reducing the potential impact of any single political or economic event.

While short-term market volatility is often a byproduct of political uncertainty, it’s important not to let temporary fluctuations dictate your financial decisions. Maintaining portfolio balance and staying the course with long-term planning goals will help ensure you’re well-positioned to handle market volatility.

Embrace a Balanced Perspective

Concentrate on long-term financial planning principles, such as diversification, risk management, and maintaining a steady investment approach to avoid making financial mistakes due to election-year anxiety.

Markets are inherently volatile, and political events are just one factor influencing financial performance. By focusing on what you can control, you can confidently navigate the uncertainties of an election year. Remember, the most effective financial plans are grounded in long-term goals and disciplined strategies, not reactionary responses to current events.

As always, if you have questions or need personalized advice, don’t hesitate to contact your financial advisor. We’re here to support you through every twist and turn on your financial journey.

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Sources:

¹Bloomberg Finance L.P. Analysis: S&P 500 performance in presidential election years 1984 to 2020. https://www.bmt.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/tmt-july-twenty-four-twenty-four-daily-chart1_cropped.png

² Morningstar Analysis as of 12/31/2023. https://www.blackrock.com/blk-inst-c-assets/cache-1712340930000/images/media-bin/web/institutional/insights/stocks-continued-higher-holding-presidency.svg