Lately, I’ve been trying to make sense of Trump’s recent actions - yeah, I know, it's a real mind-bender. I’m no economist, and let’s be honest, tariffs are a tough puzzle to figure out. But I’ve been curious to see what others are saying about it.

There’s a ton of conflicting opinions floating around. Is this all part of a master plan carefully crafted behind the scenes, or just a series of impulsive decisions? Honestly, I don’t think anyone outside of the Trump administration really has a clear answer.

And as a financial adviser, maybe I don’t need to know. Figuring it all out is giving me a headache. The truth is, though, the core advice remains the same, no matter what’s going on with tariffs, taxes, or trade wars:

Don’t panic. Stay patient. Be consistent. Ride out the storm.

Markets move in cycles. Emotions spike. But history has shown us again and again: these moments are just another episode in a long-running story. And I know I keep saying it, but people tend to panic and make knee-jerk reactions that destroy their wealth. Volatility will be high - that's pretty much a given. But everything else? It’s unknown. The key is to ride it out.

🧩 What’s the Endgame?

Some say Trump’s approach is erratic and inconsistent - pure chaos with no blueprint. Others claim it’s a long-term strategy years in the making, a way to force countries back to the negotiating table and win better deals for America. From the outside, it does look pretty crazy. But Trump’s not alone in this; he has advisers around him. So, surely, there’s a plan behind the madness... right?

Look, I’m trying to stay objective here - I’m no expert on all this political stuff and I only know the basics about tariffs. But I’ve got to be honest, I can’t hold this in any longer. In my opinion, I’m sure the administration has a long-term strategy, which has been well thought out. But when you throw Trump into the mix, everything seems to go off the rails. It’s one thing to impose tariffs with a solid plan, but when Trump gets involved, it’s like watching chaos unfold. It’s like an unruly kid crashing a group project - throwing out the plan, throwing a tantrum when things don’t fit his made-up narrative, disregarding carefully calculated numbers, and replacing them with whatever fits his version of reality. Phew, there, I’ve said it. Wow, that feels better. Alright, back to being objective...

✂️ Cutting Taxes and Paying for It

So here’s what the Trump administration wants: cut income taxes for individuals earning under $150,000. Sounds great, right? This could benefit 93% of Americans over the age of 15. On the surface, that’s a big win for working Americans.

But how will this be funded? Most likely through a combination of higher tariffs on imports and reduced government spending. I've been thinking a lot about this - is there a chance that things could actually go right? Could this pressure lead countries to come back to the table and negotiate deals that lower tariffs and trade barriers globally?

It’s a nice idea in theory, and I'm sure the Trump administration intended to spark negotiations on trade tariffs and barriers. However, something keeps bothering me (and I may be missing a piece of the puzzle here). If the U.S. is relying on tariffs as a primary source of revenue, how realistic is it to expect a global shift towards freer trade? If the U.S. needs higher tariffs on imports to generate the revenue necessary to fund tax cuts, it seems unlikely that the U.S. will reduce tariffs. And which country is going to lower tariffs on U.S. goods if the U.S. isn’t willing to make similar concessions in return?

🏭 The Return of Industrial America?

One of the administration’s big goals seems to be bringing back American manufacturing. But the world has changed. Many articles point out that most Americans - especially younger ones - don’t aspire to work in factories anymore. They’re pursuing higher-paying, future-facing careers in tech, healthcare, media, and innovation.

Trying to bring the country back to the 1950s industrial dream feels not only out of touch with economic realities but also ignores the skills and aspirations of today’s workforce. The world’s economy is evolving, and it’s hard to imagine the average American worker heading back to the factory floor.

🌪️ The Bigger Threat? Uncertainty

🧘‍♂️ When Others Are Losing Their Heads…

We've all had that sinking feeling - the markets dip, headlines go wild, and panic sets in. But this is the moment to take a breath.

Here’s what I keep in mind when it feels like the sky is falling:

📉 Corrections Are Normal

A market correction - defined as a 10% drop from recent highs - happens frequently, typically every 1 to 2 years. Some years (like 2021) glide by, while others (like 2020) feel like freefall. But historically, the market still ends the year positive about 3 out of every 4 years.

💥 Volatility Is the Price of Admission

The dips are what make the long-term gains possible. You can't have one without the other. It’s uncomfortable, but also inevitable.

🧠 Fear Is Natural - But So Is Resilience

When markets fall, your instincts scream: "Get out!" But reacting emotionally can be more damaging than the dip itself. Staying calm and sticking to your plan is what separates successful investors from stressed-out speculators.

🕰️ It’s About Time, Not Timing

As Warren Buffett said, "The stock market is a device for transferring money from the impatient to the patient." Volatility can actually be a gift - especially if you're still investing. You're buying more for less. That’s a win. 

🌍 Why Diversification Matters 

If you're concerned about America losing its position on the global stage, diversification is your safeguard. It's crucial not to put all your investments into one country. Just as you'd diversify across sectors, you should also diversify across geographies. 

Whether the U.S. stays dominant or not, a well-diversified portfolio will serve you far better than chasing headlines.

Final Word

I get it - there’s a lot going on right now, and it’s a challenging time to watch the markets. While day traders may thrive on short-term volatility, that’s not the path of long-term investors. We accept the market’s ups and downs, but we keep our eyes on the horizon.

When it comes to your portfolio, today’s noise won’t matter in 10, 20, or even 30 years. Patience and perspective are key.

The future may be uncertain, but with a steady hand and a clear plan, you'll be ready to navigate whatever comes your way. ✨

Disclaimer Time: This is guidance only, not financial advice. Please take independent professional financial advice before making any investments based on your own personal circumstances.