Return to flip book view

Message The LynnLeigh JournalLife. Investing. And Everything in BetweenIf you’ve found yourself feeling unsettled about the markets lately,you’re not alone.At the time of this writing, the S&P 500 has fallen more than 12% fromit’s recent peak. Tariff discussions are making headlines again.Inflation is sticking around longer than expected. And what wassupposed to be a season of interest rate relief from the Federal Reservenow looks more uncertain than ever.THROUGH THE NOISE: WHY YOURFINANCIAL PLAN MATTERS MORE THANEVERBy Kelly L. Olczak, CFP® Feature ArticleHighlights:A P R I L 2 0 2 5V O L U M E 4Spring into Fun: Events toBrighten Your AprilWhy Your Plan MattersMore Than the Market’sMoodHow “Now, Later, NeverMoney” Brings Clarity toChaosForget Market Timing—Here’s What ActuallyWorksTariffs Return: What TheyMean for Prices and PolicyThe Market Pulled Back—But Should You Be Worried?Discipline Over Drama: TheStrategy That Still WinsMarket Update:Even the most seasoned investors are asking:“Should I be doing something different?”“Is my plan still on track?”“Can I still afford to retire—or stay retired?”

2A P R I L 2 0 2 5 V O L U M E 4One of our recently retired couples—let’s call them Anne and Mark—came in for their annual review just days after the markets haddipped sharply. They looked tense.A Real Story: Rome, Retirement, andReassuranceThese questions aren’t coming from people who’ve ignored theirfinances. They’re coming from responsible savers. From people who’vebuilt strong portfolios and still feel uneasy. And that makes perfectsense—because money is emotional.“We just booked our Italy trip this week,” Anne said, “but with everything happening, maybe we should holdoff.”We sat down together and walked through their financial plan. Their Now Money—two years of spendingreserves—was still fully intact. Their investment allocations had been rebalanced at the end of February, andthe Italy trip was already baked into their withdrawal strategy. The market pullback? Stress-tested in theirplan.By the end of the meeting, Mark smiled. “So we’re still good?”“You’re more than good,” I said. You’ve planned.”And, off they went! And when they come home from Rome a few weeks from now, they will not only comeback with souvenirs—they will come back something better: confidence in their future. Why Even Smart Investors Feel ShakyMarket volatility can shake even the most well-prepared investors. That’s because the uncertainty doesn’tjust challenge your portfolio—it challenges your identity. When you’re nearing or in retirement, everydecision feels higher-stakes.

3A P R I L 2 0 2 5 V O L U M E 4Another client of ours, Julia, called recently with a voice full ofconcern. She’s 61, single, and planning to retire in two years. She’ssaved steadily, paid off her mortgage, and has no debt. But theheadlines were starting to chip away at her confidence.“Should I be making changes now to protect myself?” she asked.We reviewed her plan together and reminded her of one importanttruth: we already did plan for times like this. Her short-term incomeneeds were covered. Her investment allocations reflected herretirement timeline. And her tax strategy was optimized, even forinflation.She didn’t need to react. She just needed a reminder that the plan wasworking. Revisiting What Grounds Us: Now Money, Later Money Never MoneyIf you’ve worked with us for a while, you already know this is one of my favorite planning conversations.At LynnLeigh & Company, we believe every dollar should have a job—and that’s why we organize wealth intoNow Money, Later Money, and Never Money. This isn’t just a framework—it’s a mindset shift. And whenmarkets get noisy, it’s exactly what brings our clients back to center.Let’s take a moment to revisit it together—not because you don’t know it, but because a quick reset can bringreal peace of mind. Now Money – The first line of emotional defenseThis is your short-term safety net: 12–24 months of expenses, set aside for life’s everyday needs andsurprises. Bills, groceries, travel, taxes, home repairs. When the market dips, your Now Money keeps yourlifestyle steady and your stress levels low.

4A P R I L 2 0 2 5 V O L U M E 4Client insight: One couple added an extra six months of cash reservesafter retiring last year. When this year’s volatility hit, they weren’trattled—they were prepared.Let’s be honest—the financial headlines lately haven’t been soothing. Inflation is lingering. The Fed’s interestrate strategy feels like a moving target. And now tariffs are creeping back into the national conversation.But when you’re working from a real financial plan, you don’t have to scramble every time the news cycleshifts. Let’s walk through a few of the concerns we’ve been hearing—and how we’re helping clients navigatethem. Later Money – Your engine for long-term livingThis is your invested money—IRAs, 401(k)s, and taxableportfolios—that fuels your retirement over decades. It’s carefullymanaged, thoughtfully diversified, and built to weather ups anddowns while supporting sustainable withdrawals. Never Money – The flexibility you didn’t know you neededWhat we do: In volatile periods, we revisit your Later Money strategyto ensure you’re still positioned for growth without unnecessary risk.This is your invested money—IRAs, 401(k)s, and taxable portfolios—that fuels your retirement overdecades. It’s carefully managed, thoughtfully diversified, and built to weather ups and downs whilesupporting sustainable withdrawals.Real story: A client in her 70s used part of her Never Money to help her daughter purchase a home—something she hadn’t originally planned for, but felt deeply aligned with her values.

5A P R I L 2 0 2 5 V O L U M E 4What we’ve already done: We’ve stress-tested your spendingplan for inflation. But if your monthly costs begin to edgeupward, we’ll revisit your withdrawal strategy and identify anytweaks—before they become disruptive. Tariffs could lead to higher pricesMajor retailers like Walmart, Target, and Best Buy have warned that renewed tariffs on imported goodscould drive up prices across consumer categories. That means groceries, electronics, and everyday essentialsmight get more expensive—again. The market is in a pullbackAs of mid-March, the S&P 500 is down more than 10%. That’senough to rattle nerves—but it’s also entirely within the range of anormal correction. Since 1980, the average intra-year market drophas been 14%.What that means for you: Your plan is structured so that you’re not forced to sell investments whenmarkets are down. If you’re drawing income, it’s likely coming from your Now Money or stablepositions. And if you’re still working, this can be a long-term buying opportunity.With inflation remaining sticky, the Federal Reserve may push back its timeline for lowering interestrates. That can affect mortgage costs, business financing, and fixed income yields. Rate cuts may be delayedWhat we’re watching: We’re keeping a close eye on your bond allocation, cash flow strategy, andtax positioning. You may even benefit from a longer period of elevated yields in your fixed incomesleeve.

6A P R I L 2 0 2 5 V O L U M E 4If the noise has started to creep into your confidence, let’s reconnect. Let’s open up your plan and makesure it still reflects what you need, what you value, and what’s next for your life.You’ve worked too hard to let the market dictate how you feel about your future.We can’t quiet the headlines—but we can quiet the uncertainty.Let’s make sure your plan is still doing exactly what it’s supposed to do:Help you live well, give generously, and stay grounded—no matter what the world throws your way. One Last Thought Planning = PermissionWhat I want every client to know—especially in times like this—isthat a solid plan gives you more than just projections. It gives youpermission:To take that trip you’ve been dreaming aboutTo help your kids or grandkids while you’re here to see itTo spend joyfully without guilt or fearTo sleep better at night, even when the market isn’tcooperatingThat’s what we’re building together. A plan that’s durable, adaptable, and completely centered on you.

7A P R I L 2 0 2 5 V O L U M E 4 MARKET UPDATEThe first quarter of 2025 came in like a lion—and marketsfelt it.After a strong finish to 2024, the momentum slowed inFebruary and March. By mid-March, the S&P 500 haddropped more than 10% from its recent highs. Theheadlines? Inflation. Delayed interest rate cuts. And newtariff threats on imported goods.As mentioned earlier, retailers like Walmart, Target, and Best Buy are preparing for price increases asproposed tariffs on foreign goods begin to take shape. Unlike past trade talk that focused on steel andindustrial goods, this round appears broader, potentially affecting consumer products across the board.While the full scope of implementation is still uncertain, history suggests that tariffs often translate intohigher costs for U.S. consumers. This could mean continued inflation pressure—and a more cautiousFederal Reserve.A Noisy Quarter: Tariffs,Volatility, and What Comes NextLet’s take a closer look at what’s driving markets—and what it could mean for you. Tariffs Are Back—and Consumers May Pay the PriceKey takeaway: If higher prices persist, the Fed may hold off on interest rate cuts, which could affectborrowing costs and market sentiment in the coming months.

8A P R I L 2 0 2 5 V O L U M E 4Corrections like this aren’t unusual. Since 1980, the average intra-year decline in the S&P 500 hasbeen 14%. Still, seeing negative numbers in your portfolio—even temporarily—can feel personal,especially if you’re drawing income or nearing retirement. Market Pullbacks Are Normal—But Still UncomfortableHere’s how the major indexes performed this past quarter:This is where planning matters most: When you’ve built in buffers, diversified your portfolio,and matched your money to your timeline, you don’t need to make reactive moves. You’repositioned to ride through short-term volatility.

9A P R I L 2 0 2 5 V O L U M E 4 What We’re Watching—and What We’re NotWe’re watching:Inflation trends and retail pricing dataFederal Reserve statements and rate projectionsConsumer confidence and earnings reports in key sectorsOpportunities for strategic rebalancing or tax-lossharvestingWe’re not watching:Every twist in daily headlinesSocial media panicMarket timing forecastsOur message stays the same: Long-term investing works. Reactivity doesn’t. Your plan is builtfor moments like these.After a season of economic noise and market motion, we could all use a little lightness. Spring isfinally arriving in Upstate New York and the Finger Lakes, bringing with it new energy—and plentyof reasons to step away from the headlines and reconnect with joy.Here are a few local events to help you shake off the winter chill and make the most of the season… A Breath of Fresh Air

10A P R I L 2 0 2 5 V O L U M E 4After a season of economic noise and market motion,we could all use a little lightness. Spring is finallyarriving in Upstate New York and the Finger Lakes,bringing with it new energy—and plenty of reasons tostep away from the headlines and reconnect with joy.Here are a few local events to help you shake off thewinter chill and make the most of the season… Spring Fling KidsFest – RochesterApril 13 | Bill Gray's Regional IceplexVisit The Website!A true celebration of Blackclassical artistry, this multi-dayfestival features performancesby world-class musicians andensembles. With events heldacross Rochester, it's anuplifting way to immerseyourself in music andcommunity. Don’t miss theGateways Festival Orchestra atKodak Hall on April 24. Gateways Music Festival – RochesterApril 21–24 | Various VenuesVisit The Website!

11A P R I L 2 0 2 5 V O L U M E 4A beloved tradition in the Finger Lakes,this self-guided wine and cheese tourpairs regional wines with handcraftedcheeses from local creameries. With athree-day window to explore, it's aleisurely—and delicious—way towelcome spring. Spring Wine & Cheese Weekend – Seneca Lake Wine TrailApril 11–13 | Multiple WineriesVisit The Website!Spring cleaning meets spring creativity at this localartisan market, where handmade gifts, Eastergoodies, and Mother’s Day treasures await. It’s aneasy stop-in event if you're looking for unique itemsand the chance to support small businesses in thecommunity. Spring Arts & Crafts Fair – RochesterApril 13 | 2997 Buffalo Road, Suite 4Visit The Website!

12A P R I L 2 0 2 5 V O L U M E 4b i i bl b i i i i lif d k h fClosing Thoughts: Stay Rooted & Ready for What’s Next!As we move through a season of renewed energy—and renewed market noise—remember thatsteady, intentional planning is what carries you forward. Whether you're rebalancing after a marketdip, revisiting your withdrawal strategy, or simply taking time to enjoy jazz in Geneva or wine in theFinger Lakes, thoughtful steps today pave the way for long-term confidence.This month, we hope you feel focused, grounded, and ready to embrace what’s ahead. If you havequestions about your plan—or just want to share a photo from your spring adventures—we’re alwayshere to listen.LynnLeigh & Company - A Registered Investment AdvisorThis information is provided by LynnLeigh & Co. for general information and educational purposes based uponpublicly available information from sources believed to be reliable – LynnLeigh & Co. advisors cannot assure theaccuracy or completeness of these materials. The information presented here is not specific to any individual’spersonal circumstances. To the extent that this material concerns tax matters, it is not intended or written to beused, and cannot be used, by a taxpayer for the purpose of avoiding penalties that may be imposed by law. Eachtaxpayer should seek independent advice from a tax professional based on his or her individual circumstances.The information in these materials may change at any time and without notice. Past performance is not aguarantee of future returns.