We keep hearing about a “new normal” and “these uncertain times.” Does anyone really like the sound of that? There’s nothing “normal” about a global pandemic, home quarantine, closed businesses, skyrocketing unemployment, halted travel, the death of a man under the knee of a police officer streamed live on social media, protests across the United States, a stock market in mayhem and trillions in new government spending.

Yet in the midst of so much chaos, we see glimmers of hope. The first SpaceX mission launched successfully, igniting renewed energy for manned space exploration. Early projections of Covid-19 deaths were vastly out of whack, and the actual numbers are turning out to be much more in line with average seasonal flu deaths.

So let’s take a deep breath and a closer look at what “the new normal” really is…and what it means for your financial future.

Some Perspective on Changing Times

This isn’t the first time we’ve seen turmoil and uncertainty like this. Following the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr., in 1968, our country witnessed four days of riots in 110 cities. The same year, a new strain of the Influenza A virus called the Hong Kong Flu reached the United States and killed more than 34,000 people. Meanwhile, the Vietnam War continued. On a happier note, though, that was the same year that the first crewed Apollo missions and more than 150 other space missions were launched.

There were a lot of reasons to avoid investing in 1968. In January of that year, the Dow was at 906.84. By December, it was at just 947.7 — modest growth, at best. But now the Dow exceeds 25,000. If you had invested $100,000 in 1968, it could be worth more than $2.6 million today!*

There are clear parallels between the past and what we’re experiencing today. We need to maintain hope for a healthy, safe and prosperous future.

We Will Move Forward Again

We can take comfort in knowing we’ve been here before and moved forward. We’ve suffered great hardship in the past yet prospered over time. It is sadly unfortunate that race relations now, 52 years later, have not improved, and our medical establishment has not eradicated viruses that can travel the globe. But there is hope for change.

In planning for your financial future, history is our best reminder that as much as things change, most truths remain the same.

History shows us we will move forward from the Covid-19 pandemic. We will heal from the awful death of George Floyd and the devastating riots across our nation’s cities. We are confident that the stock market will stabilize, and portfolios will rebound.

This reminds us of the importance of maintaining a long-term vision for your financial future.

Imagine a man walking up a hill with a yo-yo. If you focus only on the up-and-down motion of his yo-yo, you probably won’t notice his progress up the hill. Investing for your future is like that —- focusing on the goal and the plan makes much more sense than focusing on the yo-yo effects of day-to-day concerns.

Planning for Your Financial Future

Fulfilling a personal vision for a solid financial future takes planning, courage, and persistence. Carver Financial Services was founded with this mission in mind, helping you achieve your personal vision and financial goals.

Our team is here to help you navigate good times and bad, with a long-term outlook that supports your goals and your values.

Will we get through today’s turmoil? Yes. And our team will be here along the way, with solid research, sound decision making and top-notch professionals dedicated to serving you.

We understand you may have fears about your financial future. You are not alone. Your confidence and outcome are our top priorities. Contact us to discuss your concerns, hopes, and dreams for your future, or if there is anything that we can do to help you, your family, or your friends at 440-974-0808 or email randy.carver@raymondjames.com.

Any opinions are those of the author and not necessarily those of Raymond James. The information contained in this report does not purport to be a complete description of the securities, markets, or developments referred to in this material. There is no assurance any of the trends mentioned will continue or forecasts will occur.

*The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA), commonly known as “The Dow” is an index representing 30 stock of companies maintained and reviewed by the editors of the Wall Street Journal Keep in mind that individuals cannot invest directly in any index, and index performance does not include transaction costs or other fees, which will affect actual investment performance. Individual investor’s results will vary. Investing involves risk and you may incur a profit or loss regardless of strategy selected. Past performance does not guarantee future results.