Captain’s Log

Turning Challenges into Opportunities:

How to Invest Strategically Amid Tariffs and Market Volatility

If you’ve been watching the headlines lately, you’ve probably noticed the word tariffs popping up more and more. And every time it does, the market seems to react—sometimes sharply. It’s enough to make even seasoned investors a little uneasy.

But here’s the thing: at Anchor Wealth, we’ve seen this before. Volatility, while uncomfortable in the moment, often creates some of the best long-term investment opportunities.

Let me explain how.

The Power of a Plan

We recently worked with a client who had built up $120,000 in excess savings. They had already set aside their emergency fund, and they didn’t have any big expenses coming up in the next year. They were just sitting on cash and bank CDs—and wondering if now was a good time to invest.

The market had been up and down. Tariff news was making headlines. Emotions were running high.

Instead of trying to time the market (which rarely works), we walked them through a strategy called dollar cost averaging. It’s simple, consistent, removes emotion, and it works especially well during periods of uncertainty.

What We Did

We pulled the $120,000 into their investment account and created a 12-week game plan: invest $10,000 each week, no matter what the market was doing.

Some weeks the market was down—great, we bought in at an even larger discount. Other weeks it rebounded—still good, because we stayed consistent.

By the end of the 12 weeks, that client wasn’t just invested—they were invested wisely, having taken advantage of both the dips and the recoveries without all the stress that comes from trying to guess the perfect moment.

Why It Matters Now

With tariffs continuing to stir the pot, and the market reacting unpredictably, now may be one of those rare windows where volatility works in your favor—if you have a strategy and the discipline to stick with it. That’s where we come in.

At Anchor Wealth, we help you identify money that’s ready to be invested—money that’s beyond your emergency fund and any big-ticket needs for the next 12 months—and then we put a plan in place to ease that cash into the market over time.

No guesswork. No emotional decisions. Just a smart, steady approach that’s stood the test of time.

Want to turn a challenge into opportunity?

Reach out to your Anchor Wealth Advisor today and let’s talk about whether dollar cost averaging is the right move for you. These short-term swings might just be your long-term gain.

Best,

Adam

 

Let’s come together to make a difference in the lives of children around the world

We’re excited to support Operation Christmas Child, a fantastic project that brings joy and hope to children in need by filling shoeboxes with gifts.

What is Operation Christmas Child?

Operation Christmas Child, run by Samaritan’s Purse, collects and distributes shoeboxes filled with toys, school supplies, and hygiene items to children facing difficult circumstances such as poverty, natural disasters, and conflict. For many of these children, this shoebox may be the first gift they’ve ever received.

How Can You Help?

We will be collecting donations from now to October 31st. You can help by purchasing an item(s) from our Amazon wishlist. Have your donation sent to our Rockfor office, and we will hold it until our Packing Party in November (more details to come).

Please join us in making this holiday season a little brighter for children in need.

Thank you in advance for your generosity and support! If you have questions, contact Chris DeSchepper at (815) 201-5011 Ext. 1020.

 

Here’s Why Your Financial Plan Should Be as Unique as You Are

Let’s face it, life doesn’t follow the same script for everyone. Some people want a house full of kids; others dream of early retirement and world travel. Some are supporting aging parents, while others are figuring out how to pay off student loans or start a business. And that’s exactly why your financial plan should be built specifically around you.

Your Life, Your Plan

Financial planning isn’t just about spreadsheets and retirement accounts. It’s about creating a strategy that supports the life you want at the stage you’re at. That could include plans for:

• Starting a family
• Buying your first (or forever) home
• Saving for your kids’ college
• Taking care of loved ones
• Planning for the retirement lifestyle you’ve imagined
• Leaving behind something meaningful for future generations

These are the things that matter, and they deserve more than a cookie-cutter plan. Your financial roadmap should reflect your real life journey and the numbers needed to get there .

Plans Change – And That’s Okay

Life moves fast. New jobs, new babies, unexpected expenses; your world can shift in an instant. That’s why a financial plan should be flexible. Think of it as a “living document,” something you check in on at least once a year, or anytime life throws you a curveball.

The more you treat your plan as something that grows with you, the better it’ll work for you in the long run. Working with a financial advisor can help keep your plan on track as things evolve.

Some Basics To Keep Things on Track

Even though every plan is different, there are a few building blocks that help lay a solid foundation:

• Setting a realistic budget and tracking your cash flow
• Building an emergency fund for those “just in case” moments
• Contributing to retirement accounts, even if it’s a small start
• Investing in a way that fits your comfort level
• Reviewing your benefits and pre-tax deductions
• Thinking through insurance, your estate plan, and how you want to protect your future

Budgeting apps like EveryDollar can be great for keeping your day-to-day spending aligned with your bigger goals.

Starting is the most important step. Having a plan that’s built around your life can make all the difference. At Anchor Wealth, we’re here to help you build a plan that fits your life— where you are now, and where you want to go.

Kirk Pearson, Wealth Advisor

 

Adam’s Nightstand

I previously read Coach Wooden’s Pyramid of Success by John Wooden and Jay Carty. John Wooden clearly lived a life rooted in faith and was blessed with tremendous success. This book is the result of decades of identifying the characteristics and traits that define a successful person, ultimately narrowing them down to 25 common behaviors.

The original pyramid diagram was created back in 1948, coining the term “Pyramid of Success.” I bought a copy of the book for each of my children and plan to re-read it with them. It’s a fantastic tool, filled with timeless, easy-to-understand principles.

I especially love this book for my children because it applies to every area of life—school, personal development, future careers, sports, and more. Each principle offers a foundation for becoming a great leader. And of course, I know I’ll benefit from teaching it to them as well!

Happy reading!

Would you like to read this book? You can find it on Amazon.