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What We’re Watching in 2025: Strategies for Navigating Uncertainty
Planning Alternatives January 7, 2025
At Planning Alternatives, we help you define and achieve your vision of true wealth, even amid change and uncertainty. With 2025 shaping up to be a pivotal year marked by a new administration and potential economic and policy shifts, now is the time to ensure your financial plan is ready. From monitoring key developments to fine-tuning strategies, here’s what we’re watching—and how we’re helping clients stay ahead.
The Significance of Policy Shifts
January marks the start of a new presidential term and, with it, the potential for significant policy changes. While we remain apolitical, we understand the importance of keeping an eye on evolving issues so we can determine how those may impact our clients' portfolios and financial lives. Here are a few items that we’re watching closely.
- Immigration policies. These regulations will likely undergo significant changes, affecting labor markets and other areas of the economy.
- Tariff adjustments. Changes to tariffs could impact global trade and domestic industries, with potential ripple effects, including higher inflation.
- Federal spending plans. New spending initiatives or budget cuts may shape economic growth in upcoming years.
- Tax policy changes. We’ll also keep an eye out for policy changes that might open up new opportunities for tax and estate planning strategies.
For a deeper dive into the 2025 financial markets, please see the Planning Alternatives Q1/2025 Investment Commentary.
Inflation and Interest Rates: A Continued Balancing Act
While inflation has eased from recent highs, recent economic data show it remains persistent.1 As we approach 2025, it's apparent inflation will continue to be a concern for policymakers and Americans alike.
Although additional interest rate cuts are expected, the Federal Reserve has recently signaled these will likely be more modest going forward. What’s behind their more cautious approach? This measured stance stems from ongoing concerns about continued inflation, the expanding federal deficit, and the recent rise in long-term Treasury yields, even as rates have been reduced. While the Fed could adjust its strategy, markets are currently anticipating a slower, more deliberate pace of cuts.
Financial Planning: Your Roadmap for Any Market
Proactive financial planning is the key to navigating these types of environments. Here are some strategies to help you stay focused and confident, no matter what the market brings.
- Revisit your financial plan. A financial plan shouldn’t be a one-time exercise. Instead, it should act as your dynamic roadmap. Regularly updating and tracking your progress ensures it remains relevant and practical. Whether you're still building wealth or you’re in the distribution phase, keeping your plan current empowers you to make informed decisions and adapt to changes—whether from the new year or life's unexpected turns.
- Focus on diversification. Spreading your investments efficiently across different asset classes is more important than ever during times of uncertainty. Doing so can help smooth out any highs and lows of individual holdings. At Planning Alternatives, our approach is rooted in building low-cost, highly diversified portfolios that strives to deliver more stability.
- Prepare for cash needs. You don’t want to be caught off guard in a fast-changing environment. That’s why preparing for your cash needs using time categories can be a productive strategy. That means segmenting your savings into short, medium-, and long-term buckets. For example, you may define short-term as the next 1 to 2 years, medium-term as 3 to 5, then long-term as 10 years or more. Getting prepared with sufficient cash in all categories can help you weather market volatility with confidence.
- Update key documents. Estate plans, wills, and power of attorney documents often get overlooked but can be crucial for safeguarding your wealth and legacy. This includes checking beneficiary designations to make sure they are up to date. This step can be critical since these designations typically override any wishes in your will.
Our Favorite New Year’s Resolution: Start a New Tradition of Family Money Conversations
At Planning Alternatives, we believe meaningful financial conversations are key to building and preserving a lasting legacy. Yet, a 2023 Empower survey revealed that 63% of individuals avoid discussing money with their families.2
These conversations may initially feel uncomfortable, but they can strengthen bonds and help reduce financial stress for younger heirs. They also provide an ideal opportunity to create a shared sense of purpose around your wealth.
We regularly help clients navigate these discussions, whether they involve estate plans, charitable giving, or long-term care preferences. To make it easier, we provide meeting agendas, facilitate open dialogue, and bring in key advisors to offer guidance. Let us help you get the ball rolling—there’s no better gift for your family than financial clarity and confidence.
Discovering Your True Wealth
Have you taken our True Wealth Assessment? This tool helps you gain clarity and helps to ensure your financial strategies align with what truly matters to you. Too often, people set goals based on what they think they “should” do, but we believe wealth is deeply personal—not one-size-fits-all. Let us help you define what true wealth means to you and create a plan to achieve a life that feels genuinely fulfilled.
Looking Ahead
As 2025 unfolds, our commitment to supporting your financial journey remains unwavering. From monitoring policy changes and finding new opportunities to fostering meaningful family conversations, we're here to help guide you every step of the way.
Ready to move closer to achieving your True Wealth in 2025?
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