Building Financial Confidence in Every Season

Building Financial Confidence in Every Season

As we head into spring, a sense of financial uncertainty and anxiety seems to hang in the air. Much like Midwest weather — sunny one day and storm warnings the next — the financial markets have been equally erratic. In times like these, Servion Financial Advisors remain a steady, trusted advocate anchored in financial stability. Our team has helped countless clients navigate life’s major transitions with confidence and resilience.

We want to reassure both partners and individuals alike that advocates like your local credit unions and community banks are firmly rooted in the communities they serve and have trusted our team of Financial Advisors at Servion. Through a consistent focus on responsible budgeting, resourcefulness, and a commitment to long-term planning, these institutions have weathered economic storms before — emerging even stronger on the other side.

So, where has our focus been?

Financial stability looks different for everyone, and that shapes the way we approach it as an organization. While the spring season often brings attention to the housing market, this year, the swirling conversations around financial markets call for a closer look. That's why we felt it was critical to address investor sentiment head-on — and to share the trusted, time-tested advice from Servion Financial Advisors.

Cetera Investment Management commented in a recent publication, “This situation is very fluid, and we expect large swings to continue. The impact of the tariffs is hard to quantify and likely won’t be known until after they are implemented. After they are implemented, exceptions will be made, and negotiations to end tariffs may even occur. This creates uncertainty around corporate earnings, economic growth, inflation, and Fed rate cuts. The Federal Reserve is watching how this will play out, just like investors are watching.

Ultimately, the question investors want answered is what they should do with their portfolios. The answer to this question may not be as hard as you think. We can look to see what the largest money managers around the world are doing as an example. When asked what changes they are making during this period of uncertainty, the overwhelming answer is not much. This is because they are focused on their own return and risk objectives, and they don’t feel comfortable making large shifts to their portfolios when they don’t have a clear picture of what is happening.

As individual investors, we can do the same. We can ask ourselves, what has changed? Did something in my life change to warrant an alteration to my portfolio? For instance, did you decide to retire earlier or later? Or did a child change their mind about college? These sorts of changes could warrant changes in your investment objectives.

The other change you may ask yourself is regarding risk tolerance. Perhaps this type of volatility is unpalatable, and you can’t sleep at night. If that is the case, you can speak to your financial professional about possibly lowering your risk tolerance and making the corresponding changes to your portfolio.

While there is a lot of uncertainty right now, there are silver linings that are less talked about. Going into the year, valuations were stretched, especially in large cap growth due to the optimism around artificial intelligence. Now, valuations on the S&P 500 are near their long-term averages and could prove to be a better entry point for long term investors. While these tariffs are much higher than 2018-2019, economic growth, inflation and the unemployment rate were largely not impacted by the tariffs then. Also, don’t forget, negotiations could happen, and tariffs could eventually fall below the levels we started with before the trade war. The Fed is also now in a rate cutting cycle and can step in to support the economy and labor force if we do see deterioration in economic data.”

Setting an appointment to meet with your advisor to discuss both short-term decisions and long-term financial goals will provide clarity, build confidence, and help ensure your plan stays aligned with your personal objectives — no matter what the markets are doing.

Our Servion Financial Advisors are here to support you. Click here to schedule an appointment and take the next step toward your financial goals.

Source: Cetera Investment Management. (2025, April 14). Tariffs bring uncertainty, risks, and opportunities. Cetera Investment Management LLC.

Registered Representative offering securities and advisory services through Cetera Advisor Networks LLC, member FINRA/SIPC, a broker-dealer and a Registered Investment Advisor. Investments are: • Not FDIC/ NCUSIF insured • May lose value • Not financial institution guaranteed • Not a deposit • Not insured by any federal government agency. Cetera is under separate ownership from any other named entity. For a comprehensive review of your personal situation, always consult with a tax or legal advisor. Neither Cetera Advisor Networks LLC nor any of its representatives may give legal or tax advice. All investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. There is no assurance that any investment strategy will be successful. 500 Main Street, Suite 100, New Brighton, MN 55112. 651-631-3111.

The views stated in this letter are not necessarily the opinion of Cetera Advisor Networks, LLC and should not be construed directly or indirectly as an offer to buy or sell any securities mentioned herein. Due to volatility within the markets mentioned, opinions are subject to change without notice. Information is based on sources believed to be reliable; however, their accuracy or completeness cannot be guaranteed. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

All investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. There is no assurance that any investment strategy will be successful.

Investors cannot invest directly in indexes. The performance of any index is not indicative of the performance of any investment and does not take into account the effects of inflation and the fees and expenses associated with investing.