Cast Your Vote and Chill

It’s crazy how much attention people are paying to this election. Yes, stay informed, do your research, and vote, but after that, it’s out of your hands. Our country is so polarized right now that rationality is often thrown out the window. We see one outrageous clip of a candidate we dislike, and suddenly, they’re the “worst person in the world,” and “If they win, the country is doomed.”

I’m not here to give my opinions on any specific candidates. Instead, I’m asking that for this election and every other one, you take a step back and do your own research. When you see that one clip of someone saying something you don’t like, go find the whole segment to understand the context. So much of whats in the media is edited to stir emotions and drive views. Don’t let media outlets decide how you feel—they profit by keeping us divided.

Your Finances in an Election Year

When it comes to our finances, especially at our age, elections won’t make or break us. You need to stay invested and not change your strategy based on who’s in office or whatever other event is going on. Sure, there are unpredictable things that can impact the economy, like war or a recession, but we don't see these things coming until it is too late. We’re investors, not traders. Chasing “Trump Trades” or guessing which industry will pop based on some short-term event is a fast track to losing money.

Warren Buffett’s two rules for building wealth: “Don’t lose money, and don’t forget rule number one.” The surest way to lose money is to gamble with it. And by gambling, I don’t just mean at the casino. Buying stock tips you hear in the media or betting on sports without a plan is still gambling, and the odds are never in your favor. If they were, the gambling industry wouldn’t exist. Casinos and bookies profit off impulsive decisions, and so does the market.

Keeping Control of Your Money

I know this might sound repetitive because everyone warns about reckless spending. But if you’re going to gamble, keep it in check. Don’t use money you’re going to need for anything important. If you’ve got $100 in your account, and payday’s a week out, don’t throw it into a DJT stock tip or bet on the Lions. Make financial choices that leave you in control, not the house.

In the end, your vote is important, and so is keeping a level head. No single event or election should determine your mood or your money moves. Make informed, thoughtful decisions—not because someone’s riling you up, but because you’ve done the work to understand what’s best for you.