Investing When the World Feels Like It’s Falling Apart

In this episode of Money Questions, Nate and Matt dig into what it means to invest when the news feels like the world is falling apart — wars, pandemics, political chaos, and all. They tackle the emotional side of money, the hard data on markets, and what real‑life investors should actually do when they’re scared.

They cover:

• The “ghost of market future” thought experiment: if you knew in January 2020 about COVID, lockdowns, civil unrest, and global turmoil — would you still have invested?
• “Am I going to be okay?”: the real question behind clients’ calls when the headlines turn dark — and how advisors answer it.
• Why we invest at all: protecting purchasing power from inflation, and why cash under the mattress quietly loses to rising prices.
• The Andex chart: zooming out over decades of data, seeing wars, recessions, pandemics, and crises — and why the long‑term line still trends up and to the right.
• When (and how) to change your plan: using crises as a wake‑up call if your risk level is truly too high — instead of making all‑or‑nothing, panic‑driven moves.

Grounded in real client conversations and decades of market history, this episode is about how to keep investing in a world that never stops throwing curveballs — and how to separate terrifying headlines from your long‑term financial future.

Chapters:

00:00 – Setting the stage: pandemics, wars, and scary headlines
01:30 – The “ghost of market future” thought experiment (January 2020)
03:20 – Human toll vs. talking about money during global trauma
05:10 – Why we invest: inflation, purchasing power, and not burying cash
06:20 – Investor profiles: goals, timelines, and risk tolerance in real life
08:00 – “What would you do if your portfolio dropped 20%?” (questionnaires vs reality)
10:00 – The Andex chart: zooming out on decades of crises and returns
12:40 – Betting on humanity: why markets recover (or else money won’t matter)
15:00 – Turmoil as opportunity: Contributions-in-a-crisis insight
16:30 – Diversification, global markets, and staying invested through volatility
18:40 – History of geopolitical shocks and market returns
21:30 – Ten rules for dealing with uncertainty and market timing myths
25:20 – Simplicity vs complexity: why a solid, simple plan often wins
26:50 – “Doing nothing is a decision”: panic, partial changes, and avoiding all-or-nothing moves
28:20 – Crisis as a wake-up call: when it does make sense to adjust risk
29:30 – Closing thoughts: hope, resilience, and focusing on long-term goals

To learn more visit: https://www.evangelinewealth.com/

DISCLAIMER: The comments contained herein are a general discussion of certain issues intended as general information only and should not be relied upon as tax or legal advice. Please obtain independent professional advice, in the context of your particular circumstances. This presentation was prepared, by Matthew McGowan and Nathan England CFP, for the benefit of Matthew McGowan and Nathan England CFP, Mutual Fund Representative with Evangeline Wealth Management, a registered trade name with Investia Financial Services Inc., and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of Investia Financial Services Inc. The information contained in this presentation comes from sources we believe are reliable, but we cannot guarantee its accuracy or reliability. The opinions expressed are based on an analysis and interpretation dating from the date of publication and are subject to change without notice. Furthermore, they do not constitute an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any securities. Mutual Funds are offered through Investia Financial Services Inc. Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees, and expenses all may be associated with mutual fund investments. Please read the Fund Fact sheet or prospectus before investing. Mutual funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently, and past performance may not be repeated.

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