Post Presidential Election Impacts on Your Wealth: Addressing Concerns and Finding Your “Why”

Have you ever heard the phrase “What’s the question behind the question?” or read the book? We’re all so busy that usually when we hear a question, we just want to quickly answer it and move on. For example, your child may ask “why are we having spaghetti for dinner?” Seems simple enough to answer. Maybe it’s because it’s quick or it’s your favorite dish. But is that the answer your child is really looking for? Why are they asking “why”? It might be that they don’t like or want spaghetti or they were expecting something else for dinner. If you don’t dig deeper into why they’re asking, you may miss an opportunity to see what’s going on inside their head and learn their true concerns.

Right now, we’re receiving a lot of questions about what may happen now that Donald Trump has been re-elected. The questions range from concerns about a recession to the potential for tax policy changes and even the impact on international relations. These conversations are raising important issues for many of our clients. But beyond the details of policy changes and market shifts, we’re taking a step back and focusing on a critical part of financial advising: uncovering your “why.”

Understanding your “why” — why certain issues concern you, why specific aspects of your financial plan matter more than others, and why these concerns are surfacing now — can lead to clarity and more effective wealth management. Let’s explore some common areas of concern, how Trump’s re-election may influence them, and questions to help you find your own “why.”

1. Potential Tax Policy Changes: Will My Wealth Be Protected?

One of the most immediate concerns we’re hearing is around taxes — specifically, the potential for changes in estate taxes, capital gains taxes, and corporate taxes. With Trump’s history of tax cuts, many are wondering if this could mean additional cuts or, alternatively, a shift in strategy. If tax policy changes are a top concern, ask yourself why this matters to you. Is it about ensuring your family inherits as much as possible? Or are you focused on minimizing tax burdens to protect your business? Understanding this will help us create strategies aligned with your core values.

2. Market Volatility and Recession Concerns: How Safe Are My Investments?

Many clients also express concern about market volatility and the possibility of a recession. While a Trump presidency may signal pro-business policies, uncertainty can still affect the markets. If market stability and recession fears are weighing on you, think about the deeper reasons. Are you concerned about maintaining your current lifestyle, protecting the financial legacy you’ve built, or ensuring you have enough for retirement? Pinpointing these motivations helps us recommend an investment approach that helps weather different market environments.

3. Global Trade and International Relations: Will My Overseas Interests Be Affected?

For clients with global business interests, shifts in trade policy and international relations are significant. Trump’s previous term brought about tariffs, and future trade tensions could impact overseas revenues and investments. If this is a key area of concern for you, ask why. Is it because your company depends on foreign revenue streams? Or perhaps you have personal investments abroad? By identifying your “why,” we can tailor solutions to safeguard these interests.

4. The Future of Philanthropy: How Will My Legacy Be Preserved?

Philanthropic clients are particularly interested in how potential changes in charitable deduction policies could impact their giving. Charitable efforts often reflect a deeply personal “why” — the legacy you want to leave behind, the impact you want to make, and the causes that resonate most with you. If charitable giving is a concern, reflecting on why you give can make it easier for us to structure a strategy that honors those values, regardless of potential policy changes.

5. Estate Planning and Wealth Transfer: How Can I Ensure My Family’s Financial Security?

For many high-net-worth individuals, preserving wealth across generations is paramount. Estate tax changes are a real possibility, and families often worry about how new laws could affect their ability to transfer wealth. Ask yourself, why does estate planning matter most to you? Are you concerned about ensuring the well-being of your family, or about preserving the legacy of your family business? When we know your “why,” we can develop a plan that not only protects your assets but also respects your intentions.

What’s the Question Behind Your Question?

As we look at the potential impacts of Trump’s re-election, there’s a temptation to focus only on external factors — taxes, markets, and policies. But in financial planning, your internal motivations are equally important. By exploring your “why,” we can ensure that your financial strategy aligns with what truly matters to you, regardless of the external environment.

We’re here to answer your questions, address your concerns, and help you find the deeper purpose behind your financial goals. If you’re ready to dig deeper and understand the “why” behind your wealth, reach out to us today. Together, we’ll navigate these uncertain times with clarity and confidence.

CAM Disclosure

M & A Consulting Group, LLC, doing business as CAM Investor Solutions is an SEC registered investment adviser. As a fee-only firm, we do not receive commissions nor sell any insurance products. We provide financial planning and investment information that we believe to be useful and accurate. However, there cannot be any guarantees. 

This blog has been provided solely for informational purposes and does not represent investment advice. Nor does it provide an opinion regarding fairness of any transaction. It does not constitute an offer, solicitation or a recommendation to buy or sell any particular security or instrument or to adopt any investment strategy.

Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Diversification does not eliminate the risk of market loss. Tax planning and investment illustrations are provided for educational purposes and should not be considered tax advice or recommendations. Investors should seek additional advice from their financial advisor or tax professional.