Eastwood Wealth Family,

I hope you are well!

I want to check in regarding the recent ups and downs in the financial markets.

Markets like certainty. The recent uncertainty has risen out of indecisive government policy. Nobody knows what effect the wavering will ultimately have on the global economy. Here’s what I do know:

1. Your financial plan, retirement and investment accounts reflect your long-term visions, goals and dreams.
2. Eastwood Wealth is a retirement planning practice. We strive to help you to retire comfortably and then stay comfortably retired. I encourage you to revisit our Retirement Rules of the Road. There is something here for everyone whether you are far from retirement, ready to retire or in retirement.
3. Together, we have ridden out the ups and downs of the financial markets for more than 25 years. It is the price of admission for seeking the long-term results we desire.

Life is lived in dollars rather than percentages. However, most historical information relating to the financial markets is delivered in percentages. In this spirit, I want to share and reiterate three items of importance.

1. The S&P 500 contains the top 500 publicly traded companies in the United States. It is likely the best gauge of owning mainstream growth funds. Since 1928, the S&P 500 has been positive, on an annual basis, roughly 75% of the time.
2. During any given year, we should expect a 15% decline from the market highs of that specific calendar year. We have not experienced a 15% decline during the year since 2022. As of this communication, we have not experienced a 15% decline from the beginning of 2025 either.
3. On average, we should expect a decline of 30% or more once every five years, which happens to be an average business cycle for a long-term investor.

The information listed above is normal.

I understand you’re busy. Please go pursue an extraordinary life, on your own terms, with confidence, freedom and independence. It’s what life is all about. While you’re on the go, and in between our emails, keep up with us on social media. Facebook is the outlet our Clients use most often. Here, we communicate our thoughts, insights and fun stories quickly. If you are not already following us on Facebook, simply log in, search Eastwood Wealth and click the thumbs up button. It’s that simple!

Mark Twain said, “History doesn’t repeat itself, but it often rhymes.” I have found that big financial mistakes happen when life is changing rapidly. Many times, the best thing to do is to sit tight and do nothing.

I’m always here to have a conversation about what’s on your mind. Feel free to reach out anytime, 910-509-7123, you want to talk.

Thank you for your continued confidence, it is greatly appreciated.

Best,

Tim Evans, CFP® CLTC, Founder

The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee for future results. All indices are unmanaged and may not be invested into directly.