Ring Financial Services

01/05/2026

Another Day, Another Headline
December 2025
Content prepared by Ron Ring, President Ring Financial Services
“RFS”, Lexington KY, 40503

As we close out the year, the news cycle feels louder than ever. AI, tariffs, the recent government shutdown — big stories keep rolling in, and each one seems to spark a new round of “what if” questions about the markets.

The truth is simple: there will always be uncertainty. Politics, global events, health care, border issues, economic shifts — they all influence markets, but none of them can be predicted with consistent accuracy. No one knows the timing or details of the future.

So how do you filter out the noise and avoid the costly mistakes that happen when fear takes the wheel? You build a financial plan — and you stick to it.

After more than 35 years in this industry, I’ve lived through several major market drops and plenty of panic along the way: Black Monday in 1987, Y2K, the dot-com crash in 2000, the Great Recession, the 2020 pandemic, and the Tariff Typhoon in 2025 are some of the events and there are several others over the past 100 years. History tells the same story every time. Markets recover. Strong companies adapt, continue growing earnings, and many raise their dividends.

Successful investors don’t chase “the market.” They invest in solid companies that operate within the market. Think of it like boats in a harbor. Large and small boats rise and fall with the tide. The tide is predictable — stock market corrections are not. When out at sea and storms arise, it is far better to be on a big ship than in a small boat. A big ship can adjust as needed to avoid damage and continue to its destination. Having a well thought out financial plan with a long-term view using a diversified portfolio is like being on large ship.

So what should you do now? Take a breath. Set a time to revisit your financial plan and goals with your advisor in early 2026. Once that’s on the calendar, shift your focus back to what matters — enjoying the holiday season with family and friends.

If you’re looking for a trusted advisor, give us a call. We would welcome the conversation and chance to answer any questions you might have. Until then, count your blessings and be generous. Wishing you much success! - Ron and team at RFS.

Securities and Advisory Services offered though LPL Financial, a Registered Investment Advisor. Member FINRA/SIPC

The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. To determine which strategies or investments may be suitable for you, consult the appropriate qualified professional prior to making a decision.

12/22/2025

11/25/2025

07/03/2025

Wishing you a safe and happy July Fourth Holiday!

04/18/2025

Happy Easter from our families to yours! ✝

02/12/2025

Doing what we love and loving who we do it for! ❤ We are grateful for the opportunity to work with amazing clients!

12/23/2024

Merry Christmas, from Ron and Ruth ~ We look forward to serving you in 2025!

10/10/2024

What should I do with my investments in Election years?

That is a question that comes up frequently in presidential election years. Contrary to some economists and market commentary “experts” who give compelling opinions, election results have had very little impact on long-term investors. Historically, U.S. stocks have trended up regardless of whether a Republican or Democrat won the White House.

During election seasons like we face again this year, current economic and political challenges seem unprecedented. Looking back in history there have always been volatile markets and tumultuous events. Controversy along with uncertainty have surrounded every campaign. Since 1936 whether a Republican or Democrat claims victory, the result has not been a deciding factor in how a $10,000 investment made at the beginning of an election year looked 10 years down the road.

The gyrations of the “stock market” are irrelevant to owners of portfolios of enduringly great companies that are run by very smart people who figure out ways to adjust as needed to continue profitable operations and pay dividends. Our clients and successful long-term investors are owners of those great companies and not speculators on “the stock market”.

The equity market cannot be consistently timed any more than the economy can be consistently forecast. Thus, the only way of assuring that one will realize the full permanent return of the mainstream equities is to hold them steadfastly through temporary declines.

Getting caught up making decisions because of short-term gyrations of the markets (over a few months or even a year or two) usually diminishes the net results (over the long term) of investors that do NOT have a financial plan in place. Those that have and act upon well thought out and designed financial plans typically fare better than investors that react to current news and events.

So, I leave you with this. The long-term “big picture goal” is having a plan that creates income that one does not outlive and growing a legacy to the people or institutions one loves most, not one that compares account values from statement to statement. Successful investors maintain proper long-term perspectives in all types of market conditions and cycles with diversified well-managed portfolios. Some choose to self-direct their own investments. Many choose to work with a trusted financial advisor who is also their behavioral coach who helps them keep their plan on track and guards them from giving in to impulses and feelings, especially when markets are volatile. If you have need for a trusted advisor, reach out to our office and we would welcome the conversation.

I wish you much success! - Ron

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