The Root of All Evil (It’s “Not Money” but It Is a Life Lesson)

We’ve all heard the saying, “Money is the root of all evil.” But the truth is, money isn’t the problem—our behavior is. 

When markets are rising, people feel great. Confidence grows, optimism takes over, and it suddenly feels like there’s no limit to what we can afford or do. Then the markets pull back—and fear sets in. Spending stops, investments get second-guessed, and decisions become emotional instead of logical. 

We see it all the time. When portfolios are up, someone might splurge—dining out more, booking extra trips, upgrading a car. But when the market dips, that same person does a complete about-face. Every purchase is scrutinized, plans are canceled, and they slip into an austerity mindset. This emotional whiplash—spending freely in good times and freezing in bad ones—can take the joy out of life. 

And that’s not how retirement, or any stage of life, should feel. 

Are you nodding your head in agreement right now? Just wondering. 

You’ve worked hard. You’ve saved and planned carefully. You’ve earned the right to enjoy financial freedom and well-being. Our job at Stein Financial Group is to help protect you not only from market swings but also from the emotions those swings create. 

Just like you’d visit your doctor when something doesn’t feel right, it’s smart to “check in” on your financial health when markets get bumpy. Sometimes a small adjustment is needed—a shift in allocation, a review of income plans, or a fresh look at your goals. Other times, you simply need reassurance that all is well. Either way, you walk away with greater clarity and confidence. 

At Stein Financial Group, we help you stay steady—no matter what the markets are doing—through: 

1. Perspective: We help you see beyond the daily market noise and stay focused on your long-term goals. It’s about lifting your gaze from short-term turbulence to the broader horizon. 
2. Personalization: Your plan reflects your life—your goals, comfort level, and timeline. We tailor your financial strategy to evolve with you, not against you. 
3. Consistent Guidance: We’re here through every cycle. When markets drop, we don’t disappear—we lean in, review, and communicate even more. That’s when experience matters most. 
4. Experience: Having guided clients through decades of market ups and downs, we know how to turn uncertainty into opportunity. The “get me out” or “get me in” mindset is a recipe for stress. A calm, disciplined approach is what builds lasting success. 

Financial success isn’t about avoiding ups and downs—it’s about managing them with discipline, perspective, and confidence. The markets will always move, but you don’t have to move with every swing. 

So, take a deep breath. Trust your plan. Let it do what it was designed to do—support your life, not control it.

If you’re wondering whether you’re still on track—or if you simply want a second opinion—reach out to us at Stein Financial Group. Like a doctor’s visit, you’ll either walk away with helpful adjustments or the comfort of knowing you’re in great shape. Either way, you’ll leave with something priceless: a sense of comfort & security.

Wow, I do feel better. 

Jeff