Our CEO, Russ Crosson, recently penned this letter to our clients.  In the midst of the economic uncertainy he wanted to share his thoughts and encouragment to them regarding our company and also the larger perspective.

It would be an understatement to say that this has been an historical Presidential election, and you can’t find a blog worth its salt that doesn’t have some commentary on how to vote.  Of course, our business is financial planning, and we have to tread lightly when it comes to politics because well-meaning individuals can come to differing conclusions as to what election outcome is best.  That being said, we all want a guide that will help us gain perspective.  

We look for insight and wisdom that penetrates the rhetoric of promises, positions, and policies.  

We fight the tension between principle and reality. 

We struggle with our personal needs, and the impact on generations of citizens that follow. 

For some of us, political issues even carry the weight of life and death. 

These tensions create passion and in some cases an emotional burden.  In this post from his blog, John Piper highlights how we can vote in such a way so as to remind ourselves of what ultimately matters.

Unfortunately, the depression of the 1930’s is being used by the media as an analogy for where we find our selves today.  While we don’t dispute serious economic concerns exist and the current economic picture is certainly not rosy,  the fact is that today’s data points  do not remotely resemble that time period.  As Irwin Kellner’s article highlights, there are more differences than similarities to the Great Depression. 

It is undeniable that we have experienced some type of financial crisis.  To some people it is simply a market cycle, for others we are heading to a depression.  In light of this, many of us are naturally asking ourselves and others what financial decisions do we need to make?  Should we sell all, buy more, stay put, etc… These are certainly prudent and reasonable questions, however we often miss the bigger context in which to view all that is happening around us.

Chuck Colson shares some thoughts regarding our role as Christians in this commentary.  If the idea of having an eternal perspective or that God owns it all is a little unclear, then consider watching this six minute video from John Piper.