With the election just weeks away, it seems that everyone is tired of all the ads, arguments, and uncertainty that the campaign season brings. We understand that many important matters will be decided in this election. Today, we are going to be discussing questions that we are getting from our clients on how they should be investing in light of the election. What happens if “our side” doesn’t win? What will the stock market do? Should I do anything differently with my investments?  Stewardology is a ministry podcast of the Life Financial Group, a Christian Financial Advisory Firm committed to Wealth Management from a Biblical Worldview. Therefore, we like to start answering these questions by looking at the Bible.

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Theology of Election/Politics

  1. God Sets up Kings – 
    • Daniel 2:20-21 “Daniel answered and said: “Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, to whom belong wisdom and might. He removes kings and sets up kings.

      2. God controls the Heart of the King – 

    • Proverbs 21:1 The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the LORD; he turns it wherever He will. 

      3. Any president will be better than we deserve.

    • Romans 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 
    • Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. 

The Christian Response to these truths 

  1. Trust in God, not in politics/parties/presidents 
    • Psalm 20:7 – “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, [some in Democrats other in Republicans, Some in Trump, others in Biden, Some in Fox News, others in CNN] but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.” 

      2. Participate in the process (Vote) 

    • 1 Corinthians 10:31 So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 

      3. Don’t worry about the result. 

    • Philippians 4:6–7 – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” 
    • Philippians 4:19 – “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” 

Stewardship and the Election:

  1. The U.S. Economy is bigger than any president and their policies. It is resilient and strong. While past performance is no guarantee of future results, each election the fear of doom and gloom are followed by new highs. 
  2. Socialism does not mean an end to market growth. Just look at many of the European nations, they have economies which grow. 
  3. Expect short term volatility –  Don’t change long term plans just because of short term volatility.  
  4. Caution when investing is warranted, regardless of the election results. 
  5. Here are some tactics which may be helpful. 
    • The best offense is a good defense. Before the election, you should consider dialing back risk to a comfortable level.  For those of you using our Biblically Responsible Investing (BRI) models, we have largely already done this for you.  This does not mean go to cash or all bonds, it means keeping some powder dry for when we have short term volatility. 
    • If you have money on the side lines, be ready to invest when/if we see a large dip in the market. 
    • If you are retiring soon (next 1-2 years) or are already retired and drawing income from your portfolio, consider holding 12 months income needed in cash. Worst case is to draw on account when they are down. Rather draw on your cash instead. 
    • If you are already retired but not drawing an income, keep to your long term plan. This volatility should pass. 
    • Consider doing a Roth Conversion when there is a drop in the stock market. 
    • For most of you, most of the heavy lifting has already been done by your advisor. Keep in touch with them if your circumstances change.

Material presented is property of The Stewardology Podcast, a ministry of Life Financial Group and Life Institute. You may not copy, reproduce, modify, create derivative works, or exploit any content without the expressed written permission of The Stewardology Podcast. For more information, contact us at Contact@StewardologyPodcast.com or (800) 688-5800.

All investing and investment strategies involve risk including the potential loss of principal.  Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Individuals should consult their Financial Advisor for specific financial advice based on their personal circumstances.

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