Many woke up on a beautiful Saturday morning, the last day of February 2026 to the shocking news that the US and Israel launched a comprehensive and sustained attack against the Iranian regime. There were as many as 2000 targets that have been hit as of this writing (01 Mar ‘26). Casualties within the Iranian power structure seem to be high, with the first three American casualties occurring. What does that have to do with your money?
Scared People In Scary Times, Mat 7.24-27
Non-stop news coverage will show bombs falling from the sky, fire, confusion, joy and dread on people’s faces. War is scary enough by itself, but add to it a bloated economy, over-valued Stock Market, and a Federal Debt nearing $40 Trillion and you’ll see what could be the perfect financial storm. Not coincidentally, citizens’ Qualified Retirement Plans total $48 Trillion. The interest alone is nearly $1 Trillion per year and as Federal budgets tighten in this environment, I believe the temptation to dip into qualified plans will be irresistible, if not unavoidable!
Risk, Uncertainty and Fear of Loss of My Retirement Nest Egg
Take a moment to skim over the following list of negative financial impact of war (on average citizens):
– Delayed decisions: Investors delay buying, reducing liquidity, widening bid-ask spreads in SPY
– Heightened beta: SPY becomes more sensitive to news, magnifying daily volatility
– Flight to safety: Shift to bonds/gold depresses equity valuations, dropping portfolio 5–10%
– Policy shifts: Uncertainty prompts erratic Fed actions, pausing rate cuts, pressuring stocks
– Oil supply disruptions: Attacks could spike oil prices by $10–$20+ per barrel.
– Economic slowdown: High oil prices cut global growth by 0.6-0.7%, triggering recessions.
– Supply chain issues: Disrupted shipping raises import costs, amplifying volatility tech & autos.
– Regional escalation: Wider war involving Gulf states could cause prolonged oil shortages.
– Currency/rate volatility: Fluctuating yields from inflation lead to stock repricing.
Assuming a 20-year horizon (age 45 to retirement at 65) $100k one time deposit, 8% yearly return.
– Without market uncertainty from war: The $100,000 would grow to approximately $466,096 at an 8% annual return. (Keep in mind, this is an 8% return every single year with no down years).
– With fear and uncertainty from war: Prolonged effects like economic slowdowns and higher volatility could trim the effective annual return by about 2% (to 6%), growing the $100,000 to approximately $320,714—a potential opportunity cost of around $145,382 in foregone growth.
As you can see above, over $145,000 was taken from you through no fault of your own, and through no fault in the particular investment. What you see is the sometimes “behind the scenes” or indirect impact that PUBLIC SENTIMENT has on your retirement nest egg.
Instead of continuing to play Wall Street’s Las Vegas-like roulette wheel we call the stock market; instead of trying to pick winners or time markets, why not work with Wellington AT YOUR OWN PACE to control the banking function in your life. You’ll recapture interest payments now being made to banks and finance companies! No risk, no taxes (if done correctly). Wellington will help reunite you with your money rather than separate you as 401(k)s and IRAs do. We’ll also help you both control and access your funds, no penalties or fees, no qualifying application, no stressful process awaiting an answer. The Infinite Banking Concept isn’t exposed to the risk and loss of the market!
We all hope this war ends quickly, but what then? There will be another war, conflict, political upheaval. There will be more pandemics or COVID/Flu scares, more assassinations and attempts, more “Y2K” hysteria and dotcom busts. Yes, there will be more market “corrections” and recessions and perish the hysteria and dotcom busts. Yes, there will be more market “corrections” and recessions and perish the thought – more market crashes. These are all things that will certainly happen at an unknown time in the future, and that you canNOT control. Why gamble with your family or businesses’ financial future?
-End
