The Illusion Of Urgency

By Jeffery A. Senior Wealth Advisor, Portfolio Manager, CFP, CIM, FMA, FCSI, CEA

The media and it’s cycle of the illusion of urgency are relentless, regardless if it is from the traditional media formats like radio, tv,  print or the newer broadcasts of TikToks, influencers and other non-traditional news sources. Players in this space are forever vomiting information or misinformation, knowingly, out of ignorance, or worse - for some nefarious purpose. From morning talk shows to 24-hour business news, there’s a constant drumbeat of market commentary that can rattle even the most seasoned investors. On one screen, there’s a warning about an impending recession. On the another, a pundit claims this year’s “must own” stock is already doubling in value. For investors trying to protect and grow their wealth this information overload can feel overwhelming and it comes with a false illusion of urgency to act.

Here’s the truth that rarely makes headlines: successful long-term investing has far less to do with reacting to the news and far more to do with disciplined planning, intentional decision-making, and a focus on what you can control. Investing is simple: buy low - sell high, buy quality- hold quality, and enjoy the fruits of human advancement (which in many ways is measured over time by investment markets). In the short-term nobody wants red numbers. No one wants loss. Some people are just better apt to manage their feeling's around seeing these short term events. Some people are not.

Headlines are often engineered to provoke action or this illusion of urgency. News organizations depend on clicks and views, and nothing drives engagement like anxiety and excitement, or more precisely: Fear and Greed. Whether it’s fear of a market crash or enthusiasm about a new tech IPO, the message is the same: act now or you’ll regret it later. We even have a cultural term for this: FOMO(Fear of Missing Out).

Your financial future won’t be determined by today’s news cycle. It will be shaped by the consistency of your decisions over time-  how you allocate resources,  plan for taxes, reinvest excess cash and investment earnings, think about risk, and how you adapt to life’s inevitable changes or transitions.

Chasing headlines often leads to overtrading, mistimed exit, or speculative investments that do not align with your long-term goals. In contrast, staying focused on a disciplined strategy, even in periods of volatility, allows for steadier progress and lower stress.

The K&A Difference

At Keill & Associates, we are more than Wealth Advisors and Financial Planners. We are comprehensive financial stewards, deeply committed to the lives of our client families. What distinguishes us is not only the strength of our team and the breadth of our resources, but our disciplined approach to planning, risk management, and tailored solutions.

When others may react, we remain grounded. When others chase returns, we refine strategies. And when others feel overwhelmed, our clients feel empowered - because they know we have a plan, a partner, and a purpose guiding their financial journey.

Last edit August 13, 2025