I have good news and bad news
The good news is that the economy and stock market will recover after they both get worse. The bad news is that the economy and stock market will get worse before they recover.
By next week, we are warned, the number of Covid-19 related deaths will rise dramatically. This week is the first week I am hearing from people I actually know who have lost a loved one due to this virus. I'm sure it's the same for you.
There's no way to talk about investing and personal finance without mentioning the horrible news that is bombarding us. It's causing dislocation in every aspect of American life. The saving grace is that this is a shared crisis; we are going through this together. With support of family, friends, and associates. I love the family Zoom conference pics making the rounds on Facebook. This is the first shared national experience I could remember since 9/11. But this time, the crisis is everywhere.
Are you ok? Are you at the end of your rope with all of this? Is it hard for you to see how you could stand this situaiton for a another month or more? We're all in the same boat. All of our communications is like some giant, communal group therapy session. This makes it easier to deal with the sense of loss we are all experiencing.
When we get to the other side of this crisis, I hope we maintain our sense of unity. Is it wrong of me to say that we could come out of this better than we were before? I am hoping for the best. I am raising my expectations for my and my family's future. I am tossing aside things that are no longer important to me. I am pulling closer all of you. I am here for you if you need someone to speak with.
The economy and stock market will recover; they will take care of themselves. What we as humans will need is healing. Focus on what you will be like after this mess. Hone in on your mind's eye of what your life will look like when all is said and done. Make big plans for this time next year. Think about how we all owe it to all those afflicted with coronavirus to not just survive, but to thrive. As Bruce Springsteen said, it ain't no sin to be glad you're alive.
