By: Jason Print, CFP®
Co-President & CEO
As I write this, March Madness is in full swing, my bracket is busted, and upsets are taking down even the top college basketball teams in the country. It’s amazing how unpredictable this tournament is, and it’s like this virtually every time. Still, millions of people fill out brackets every year, trying to “predict” what will happen next. Our family enjoys watching the games, and the unpredictability is what makes it such a fun and special time. Every year, millions of brackets are submitted—and they all eventually bust.
Even early in this year’s tournament, perfection disappears fast:
- In 2026, only ~0.005% of brackets were still perfect after early games.
Despite millions trying every year, nobody has put together a perfect bracket. This certainly doesn’t stop many from trying to predict what will happen, particularly in the news, sports shows, and media outlets. This brings me to the markets, the economy, and world events. On occasion, some people will correctly predict some world events, but virtually nobody will correctly predict all world events and their outcomes or the timing of those outcomes.
2026 has already proved unpredictable. Few would have guessed the U.S. would take down the leader of Venezuela and attack Iran. If you somehow correctly predicted those major events, can you predict how long the Iran war will last, how long oil prices will stay elevated, or how high they will go?
While these events do have a significant impact on our lives and portfolios, it’s important to separate the difficulty of predicting and the importance of planning.
Why planning matters more than predictions, especially now
Market forecasts will always vary, but a well-constructed financial plan will provide clarity regardless of market direction. Aligning investment strategy with personal goals (retirement, income generation, legacy planning) ensures that decisions are grounded in purpose rather than reaction.
If there’s one lesson markets continue to teach us year after year it’s that predictions are fragile but planning is resilient. Knowing that world events are unpredictable allows us to devise financial plans with contingencies in place. We know there will be market downturns, so having a plan in place before they occur is what makes it possible for us to accomplish our goals.
Forecasts will always have a place in investing. Interest rate outlooks, earnings expectations, and economic projections can help inform decisions. That said, even the most sophisticated predictions are ultimately educated guesses, shaped by incomplete information and constantly shifting variables. Markets are unpredictable by nature. Planning, on the other hand, is built to withstand that uncertainty.
The problem with predictions
Investors are often tempted to act on short-term forecasts: moving to cash before a projected downturn, chasing sectors expected to outperform, or delaying investment decisions until “more clarity” emerges. The challenge is that markets tend to price in expectations quickly and often move ahead of consensus views.
A well-constructed financial plan doesn’t rely on getting the next market move right. Instead, it’s built around what we can control:
- Tax planning
- Cash needs
- Diversification
- Legacy and estate goals
Planning creates built-in flexibility
One of the most overlooked benefits of planning is adaptability. A thoughtful plan isn’t static—it evolves as life changes. Whether it’s a career transition, retirement, or a liquidity event, a plan provides a structured way to adjust without making reactive, emotion-driven decisions.
This is particularly important during volatile periods. When markets decline, investors with a plan are more likely to rebalance strategically or even take advantage of opportunities rather than retreat out of fear.
Our role
In an environment constantly flooded with market commentary, the role of an advisor is to bring structure and discipline. Planning transforms abstract goals into actionable strategies and helps ensure that investment decisions remain consistent with those goals over time.
Predictions will continue to change. Headlines will continue to evolve. However, a well-designed plan will provide something far more valuable: confidence in the face of uncertainty.
The bottom line
Markets are unpredictable. Your plan shouldn’t be.
By prioritizing planning over prediction, investors can move away from reactive decision-making toward a more deliberate, goal-driven approach—one that will help them not just navigate uncertainty but endure it.
We know markets and world events are unpredictable, and we incorporate this unpredictability into our plans. More importantly, we are here for you. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with questions or concerns. We value these discussions and recognize how uneasy the unpredictability of the world around us can be.
