Staying Grounded

September 2025 - Staying Grounded

Stability in the Noise

The past few weeks have carried headlines that weigh heavily on us all. Whether it’s shocking world events or major economic announcements, the news has a way of shaking our sense of stability. That’s not by accident. Our brains are wired to notice potential threats more than everyday progress. Negative stories stick, and they can leave us feeling unsettled or reactive.

In those moments, it’s easy to retreat into comfort, make decisions out of fear, or grasp for quick fixes. But those responses rarely move us closer to the life we want to build. True stability comes from something deeper: reconnecting with your purpose.

Ask yourself - are your days filled only with obligations, or guided by a sense of meaning? What sparks joy, what brings tears, and what stirs your dreams? When you allow those answers to guide your choices, you anchor yourself to what truly matters, even when the world feels loud and uncertain.

Everything worthwhile requires intention and effort. Purpose-Built Planning is no different. By aligning decisions with your values and long-term goals - rather than reacting to today’s noise - you create a foundation strong enough to weather the headlines and steady enough to carry you toward your potential.

Reflection: The next time the world feels overwhelming, how will you remind yourself of the bigger picture you’re building toward?

Visit lecontewealth.com to explore how our team can help you build stability.

Avoiding the Boiling Pot: How Gradual Neglect Destroys

Over the past year and a half, I learned the hard way that ignoring small issues can lead to bigger problems.Progress doesn’t come from dramatic, one-time efforts; it comes from small, repeated actions taken consistently.

In both health and wealth, the habits we maintain every day like stretching, reviewing your portfolio, automating savings, or planning for your family’s future compound over time to create strength, security, and lasting impact.

Curious how a simple principle can transform both your body and your finances?

Read more here.

Alex Willard, EA
Purpose-Built Planning Director
LeConte Wealth

It's Fantasy Football Time in Tennessee

Fantasy football may seem like just a game, but the strategy behind a winning roster mirrors the principles of effective financial planning: preparation, balance, and adaptability. Just as successful managers draft carefully, adjust lineups, and plan for unexpected “bye weeks,” a solid financial plan sets goals, protects against risks, and adapts to life’s changes.

Curious how building your dream team can inspire your approach to retirement, savings, and long-term security?

Read more here.

Kevin Painter
Founder
LeConte Wealth

Recently Published On Financial Friction

> Remembering Charlie Kirk - Financial Literacy Edition

Hoy Grimm
Founder
LeConte Wealth

> Dogs Welcome

Doug Whitten
Client Adviser
LeConte Wealth

Economy In Focus

The Data: 

• 0.25% - Fed reduced its benchmark interest rate to 4.00%-4.25%
• 3.8% - Revision upward of Q2 GDP annualized pace
• 3.6 points - Consumer confidence declined
  

Commentary:

Is the U.S. economy strong or weak right now? The honest answer is both. Recent data, including fresh insights from September, paints a picture full of contradictions, making it tricky for investors, policymakers, and everyday folks to gauge what's next.On the positive side, growth appears solid. The latest revision to second-quarter GDP shows the economy expanded at a robust 3.8% annualized rate, fueled by steady consumer spending. 

Corporate earnings have held up well, and the ongoing AI surge is driving significant investments across tech sectors. These elements have helped keep stock indexes hovering near all-time highs, fostering a sense of momentum that could carry forward.Yet, under the hood, vulnerabilities are emerging. The labor market, once a pillar of recovery, is showing signs of strain. Major downward revisions to earlier job growth figures - down by over 900,000 through March - reveal a softer employment picture than initially thought. 

Unemployment is ticking up, and August's job openings rose only modestly while hiring slowed. 

Inflation remains sticky, lingering above the Fed's 2% target for an extended period. This has prompted the Federal Reserve to navigate carefully, with a 25-basis-point rate cut in mid-September to shore up jobs without stoking price pressures anew. 

Growth drivers are also concentrated in a few areas. Massive government deficit spending persists, with interest on the national debt continuing to surpass defense outlays. Tech giants are pouring record sums into AI, but the payoff remains uncertain over the long haul. Consumer activity is largely propped up by wealthier households, who hold the bulk of financial assets - if home or stock values dip, this could ripple through spending.Adding to the mix, September brought fresh uncertainties like declining consumer confidence and the threat of a government shutdown, which could stall key data flows and heighten market jitters. 

Outlooks from chief economists suggest subdued U.S. growth ahead, with ongoing inflationary risks and global factors like trade tensions in play. 

All this points to a stable but brittle landscape. Today's upbeat signals might be veiling tomorrow's challenges. While markets have cheered the Fed's recent moves, remember that rate cuts often coincide with economic headwinds rather than pure tailwinds.

For long-term investors, the message is straightforward: Avoid knee-jerk reactions to headlines. The economy will keep oscillating between highs and lows, but sticking to a disciplined, diversified strategy is your best bet for weathering the ups and downs.

LeConte In The News

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