A Financial Recap of Q1 2025

In Q1 2025, we shared a handful of resources to help hardworking Americans invest well (regardless of their season of investing and what’s going on in the news and markets), plan well, and have hope and confidence through what they can and cannot control.

Here are the most important takeaways from last quarter, plus dates and resources for the upcoming quarter. 

We started January with “Our View of 2025,” sharing the potential points of optimism, neutrality, and uncertainty for the year, including our thoughts about tariffs, oil prices, the housing market, equity market participation, and geopolitics.  

This 2025 preview included an essential reminder: “Uncertainty of what may happen always appears greater than it actually materializes to be” and using risk management techniques is better than trying to time the market.  

Our Investment Management Team continually watches and analyzes the economy and markets, so in February, we shared an updated take on “The State of the Economy and Stock Market in Early 2025,” and more recently, we honed in on headline hot topics, sharing “4 Ways to Respond to Tariffs & Stock Market Volatility.” 

• • • The markets often disregard what the masses expect. (As we saw with the success of developed international markets, such as European equities, so far in 2025.) 
    • Reacting to tariff talks with significant, preemptive action is risky. The best thing to do is wait and watch.  
    • Q4 earnings were nearly double expectations and led by companies that receive consumer discretionary spending, serving as a hopeful indicator for future earnings and stock market performance. 
    • The S&P 500 is a biased index and does not necessarily speak for the health of all stocks; keep this in mind when watching market news.  
    • Volatility and noise are normal. We still support equity market participation – stay invested!  

The article we shared on “How to Combat Emotional Investing in Uncertain Markets” offers helpful tips for the final takeaway, including the advice to “focus instead on the broader economic and financial landscape, ignoring the daily noise that can lead to hasty decisions.”  

Q1 2025 has been an interesting and noisy quarter. Still, with the right plan and portfolio support, investors can avoid questioning if they are invested correctly and trust the personal blueprint and team of experts guiding them to achieve their goals.  

The first quarter is a good time to revamp and realign with your plans. 

This includes your: 

• Retirement income plan – Discover the step-by-step of what to consider.
• Estate plan – Don’t forget something when building your legacy.
• Business financial plan – Learn the 101 of a business financial plan. 
• Loved ones’ financial plans – Help secure your parents’ financial health. 

Q1 also presented a chance to check on changes, current events, and good-to-know insights, such as retirement income limits and shifts around Social Security. Last quarter, we covered three high-level retirement planning changes that could affect you this year.  

Of course, financial planning is not all about the concrete. Often, it means making sure your mindset and relationships are financially healthy, too.  

For yourself, see if you believe any of these eight money mindset myths, such as “Finances just aren’t a priority right now” or “Investing is too risky because there is so much we can’t control.”  

Once you check your money mindset, think about your relationships. In February, our advisors provided their money management tips for couples, including wisdom about the why, what, how, and when of relational money management.  

As we move into Q2, here are some key financial milestones to keep in mind:

Remember that you have until the 15th of this month to file your taxes!  

As you finish your taxes, you may be interested in some tax planning topics to consider before you file next year. 

To learn more about what a 529 Plan is and whether or not you should open one, check out this article from last year: “How to Use a 529 Plan.”  

If you’re caught in the tension of saving for retirement and saving for a loved one’s college, check out the tips in “Should You Save for Retirement or College?”  

The end of Q2 brings the six-month checkpoint of the year. After six months, regroup with your financial plan and portfolio. Consider the checklist in “Your Guide to a Midyear Financial Review.” 

Next quarter might bring:  

• Retirement – Check out “What to do in Retirement: The First Day, Week, Month, and Year.” 
• A new baby or grandbaby – Read “4 Ways to Help Your Loved Ones Succeed Financially” 
• A milestone birthday – The older we get, the more we think about legacy. Review “5 Common Confusions about Wills, Trusts, & Leaving a Legacy.”  

No matter what happens in the next three months, know that, at Credent, your team is looking out for you and ready to support you through all of life’s most important financial events.  

If you have questions about your portfolio or plan, reach out to our team using the form below.