March 24, 2020
Good morning all, welcome to the new normal, March 24th 2020. Just a couple of thoughts for you as we enter then next phase of action delivered from our political leaders, guided by what the science and the current data models show. The current situation is very fluid at times changing by the hour. Resilience at all levels of society has become the gold standard in everyone’s efforts to combat and slow the spread of COVID-19.
As many of the provinces begin a full shut down of operations except those defined as Essential Services, we review our commitments to you, your families and your business providing assurance that we will be there to deliver the service, administration, and to help you in anyway we can. Matheis Financial Group (MFG) has been deemed an Essential Service by the Ontario Government under the Financial Services Section of the recent Government requirements. MFG will continue to provide all services and administration as well as Advisory and guidance to our clients from our Pickering office and from remote locations by our team when working from home as needed from time to time.
Our office will remain open for team members only, with live answer as always. However, please note-under no circumstances will we receive clients or conduct face-to-face services at this time. As administrative items are required please contact our team members or your advisor for assistance to process electronically. Your calls will be triaged to technical support/assistance, administration, and to Financial Advisors as the team is available. At times we experience a larger number of calls and ask for your patience – we will get back to you.
Please adhere to the recommendations and stay home as much as possible, respect social distancing and offer to help the “shut ins” with whatever they need, and above all stay safe and wash your hands.
Another key item to reflect on is to have patience and exercise your common-sense filter. There is no shortage of continual information feeding our inner most thoughts and at times creating an anxious cycle within ourselves. Under the heading of DO’s and DON’Ts, use what ever resource channel you are comfortable with – your EAP through your group benefit program is an excellent resource for information and coping info, a coach or trusted friend to help you have the conversation to “unpack your fears, your anxiety” for a greater understanding of what is going on during these times. Don’t keep your thoughts trapped in the cycle …have a conversation and keep your filter open, reach out.
For us in the Financial Services world, here is no shortage of information and we also exercise caution with filter to manage the noise. I recently watched a brief piece from Warren Buffet, CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, he was asked if the markets are smart and reflective of what is going on, his comments were very simple while mirroring both history and today’s reality – “the markets are not smart…history has shown they react to sentiment”…almost never on fundamentals. From our perspective, this is a time when opportunities are being created and to watch this unfold during the recovery.
As we reflect on the past and today’s’ markets we note our proven fundamental approach for clients is to listen first to their goals and objectives, employ a diversified strategy, and manage the process through life which includes changes while managing client expectations through all markets.
We are always here to help you, please reach out to us personally to discuss anything.
One last thought; The night is darkest just before dawn. But keep your eyes open; if you avert your eyes from the dark, you’ll be blind to the rays of a new day…So keep your eyes open, no matter how dark the night ahead may be. – Hideaki Sorachi