How to live generously when everything feels like it’s going to hell.

(Editor's note: this article was originally drafted April 4th, 2025. Considering the market changes on April 9th, 2025 I considered editing things, but with the volatile nature of the U.S. tariffs that could change at any time, and the fact that the facts of this article are still very relevant, I have left it unchanged)

Right now is a scary time to be an investor. Like… really scary.

In the past month, I’ve spoken with over a hundred families - clients, friends, strangers from LinkedIn DMs - and they’re all asking the same question:

“What do we do right now?”

But what they’re really saying is:

“I’m scared everything is going to &%$#, and I don’t know if I’m going to be okay.”

And you know what? That fear is valid. The world feels like it’s shifting under our feet. Tariffs, wars, elections, inflation, layoffs. It’s a lot.

But here’s what I need you to hear:

This isn’t new. And you don’t have to be afraid.

Seriously. It’s easy to forget, but we’ve been here before. 2008? 9/11? COVID? The Cold War? Hell, even World War II?

The circumstances were different – and don’t get me wrong this time circumstances are very different – but every single time, it felt like this was it. And yet, every single time, the market recovered. And not just recovered - it grew.

Take a look at this S&P 500 chart. Yes, that S&P 500. The one currently looking like it fell off a cliff.

Time and time again, markets don’t just survive crises - they bounce back stronger. That’s why, for some investors, bear markets become opportunities. This is when long-term wealth is often built.

Now, this is where you expect me to say: “Stay the course. Be patient. Buy the dip.” Warren Buffett. Be greedy when others are fearful. You know the drill.

But I’m not going to say that. Not because it’s wrong - but because it’s incomplete.

See, wrapped in that usual message is an unspoken belief:

“Now is the time to retreat. Hunker down. Worry about yourself. Come back to generosity and vision when things are better.”

And that message?

That’s bullshit.

This is not the time to shrink away from who you are.

If you have a solid financial plan and solid investment management - one built with real risk management - then your plan already accounted for this. Somewhere buried on page 12 is the section where your advisor asked, “What if the market drops 40%?”

No one likes to talk about it. It’s not sexy. It’s not green lines going up. But the good advisors? They planned for it anyway. The good portfolio managers? They’ve already positioned you to get through this storm.

So if you have that kind of plan, here’s the truth:

You’re going to be okay. Not just okay - you’ll likely come out of this wealthier than you went in.

But - and this part matters - a lot of people won’t.

Because 1 in 2 Canadians have less than $5,000 in savings. Because only 1 in 3 Canadians are even invested in the market to begin with. Because many of those being hit the hardest right now are racialized, marginalized, and already stretched thin.

For them, this isn’t a downturn to “ride out.” It’s a wave that could drag them under.

You’re going to be okay. Not just okay - you’ll likely come out of this wealthier than you went in. But - and this part matters - a lot of people won’t.

So let me ask you:

If your goals were on track before this - your retirement, your vacation, your dreams - is now really the time to freeze, hoard, and sit on the sidelines?

If the answer is yes - no judgment. But if the answer is no - if you still want to live your life, to show up for your people, to keep dreaming and giving even in the storm - then this next part is for you.

When others are fearful... be generous.

Step One: Breathe.

I know it sounds basic. But if you’re in panic mode, your brain is in fight-or-flight. And in that state, you cannot make good long-term decisions.

Your brain doesn’t know the difference between a news alert and a lion about to eat you. Breathing - deep, intentional breathing - tells your nervous system: you’re not in danger. Only once that switch flips can you access clarity again.

Step Two: Is this fear, or is it anxiety?

They’re not the same.

Fear is immediate, physical, and real:

“If the market drops tomorrow, I can’t pay my mortgage.”

Anxiety is imagined future threat:

“If the market drops, I might not be able to retire in five years.”

Both are valid - but only one needs an emergency response. It's important to understand which you're feeling right now.

Step Three: If your anxiety was proven false, what would you do next?

If I could show you the future and guarantee things would be okay, what would you do?

Would you still take that trip? Help your kids buy their first home? Support your local theatre, food bank, or shelter?

If those choices would bring you joy then, they’ll be even more powerful now - when generosity feels scarce.

Step Four: What proof do you need to believe that anxiety is false?

Everyone’s different.

For me, I need charts. History. Data. Maybe you need your advisor to walk you through the plan again. Maybe you need a little extra cushion - more cash on hand.

Whatever it is, give it to yourself. This isn’t indulgence - it’s strategy. Because once you feel safe, you can move on to…

Step Five: Start Strategizing.

Here’s where things get exciting. Whether you’re cash-rich or just rich in skills, there are ways to not just ride this out, but use this moment to create real, lasting good.

Here’s a quick breakdown by profile:

• A) Surplus of cash, unsure where to give: Do your homework. Don’t just give to the loudest charity - find the ones doing the deepest work. Start with your local Community Foundation.
• B) Surplus wealth, but not cash: Consider donating appreciated stocks or creating a Donor-Advised Fund. Eliminate capital gains taxes and make a bigger impact.
• C) No surplus wealth, but investing actively: Integrate impact investments, ESG funds, or community bonds. You can grow your portfolio and your values.
• D) No extra cash, but skilled and passionate: Volunteer. Join a board. Offer your expertise to an organization that needs it. Your time and skills are invaluable.
• E) No plan at all: Start here. Build a plan that includes your goals, your people, and your community. And trust me - there’s likely more room for generosity than you think.
• F) For everyone: Mutual aid. Political action. Solidarity. Systemic change starts with individual action.

Here’s the truth: This might get worse before it gets better.

But everything we know about markets tells us: It will get better.

So yes, protect yourself. But don’t let fear trick you into believing the world is ending. This isn’t the end. This is a chance.

A chance to build not just wealth - but resilience. Not just stability - but community. Not just abundance for you - but for everyone.

And maybe, just maybe, that’s how we change everything.

👋 Hey, I’m Adam. I help business leaders balance their business, wealth, and legacy while making an impact in arts, culture, and their community.

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