April 2025 Financial Bullet Points

Written by Bob Barber, Matthew Barrovecchio, and Don VandeVanter
Prepared on March 21st, 2025

The Bullet Points for April are:

1. 1. Traders are NOT Investors: The financial media constantly misunderstands the words “traders” and “investors.” A trader is only concerned about minute-to-minute, day-to-day financial fluctuations, news, and opinions for the short term. Real investors are in for the “long term,” laser-focused on where they want to be in years, not days or months, and don’t get caught up in all the day-to-day media hype, daily opinions, and emotions.
   2. Tariffs: A temporary market sell-off intensified in March as short-term traders speculated how President Trump’s tariffs could impact the global economy. This market adjustment is likely only temporary (6-12 months max) as tariffs are sorted out to make trade with other countries more balanced.
   3. Gas Prices: Weekly US gas prices have been under $3.30 for almost six months, the longest stretch since Q3 2021. Consumers welcome this relief, while some economists warn this signals a potential recession.
   4. Inflation: Inflation data released in mid-March was encouraging. All data came in below expectations, with preliminary Core PPI reporting negative for the first time since April 2023.
   5. Stay The Course: Market volatility increased starting mid-February as short-term traders speculated how President Trump’s tariffs could impact the global economy. In times of uncertainty, staying disciplined in your long-term investment strategy is essential. Do not panic; stay the course; history has proven this repeatedly.
   6. IRA Deadline on April 15th: Reminder that April 15th is the 2024 deadline for Traditional and ROTH IRA contributions regardless of whether or not you file an extension. You MUST have earned income in order to contribute to an IRA.
   7. Continuing Education and Scriptures. This month’s programs for Christian Financial Perspectives are listed below along with our Scriptures for the month:
      • Ep 223 – 4/8/25 – Three Ways to Uncover ‘Free’ Money
      • Ep 224 – 4/22/25 – Understanding Investment Risk, Reward, and Time
      • 2 Timothy 1:7 – “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”

Remember, we moved to releasing episodes every other week to give people more time between episodes to listen or watch. To tune in, search “Christian Financial Perspectives” on almost any podcast platform or YouTube.
Visit our channel: www.cfa.lc/yt

As Easter approaches, we look forward to celebrating what Jesus Christ did for us on the cross. We pray the Lord blesses you and we praise Jesus for the gift of Salvation!

If you would like further explanation of any of the bullet points mentioned, please call or text (830) 609-6986 during business hours or email us by clicking here.

Bob Barber
Senior Wealth Advisor & President

Matthew Barrovecchio, CFP®
Senior Wealth Advisor

Don VandeVanter, CPA
Wealth Advisor

Christian Financial Advisors^®