March 14, 2026
As attacks in the Strait of Hormuz put investors on edge, we start this week’s episode with a conversation that takes a step back from the headlines to focus on what actually matters for client holdings. We’ll compare the current moment to 2008, examine how increased U.S. oil production has changed the picture, and offer some reassurance in a market still grappling with uncertainty.
With all the uncertainty, the S&P 500 keeps dipping, the headlines are getting louder, and investors are starting to feel uneasy—but the market is still only about 2% to 3% off record highs. We’ll put today’s volatility in context, revisit the “Ten-Year Rule,” and explain why moments like this are often when long-term discipline matters most.
After the break we look at Vanguard’s “How America Saves” report, which shows hardship withdrawals from 401(k) plans have been inching higher; however, participation in workplace retirement plans has also never been stronger. We’ll explore why that combination may actually signal progress, as more workers build retirement savings that can also serve as a financial backstop when life throws a curveball.
Join hosts Nick Antonucci, CVA, CEPA, Director of Research, and Managing Associates K.C. Smith, CFP®, CEPA, and D.J. Barker, CWS®, and Kelly-Lynne Scalice, a seasoned communicator and host, on Henssler Money Talks as they explore key financial strategies to help investors navigate market uncertainty.
Timestamps and Chapters
- 7:12: Perspective in a Time of Uncertainty
- 20:05: But is the Sky Really Falling?
- 45:31: The 401(k) Safety Net
