Dear Family,

There’s an old saying that when Wall Street catches a cold, Harlem gets pneumonia.

It's a reminder that economic volatility doesn’t hit us all the same. For many in our community, moments like these don’t just trigger concern—they reopen old wounds. Wounds from 2008. From 2020. From generations of exclusion, setbacks, and starting lines that always seemed a little further back.

Right now, with the markets rattled by tariffs, election-year uncertainty, and more noise than clarity, I know it’s tempting to pull back.

To panic. To pause your plan and wait it out.

But I’m here to offer a different perspective—one rooted in truth, backed by history, and grounded in love:

Discipline builds wealth. Always has. Always will.

Let’s look at the facts:

The S&P 500 dropped nearly 10% in just two days last week. That kind of drop has only happened four times in modern history:

October 1987

November 2008

March 2020

April 2025

And each time?

Within five years, the market recovered and more than doubled.

It’s not easy to stay the course when the world feels unstable. I know that.

But what’s even harder? Starting over because we let fear drive our decisions.

You’ve worked too hard, sacrificed too much, and come too far to build your future on reaction.

Now is the time to trust the system you’ve put in place—or take the steps to finally build one.

And if you don’t feel like you have a system yet—if you’re still holding it all in your head and winging it month to month—you’re not alone. That’s why we exist. We’ve seen what happens when our people don’t have access. We’ve lived it.

That’s why we’re committed to making sure you don’t just earn money—but that you know how to grow it, protect it, and pass it on.

So if you’re feeling anxious, I get it. But remember:

Short-term fear creates discounts.

Long-term discipline creates wealth.

Your story isn’t defined by this moment—it’s defined by what you choose to do with it.

We’re in your corner.

From LUX, With Love

Matt