Episode 39

Tariff Tantrum: What Most Missed—and 10 Smart Money Moves That Work

Episode Description

Markets panicked. Headlines screamed. And once again, fear tried to hijack your financial future.

In this episode of The Big Bo $how, Jason Blumstein, CFA —CEO of Julius Wealth Advisors — breaks down how the April Tariff Tantrum became yet another case study in why emotional investing fails. Then, he flips the field and shares The Big Bo 10: ten timeless money moves that put you back in control—no matter what the markets are doing.

From market discipline to wealth-building fundamentals, this episode is your reminder that the best plays don’t come from panic—they come from preparation.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why reacting to headlines can erase decades of gains

• How to master financial discipline and use volatility to your advantage

• The 10 controllable money habits that build real wealth

• Why quiet wealth beats flashy spending

• What brisket and investing have in common in the Bo Know$ segment

If you’re tired of chasing noise and ready to start calling plays that actually move the chains—this episode is for you.

Episode Transcript

What if I told you that one emotional reaction—one moment of panic—could wipe out nearly 80% of your long-term market gains?

And what if I told you that the exact same mindset is costing people their wealth... their freedom... and even their ability to live a life they're passionate about?

This episode of The Big Bo $how is about control. Control over your investing behavior. Control over your financial fundamentals. And control over the life you're building.

We’re diving into what really happened during the April Tariff Tantrum, what most investors got wrong, and the 10 Money Moves You Actually Control that could change the trajectory of your future.

Plus, I’ll share a story about a brisket, a backyard, and a lesson that might just change how you show up—for your money, and for your life.

Stick around. Because by the end of this episode, you won’t just be informed…You’ll be ready to act—with integrity, knowledge, and passion.

Let’s get into it.

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  The April Tariff Tantrum – Market Mayhem Meets Human Nature

  Alright, let’s get after it—let’s break down one of the most teachable market moments in recent memory: The April Tariff Tantrum.

  Let me set the scene.

  It’s April 2nd. The White House drops a new wave of tariffs—targeting allies and adversaries alike. And these weren’t small numbers—they were much higher than expected.

  And what happens?

  Within hours, the financial media kicks into overdrive. Panic. Predictions. Play-by-play speculation like it’s the Super Bowl. Because—spoiler alert—that’s what gets clicks.

  Suddenly, every desk jockey turned into a geopolitical expert:

  “This could spark a trade war.”
  “China’s going to retaliate.”
  “This is the start of the next recession.”

  And right on cue… the market freaks out.

  In just four trading days, the S&P 500 drops about 12 percent. We get dangerously close to bear market territory for the year. The tech-heavy Nasdaq? Down nearly 25 percent.

  But here’s the thing…

  Nothing fundamentally broke. No new earnings data. No true recession signals. No liquidity crisis.

  Just fear. Just headlines. Just noise.

  And a bunch of people—maybe even you—hit the sell button.

  Now fast forward to today.

  The S&P has recovered every single point. The Nasdaq too. Global markets? Actually outperforming the U.S.

  The market basically shrugged and said, “My bad. False alarm.”

  But here’s the brutal truth:

  If you got spooked…
  If you sold…
  If you “sat out” waiting for things to stabilize…

  You missed the comeback.

  Let’s talk data.

  Missing just the five best days in the S&P 500 from 1990 through 2023?
  Your total return gets cut by 37 percent.

  Miss the top 15 days? You’re down 65 percent.

  Let that breathe for a second.

  That’s nearly three-quarters of your gains… gone.

  And it gets worse.

  From 2004 to 2023, seven of the ten best days in the market happened within just two weeks of the ten worst.

  So if you were trying to dodge the pain—you likely missed the rebound.
  Which just created more pain.

  That’s like leaving the stadium in the third quarter of the 2006 NBA Finals because the Heat were down—only to miss the comeback of the decade and Gary Payton’s clutch three-pointer.

  Now imagine that kind of behavior… over a 30-year investing career.

  Miss just 20 of the best market days from 1990 to 2023?

  You're down about 80 percent compared to someone who stayed fully invested.

  You wouldn’t act that erratically as an employee.
  You wouldn’t be that inconsistent as a parent.
  So why do it with your wealth?

  And listen, this tariff tantrum?
  It won’t be the last panic moment we see.
  It’ll happen again. The headlines will scream. The algorithms will amplify it. And the fear will be loud.

  That’s why the lesson here is timeless:

  You cannot control the market.
  You cannot control Jerome Powell.
  You cannot control what China does, or what new policy drops next quarter.

  But here’s what you can control:

  Your plan.
  Your discipline.
  Your behavior.

  This is what I call Financial Jiu-Jitsu.

  You use the market’s momentum—its volatility—to your advantage.

  You don’t flinch.
  You don’t swing wildly.
  You absorb. You stay grounded. You execute.

  It’s the same mindset I used as an O-lineman.

  My job wasn’t to guess where the defender would go.
  It was to anchor in, read the pressure, and hold my assignment—one rep at a time.

  Markets are no different.

  Your job isn’t to guess the next headline.
  Your job is to protect your future, stay disciplined, and let compound interest do its work.

  Because here’s the truth:

  No one builds wealth by outsmarting the market. They build it by out-behaving the market.

  So the next time you hear breaking news, or feel that itch to make a move…

  Take a breath.
  Pull up your plan.
  And remind yourself:

  “I control what I can control. The rest is noise.”

  And if you don’t yet have a plan you trust? That’s where we come in.

  Head over to JuliusWealthAdvisors.com and download our complimentary Wealth Building Playbook.

  It’s packed with the strategies, structure, and behavioral tools to help you build wealth—by choice, not chance.

  Alright—so now that we’ve covered what you can’t control, it’s time to shift gears.

  Because while the markets will always do what they do, your behavior? Your strategy? That’s yours to own.

  Coming up next, we’ll dive into The Big Bo 10—packed with the money moves you can actually control.

  But first, a quick break to tell you more about who we are at Julius Wealth Advisors—and how we help high performers like you turn smart habits into real, lasting wealth.

  Stick with me. We'll be right back.

  The Big Bo 10 – The Money Moves You Actually Control

  Welcome back.

  We just exposed how reacting to market noise—like the April Tariff Tantrum—can crush your long-term returns. Now let’s flip the script.

  Because while you can’t control what the market does, you can control how you show up.

  And that’s where the real edge lies—not in prediction, but in preparation.

  So let’s break down what I call The Big Bo 10—the ten money moves you actually control. These are the habits, behaviors, and strategies that build quiet, confident, long-term wealth.

  Let’s get into it.

  1. Know the difference between good debt and bad debt.

  Debt isn’t always a four-letter word—but misusing it can be a financial death sentence.

  Carrying credit card debt at 20 percent interest? That’s financial malpractice.

  Five grand of spending can easily balloon into over eleven thousand dollars with just minimum payments. That’s not wealth. That’s erosion.

  But not all debt is toxic. A strategic mortgage, student loans with ROI, or a business loan with clear upside? That can be fuel.

  The key is this: pay down high-interest debt fast. Because knocking out a 10 percent loan is the same as earning a 10 percent return—risk-free. And, understand low interest debt with tax planning opportunities.

  2. Run your household like a business.

  Would the CEO of a Fortune 500 company say, “I’m not really sure where our money’s going”?

  Of course not.

  Your home is your company. Your income is revenue. Your expenses are overhead.

  Build a monthly and annual budget. Review it like film. Adjust it like a playbook. If you’re not tracking your money, you’re guessing. And no team wins championships by guessing.

  3. Make investing a mandatory expense.

  This one’s simple: treat investing like a bill you can’t skip.

  If you make $250,000 a year and invest 10 percent, that’s $25,000 annually. At a modest 7 percent return, that adds up to nearly $1.6 million in 25 years.

  Set it. Automate it. Let compound interest go to work like a seasoned pro—quiet, steady, relentless.

  4. Build a Psychological Safety Cash Bucket.

  Let’s be clear—this isn’t sexy. But it’s a non-negotiable.

  Life throws curveballs: job loss, medical emergencies, broken HVACs in the middle of August.

  Having three, six, or even twelve months of expenses saved means you don’t flinch—you adapt.

  This is your financial airbag. You don’t want to use it. But when life hits the brakes? It could be the thing that keeps you in the game.

  5. Avoid “look at me” spending. Don’t confuse lifestyle with success.

  We’ve all seen it— luxury watches, first-class flights, Wagyu steaks. But none of that boosts your net worth.

  Before you make a big purchase, ask: Is this feeding my ego, or feeding my future?

  Real wealth is quiet. It shows up as freedom, not flash.
  Don’t chase impressions. Build ownership.

  Alright—so now that you’ve locked in your habits, let’s protect your progress. Because building wealth isn’t just offense—it’s defense, too.

  6. Use proper tax planning—it’s your financial offensive line.

  401(k)s. IRAs. Roths. HSAs. SEP-IRAs. These aren’t just acronyms—they’re your tax armor.

  Max out your 401(k), and assuming an 8 percent return, you could add over $1.7 million to your retirement pot.

  And if you’re a business owner? The tax planning options are even deeper—with the right advisor and CPA in your huddle.

  Tax strategy is about protecting what you earn—and unlocking what’s possible.

  7. Review your insurance like your wealth depends on it—because it does.

  Life insurance? A must if you have a family.

  Auto, home, umbrella? All essential. And not just the cheapest versions—get what actually covers your lifestyle and liabilities.

  Because the “cheap” option today can become brutally expensive tomorrow.

  8. Create and maintain an estate plan.

  I get it—estate planning sounds like something for the ultra-wealthy. But if you have a family, it’s for you.

  You need the basics: a will, a power of attorney, and yes—maybe even a trust.

  This isn’t about death. It’s about protection, intention, and playing the long game.

  9. Surround yourself with high achievers.

  You’ve heard me say it before—iron sharpens iron.

  If your circle is all about spending instead of building, it’s time to rethink your huddle.

  Hang with people who challenge you, stretch you, and make you better. People who talk in terms of strategy—not status. Freedom—not flex.

  Your circle is a mirror of your ambition. Make sure it reflects the future you’re chasing.

  10. Get a financial coach. You can’t afford not to.

  Tom Brady had a throwing coach well into his 40s. LeBron has a performance team fine-tuning every aspect of his game.

  Why would you try to build multi-generational wealth without one?

  A great advisor doesn’t just manage money. They manage mindset. They help you zoom out, recalibrate, and execute with clarity.

  That’s what I do for my clients. I’m not just a financial planner—I’m a coach. A partner. A strategist who sees your blind spots and calls better plays.

  That’s The Big Bo 10.

  Ten money moves. All in your control. All proven to build quiet, confident, sustainable wealth.

  Forget the Fed. Forget the headlines. Forget the drama.

  This is your game film. Study it. Execute it. Own your outcome.

  And if you want a head start?

  Head over to JuliusWealthAdvisors.com and download our complimentary Wealth Building Playbook—the same real-world framework I use with clients every day.

  It’s packed with practical strategies and no-fluff tools to help you build wealth—by choice, not chance.

  Coming up next: Bo Know$—where I’m bringing it all home with a story about brisket, presence, and the mindset that multiplies everything.

  Stick with me. We’ll be right back.

  Bo Know$ Segment

  Alright—so here’s where we bring it home in our famous Bo Know$ segment!

  Let me tell you about last week.

  I fired up the smoker and slow-cooked a brisket for a group of guys in my neighborhood. Not because I had to. Not because it was on some checklist. I did it because I love it.

  Smoking brisket is my thing. It forces me to slow down. Be present. Pay attention to the process.

  There’s no rushing it. No shortcuts. Just consistent heat, intentional seasoning, and time.

  And what happened?

  That internal joy created something external—conversation, laughter, community. It reminded me of something I see far too often, especially among high performers:

  We try to be everything to everyone—and end up being no one to ourselves.

  Now, think back to what we covered today.

  In Segment 1, we broke down the April Tariff Tantrum—and how flinching in the face of market noise can cost you dearly. If you missed the best days, you missed the bounce.

  And in Segment 2, we focused on what you can control: The 10 Money Moves You Actually Control that build wealth over time—your behavior, your habits, your plan.

  And that brings us back to brisket.

  Because smoking a brisket isn’t just a hobby—it’s a metaphor.

  You can’t force it. You can’t rush it. If you open the lid every 15 minutes to “check,” you ruin the outcome.

  Same goes for building wealth.

  The magic happens when you trust the process, control what you can, and stay disciplined when the heat rises.

  When you live with intention—whether it’s in your finances or your free time—you stop reacting to the noise and start owning the outcome.

  That’s the real edge.

  Bo Know$ this:

  You build wealth the same way you smoke a brisket—low and slow, with discipline, patience, and a whole lot of heart.

  You control the heat.
  You choose the rub.
  You ride out the flare-ups.
  And over time? You end up with something meaningful, lasting, and worth sharing.

  So stop checking boxes.
  Start chasing what matters.
  And always show up for yourself first—so you can better show up for others.

  And if you’re ready to take the next step toward living with more clarity and control in your financial life—

  Call us at 201-408-4644.Email us at info@juliuswealth.com. Or visit www.JuliusWealthAdvisors.com and download our complimentary Wealth Building Playbook—built to help you stay focused, stay consistent, and stay in the game.

  And remember, building wealth is by choice, not chance.

  Catch you next time on The Big Bo $how—where we tackle money the way it should be, with integrity, knowledge, and passion—and remind you to do the same in your life.

  Take care, stay disciplined, and keep showing up.

Disclosure:

The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this podcast is not intended as tax or legal advice. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. Julius Wealth Advisors, LLC (“JWA”) is a registered investment adviser located in Englewood, NJ. Registration as an investment adviser does not imply a certain level of skill or training.  The publication of The Big Bo $how should not be construed by any consumer or prospective client as JWA’s solicitation or attempt to effect transactions in securities, or the rendering of personalized investment advice over the Internet. A copy of JWA’s current written disclosure statement as set forth on Form ADV, discussing JWA’s business operations, services, and fees is available from JWA upon written request.  JWA does not make any representations as to the accuracy, timeliness, suitability, or completeness of any information prepared by any unaffiliated third party, whether linked to or incorporated herein.  All such information is provided solely for convenience purposes only and all users thereof should be guided accordingly. JWA is neither your attorneys nor your accountants and no portion of this podcast should be interpreted by you as legal, accounting, or tax advice.  We recommend that you seek the advice of a qualified attorney and accountant.