Headlines, Trust & Markets: Does It Change the Plan?

SAS Financial Advisors LLC | Feb 20, 2026

The continued media focus on the Epstein files has reignited a broader conversation — not just about individuals — but about institutions, power, and accountability.

Whenever stories surface involving elites operating by a different set of rules, it chips away at public trust. And trust is foundational to financial markets.

If we follow the rules — save, invest, insure, plan, pay taxes, educate our children — we expect a stable and predictable future.

When institutions appear weakened, skepticism grows. Emotional reactions can bleed into financial decision-making.

Institutional noise does not change the mechanics of personal financial planning.

Markets still respond to earnings, interest rates, inflation, fiscal policy, demographics, productivity, and human behavior.

What does change is investor sentiment. And sentiment can move markets in the short term.

The Trust Question

Markets do not require perfect institutions. They require functioning ones.

Contracts remain enforceable. Property rights exist. Regulators still operate. Corporate governance still matters.

If those pillars collapsed, markets would cease to function. That is not the environment we are in.

For additional perspective on managing volatility and uncertainty, visit the SAS Blog.

Prediction Markets: Information or Speculation?

Platforms such as Kalshi and Polymarket allow users to wager on macroeconomic and political outcomes.

Kalshi is U.S.-regulated and focuses on macroeconomic and event-based contracts.
Polymarket operates offshore and uses cryptocurrency.

Some research suggests event markets occasionally anticipate surprises faster than traditional forecasts. That does not make them investment tools.

We do not endorse gambling or speculative activity. Observation is not endorsement.

Does This Change How We Plan?

Short answer: No.

Financial planning is not about predicting scandals or political cycles. It is about diversification, risk management, cash flow planning, tax efficiency, insurance structure, and behavioral discipline.

One area that continues to demand disciplined preparation is healthcare costs in retirement. A recent Barron’s article on healthcare inflation and retirement planning highlights how rising medical expenses remain one of the most significant long-term financial risks for retirees.

The rules governing retirement accounts, estate planning, college savings, mortgages, and business ownership remain intact. Long-term preparation still matters more than short-term headlines.

Bottom Line

It is healthy to question power. It is not healthy to abandon structure.

Our approach remains the same: follow the data, manage risk, avoid speculation, and build plans around fundamentals — not headlines.

Noise may be loud. Planning remains steady.

This website is informational only and does not constitute investment advice or a solicitation. Investments and investment strategies recommended in this blog may not be suitable for all investors. SAS Financial Advisors, LLC and its members may hold positions in the securities mentioned within this newsletter. SAS Financial Advisors, LLC is not responsible for any third-party content referenced.

The SAS Newsletters are posted weekly on the SAS Blog: https://www.sasadvisors.com/blog