Why Tariffs Are Less About Markets – and More About Our Wellbeing

Introduction: The Real Cost of Tariffs

Tariffs have dominated recent headlines, with much of the focus on what they might mean for markets and trade relationships. But here’s a simple truth: if you don’t build strong foundations – personal, financial, and societal – then applying tariffs is like adding a roof to a house with no walls. It might hold for a while, but the risk of collapse is high.

While we debate their economic implications, we often overlook the deeper and more personal consequences. One of the most significant yet under-discussed is our well-being.

The Hidden Impact of Propaganda

Propaganda isn’t just about controlling the news cycle. It’s about manipulating perception, shaping public opinion, and ultimately controlling behaviour.

Historically, we’ve seen its devastating effect. Hitler’s rise to power was built on propaganda, uniting people through the creation of a common enemy. Many opportunities existed to stop his ascent, yet they were missed – partly because of how expertly the narrative was controlled.

In modern politics, propaganda has evolved, but the tactics remain largely the same. In the US, Donald Trump’s ability to connect with a base by pushing selective truths (and often untruths) is a textbook example of modern-day manipulation. While some of his economic ideas may seem sensible at a surface level, the deeper concern is the method and motive behind them.

Propaganda becomes dangerous when it overrides critical thinking and erodes trust in democratic institutions. It’s not about left or right – it’s about truth versus control.

Narcissism and National Leadership

This leads us to a point rarely explored in financial journalism: the psychological toll of narcissistic leadership.

Narcissists can wreak havoc in personal relationships. They may appear charming or competent on the surface but often leave emotional chaos in their wake. When someone with narcissistic tendencies holds power, the consequences extend beyond policy – they impact how people feel, cope, and relate to each other.

For those who have experienced narcissistic abuse, the behaviour of certain leaders can be deeply triggering. The gaslighting, the constant need for validation, the discarding of people once they’re no longer useful – these aren’t just traits of a bad partner; they can be traits of a bad leader, too.

And when a population can’t simply “walk away” as you would from a toxic relationship, the collective mental health burden grows.

Financial Well-Being Is More Than Market Performance

In the face of political volatility and market uncertainty, it’s easy to feel powerless. However, this is precisely when we need to refocus on financial well-being – not just in terms of money but also in how we approach it.

Financial well-being means:

• Feeling secure and in control of your finances
• Being able to plan for the future
• Making decisions based on your values, not fear

During the COVID-19 pandemic and in the years that followed, I became so absorbed in the markets that it nearly consumed me. I was trying to understand every movement, every reaction, every policy change. In the end, the best thing I did for my mental and financial health was to step back.

Detachment, perspective, and a long-term mindset are essential. Markets fluctuate, and politicians come and go. What matters is how you take care of yourself – your mindset, your money, and your future.

Conclusion: Choosing Clarity Over Chaos