This Week’s Blog Is Written By Scott D. Heins, CFP®, IAG Chief Investment Officer
January 14, 2026

Sensational has all sorts of positive connotations.

That was a sensational catch! The actress in that movie did a sensational job of developing her character. That dessert was sensational – it was worth breaking my new year’s resolution.

Yet sensational also has a dark side.

Sensationalism is used to pique interest or evoke strong feelings by manipulating how people view the world.

Last year Our World in Data did a study comparing the causes of death in America relative to the causes of death reported in popular media.

They found that the top five causes of death for Americans in 2023 were:

Heart disease (29%)
Cancer (27%)
Accidents (7.8%)
Stroke (7%)
Lower respiratory diseases (6.3%)

However, that is not what you would believe by reading The New York Times. Of the deaths reported in The New York Times in 2023, the top five causes of death were:

Homicide (42%)
Terrorism (18%)
Accidents (9.7%)
Drug overdose (7.5%)
COVID-19 (5.3%)

While these statistics focus on a singular statistic and a singular news source, it is easy to extrapolate the sensationalism of news coverage to any other “sensationable” event.

Sensationalism catches eyeballs. Sensationalism increases ratings, clicks, or circulation figures. Sensationalism allows news outlets to charge advertisers more. The simple fact is that sensationalism is more profitable than reality.

This is particularly true in financial journalism. Causes of death are facts. Causes of market fluctuations are theories reported as facts. Causes of death are in the past. The financial markets are all about the future.

Thus, financial journalism is sensationalism based on theories reported as facts about events about which the markets do not care. Is there anything more useless in helping you stay focused on your long-term financial well-being?

Yet, when people tune in to the talking heads, they feel they are gaining knowledge, perspective, or wisdom. In reality, they are usually ingesting sensationalized brain rot.

If you truly wish to improve your current and future financial well-being, focus and optimize what you can control and you know to be real. Don’t be sensational, be realistic. If you are not retired, is your spending to saving ratio correct for your future goals? If you are retired, is your portfolio withdrawal ratio sustainable?

Instead of tuning in to talking heads, talk to real people who care about you and your family’s well-being. People who get to know you personally and walk next to you on your journey. People who help you explore your options and contemplate your what-ifs.

Contact one of our caring advisors today to explore your reality and start building toward your sensational future.

Quote of the week: Jeremy Siegel: “Fear has a greater grasp on human action than does the impressive weight of historical evidence.”

Securities offered through LPL Financial. Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advice offered through IAG Wealth Partners, LLC, (IAG) a registered investment advisor and separate entity from LPL Financial.

The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results.

Any opinions are those of IAG and not necessarily those of LPL Financial. Expressions of opinion are as of this date and are subject to change without notice. This information is not intended as a solicitation or an offer to buy or sell any security referred to herein. No strategy assures success or protects against loss. Investing involves risk including loss of principal.

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