As we stand at the threshold of a new year, it’s important to pause and reflect on the era we are living in. By almost every measurable standard, this is the best time to be alive in human history. Advances in health, technology and wealth have created unprecedented opportunities for individuals to live longer, healthier and more prosperous lives.

Yet, despite these advantages, many of the same old mistakes in financial and personal decision making persist, often driven by the age-old emotions of fear and greed.

A Time of Unparalleled Progress

Consider some of the incredible statistics that define our era:

• Health: Global life expectancy has more than doubled over the past century, increasing from an average of 31 years in 1900 to over 72 years today. Diseases that once claimed millions of lives, such as smallpox, have been virtually eradicated, and innovations like Elon Musk’s Neuralink, a brain-computer interface, are revolutionizing medicine.
• Technology: We carry more computing power in our pockets than NASA had during the Apollo moon missions. Artificial intelligence, The Internet of Things and renewable energy technologies are transforming how we live and work, offering solutions to challenges once thought insurmountable.
• Global wealth: The global middle class has grown exponentially. According to the World Bank, the global extreme poverty rate has fallen from 38 percent in 1990 to around 8.5 percent in 2024, allowing more people to access education, health care and opportunities that were once out of reach.
• Wealth in the United States: The median U.S. household net worth has increased significantly, exceeding $121,700 in 2022, up from $52,000 in 2010 (Federal Reserve). Plus, the U.S. unemployment rate remains at historic lows, fostering greater economic stability for millions of families.

In short, we have the tools, resources and opportunities to lead better lives than ever before.

The Persistent Pitfalls of Fear and Greed

Despite this remarkable progress, human behavior remains largely unchanged when it comes to decision making. Two powerful emotions — fear and greed — continue to dominate financial planning and personal choices, often leading to less-than-optimal outcomes:

• Fear: Many individuals let fear of market volatility or uncertainty paralyze them. This causes them to miss out on long-term investment opportunities or make reactive decisions that hurt their financial health.
• Greed: On the other hand, the allure of quick gains often leads people to chase speculative investments or trends, ignoring the fundamentals of disciplined financial planning.

These emotions are not new; they’ve been influencing human decisions for centuries. However, in today’s information-saturated world, fear and greed are amplified by a constant barrage of news, opinions and often misleading information. This makes it even more challenging to stay focused on what truly matters.

Navigating Information Overload

As we embrace the opportunities of a new year, we’re inundated with data and advice from every direction. Unfortunately, much of this information is incomplete, biased or simply wrong. The challenge lies in discerning what is relevant and actionable from the noise. This is where trusted advisors play an essential role.

Our Role as Trusted Advisors

At its core, financial and life planning is about helping clients make better decisions. Our mission as trusted advisors involves four components:

1. Providing context: We help our clients understand the broader picture and how current opportunities align with their long-term goals.
2. Filtering information: We separate fact from fiction and focus on actionable insights tailored to each client’s unique situation.
3. Guiding with discipline: We encourage disciplined decision making that avoids emotional reactions to market swings or sensational headlines.
4. Fostering fulfillment: We assist clients not only in growing their wealth but also in leading more fulfilling and happier lives.

A Call to Action for the New Year

As we begin another year filled with possibilities, it’s worth remembering that we are living in an extraordinary time. However, the true measure of success lies not just in recognizing opportunities but in having the discipline and clarity to seize them wisely. By partnering together, we can help you navigate this complex world, avoid common pitfalls and make the most of the incredible opportunities that lie ahead.

Let’s make 2025 the year in which we not only dream big but act wisely and avoid old mistakes — for a brighter, more fulfilling future. Our team is here to help you achieve your personal vision, avoid pitfalls and simplify your life. Feel free to reach out to me personally or any of our team whenever we may be of help in doing so.

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Randy Carver, CRPC^®, CDFA^®, is the president and founder of Carver Financial Services and is also a registered principal with Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Carver Financial Services was established in 1990 with the vision of making people’s lives better — clients, team and community. With this mission, Carver Financial Services has grown to be one of the largest independent financial services offices in the country, managing $2.9 billion in assets for clients globally, as of December 2024. Randy and his team provide Personal Vision Planning^® for their clients.

Any opinions are those of Randy Carver and not necessarily those of Raymond James. This material is being provided for information purposes only and is not a complete description, nor is it a recommendation. The information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but we do not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete.

 

Divorce can be one of the most challenging experiences of a person’s life. It’s also the largest financial transaction of many people’s lives. As a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst^® (CDFA^®), I address the special financial issues of divorce to help my clients achieve equitable settlements.

Over the years, I have worked with countless individuals who, once the process is finally over, are often exhausted and ready to move on. While it’s natural to want to put everything behind you, there are some essential post-divorce steps you can take that can make a significant difference in securing your financial future.

1.    Reassess your financial plan

Your financial situation likely looks very different after a divorce. Updating your financial plan is a crucial first step. Begin by adjusting your budget to reflect your new income and expenses.

Consider any new financial responsibilities, such as child support or spousal maintenance, and look for opportunities to save or invest to meet your long-term goals. Taking the time to thoroughly reassess your financial landscape can provide clarity and reassurance.

2.    Update the beneficiaries on all your accounts and policies

During your marriage, you may have designated your former spouse as the beneficiary on retirement accounts, life insurance policies and other assets. It’s essential to update these beneficiaries to align with your current wishes. Failing to do so can lead to unintended consequences and complications down the road. Be sure to check all accounts, including employer-sponsored retirement plans and investment accounts, to ensure they reflect your new priorities.

3.    Review and update your insurance coverage

Insurance is often overlooked in post-divorce planning, but it’s essential to ensure you’re adequately protected. This includes the following:

• Health insurance: If you were previously covered under your former spouse’s policy, you might need to explore new If you have children, confirm that they’re covered under the appropriate plan, and consider whether your current coverage is sufficient for your needs. Note that you have only 60 days to notify an employer about a divorce, or you could you’re your benefits.
• Umbrella policies: An umbrella policy provides additional liability protection beyond your other insurance If you had an umbrella policy during your marriage, now is the time to review the coverage limits and adjust them as necessary, based on your new circumstances.
• Life insurance: Make sure your life insurance coverage is updated to reflect new beneficiaries, and consider whether the coverage amount still aligns with your

4.    Revisit your estate-planning documents

Estate planning is another area that requires immediate attention after a divorce. Update your will, power of attorney, health-care proxy and any other relevant documents to ensure they accurately reflect your wishes. This is especially important if you have children; you’ll want to make sure your guardianship and inheritance plans are clear and in line with your new family structure.

5.    Review and adjust your investment strategy

Your investment goals may have shifted post-divorce, and your risk tolerance could be different now as well. Working with a financial advisor to adjust your portfolio can help you ensure that your investments align with your current and future needs. Whether you’re saving for retirement, building an emergency fund or planning for your children’s education, it’s essential to have a strategy that reflects your new circumstances.

6.    Seek support and guidance

Finally, remember that you don’t have to navigate this alone. Divorce can leave you feeling overwhelmed, but with the right support, you can approach the future with confidence. A financial professional can guide you through the complexities of post-divorce planning and help you make informed decisions that support your goals.

Taking these steps may seem daunting, but they are crucial to building a solid foundation for your future. With careful planning and the right guidance, you can feel empowered to create a fulfilling and financially stable life post-divorce.

If you’re in the process of navigating life after divorce and would like some guidance on creating a road map for your financial future, feel free to reach out. My team and I are here to help you every step of the way. We recognize that not all aspects of a divorce are financial. Everything about divorce can feel unfamiliar and overwhelming

We are here to help you refine your personal vision for the future and to take all the steps needed to achieve that vision.

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Randy Carver, CRPC^®, CDFA^®, is the president and founder of Carver Financial Services, Inc., and is also a registered principal with Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Carver Financial Services, Inc., was established in 1990 with the vision of making people’s lives better — clients, team and community. With this mission, Carver Financial Services has grown to be one of the largest independent financial services offices in the country, managing $2.9 billion in assets for clients globally, as of June 2024. Randy and his team provide Personal Vision Planning^® for their clients.

You can reach Randy directly at randy.carver@raymondjames.com and in the office at (440) 974-0808.

Any opinions are those of Randy Carver and not necessarily those of Raymond James. This material is being provided for information purposes only and is not a complete description, nor is it a recommendation. The information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but we do not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete. Investing involves risk and you may incur a profit or loss regardless of strategy selected.

Why Fearmongering Shouldn’t Dictate Your Decisions in Politics, Estate Planning, and Investing

In today’s world, fear sells. It’s an unfortunate reality, but whether you’re watching political ads, meeting with a financial advisor, or considering an equity-indexed annuity, you’ve likely encountered messages designed to scare you into making decisions. Fear is a powerful emotion, and it’s one that many marketers, politicians, and even financial advisors leverage to push their agendas.

But decisions made out of fear are rarely the best decisions. Instead of letting fear drive your choices, it’s time to start relying on facts and objective information. Here’s why.

Fear Sells—But It Doesn’t Serve You

Fear is often used as a sales tactic to create a sense of urgency. In politics, you’ll hear doomsday scenarios from both sides of the aisle, warning of disastrous consequences if the “other side” wins. When it comes to estate planning, fear-based tactics might tell you that you’re putting your family at great risk if you don’t buy this plan immediately. And in the world of investments, especially with products like equity-indexed annuities, fear-mongering can paint a picture of imminent financial ruin unless you lock into a “guaranteed” return.

But here’s something important to recognize: fear is often used by those who don’t have anything of real value to offer. This tactic is employed when someone lacks substance, real solutions, or valuable products. Instead of standing on the merits of what they can provide, they turn to fear to manipulate people into action.

In Politics: Politicians with no meaningful policy proposals of their own often resort to attacking their opponents. Rather than offering solutions or a vision for the future, they focus on fear-based rhetoric, convincing voters to make choices based on what they’re against, rather than what they’re for.  Something we are seeing as we get closer to this year’s election.

Financial Products: Annuity salespeople who are more concerned with earning a commission than providing real value will often use fear to sell products. They might warn you of financial collapse or scare you into thinking the stock market is too risky, pushing you toward “safe” investments like annuities—even when those products aren’t the best fit for your situation. Their focus is on selling fear to close the deal, not on offering tailored financial advice.

These tactics play on our most basic instincts: survival and protection. Fear pushes us to act quickly because it triggers the fight-or-flight response. But when it comes to important decisions that will affect your future—whether in politics, your family’s security, or your financial well-being—reacting quickly isn’t always in your best interest.

The Consequences of Fear-Based Decision-Making

When decisions are based on fear, they are often not the most logical or beneficial choices in the long term.

Politics: When we vote based on fear, we often vote against something rather than for something. This can lead to electing leaders or policies that don’t align with our actual values or long-term interests, simply because we’re reacting to scare tactics. Voting should be about hope, vision, and progress—not avoiding worst-case scenarios.

Estate Planning: Fear-based tactics in estate planning can lead to rushed decisions and unnecessary expenses. One common fear-mongering claim is that if you don’t act quickly to protect your assets, a nursing home will “take everything” you own. This scare tactic is often used to sell expensive and complicated financial products or legal services. Decisions about how to manage assets for future care should be based on a clear understanding of the laws, not fear-based misinformation.

Investments (like Equity-Indexed Annuities): Investment products that use fear to sell often push guaranteed returns at the expense of growth potential. While security is important, fearmongering can cause people to miss out on better opportunities that could build greater wealth over time. Annuity salespeople may exaggerate market risks to scare you into buying a product that guarantees them a hefty commission, not necessarily the best returns for you. Investments should be driven by a balanced assessment of risk and reward—not fear of the unknown.

The Power of Facts and Rational Decision-Making

The antidote to fear is information. When you arm yourself with the facts, you can make decisions based on logic and rational thought. Here’s how you can start:

1. Recognize Fear-Based Tactics: Be aware of the language being used. If a message is full of warnings, threats, or promises of doom, it’s likely trying to manipulate your emotions rather than present a balanced view. Look for fear-inducing phrases like “before it’s too late,” “don’t risk everything,” or “protect yourself from disaster.”
2. Do Your Own Research: Don’t just accept claims at face value. Whether you’re looking at a politician’s platform, an estate planning product, or an investment strategy, dig deeper. Research alternatives, seek out objective sources, and make sure you understand the facts.
3. Consult Professionals (and Ask Questions): When dealing with complex financial or legal matters, it’s always a good idea to consult professionals. But even then, don’t hesitate to ask questions. If something doesn’t feel right or if the advice is pushing you to act quickly out of fear, ask for more information. A good advisor will guide you with facts and reason, not pressure and fear.
4. Take Your Time: Fear thrives on urgency. By slowing down and taking your time to weigh options, you reduce the influence of fear. Make decisions at your own pace, giving yourself space to think critically.

Conclusion: Facts Over Fear

At the end of the day, fear is a poor advisor. When you base your decisions on fear, you’re letting your emotions take the driver’s seat, and that often leads to regrettable outcomes. Whether it’s politics, estate planning, or investments like equity-indexed annuities, choosing to rely on facts will always put you in a stronger, more informed position.

So, the next time you’re faced with a decision—especially one where fear seems to be part of the sales pitch—take a step back. Do your research, ask for facts, and trust your ability to make decisions from a place of knowledge, not fear. In the long run, it’s a strategy that will serve you well.  As always we are here for you!  Reach out whenever we can be of service.

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You can reach Randy directly at randy.carver@raymondjames.com and in the office at (440) 974-0808.

Any opinions are those of Randy Carver and not necessarily those of Raymond James. This material is being provided for information purposes only and is not a complete description, nor is it a recommendation. The information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but we do not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete. Investing involves risk and you may incur a profit or loss regardless of strategy selected.

How Overthinking Can Obscure Life’s Best Moments

Both personally and professionally, I have observed that people like to worry. When life is challenging, they are concerned, and when things are going well, many people worry about when it will take a turn for the worse. This applies not just to investments and investing but to life in general.

In today’s fast-paced, highly connected world, worry has become almost second nature for many people. Whether it’s concerns about job security, financial stability, relationships or even global events, it’s easy to get caught in the cycle of overthinking. Worrying often feels productive, as if by fretting over a problem, we are actively addressing it. But in truth, excessive worry rarely resolves anything. Worse, it can blind us to the good things happening in our lives right now.

“Worrying is like paying a debt you don’t owe.” Mark Twain

The Paradox of Worry

Worry is a survival mechanism deeply embedded in human evolution. Our ancestors who worried about threats were more likely to survive because they took action to avoid danger. However, in the modern world, where many of our “threats” are not life- threatening, this mechanism often works against us. Instead of being an occasional response to real dangers, worry becomes a constant background noise in our lives.

The irony is that while we worry about what might go wrong in the future, we often miss the things that are going right in the present. This tendency to focus on potential problems robs us of the ability to appreciate the positives around us — whether it’s spending time with loved ones, experiencing career success or simply enjoying a peaceful moment. In worrying about hypothetical scenarios, we sacrifice the joy of what is real.

Worry is often focused on the short term, which is something the media reinforce as they inundate us with negative news. As a result, we may miss longer-term positive trends in portfolios, relationships and career — causing us to lose the forest from the trees.

Worry commonly results in anxiety, which has become a huge issue in our society. Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illnesses in the United States, affecting more than 40 million adults, or 19.1 percent of the population. Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is the most common anxiety disorder in this country, with 6.8 million adults affected. Women are more than twice as likely than men to experience an anxiety disorder. And, although anxiety disorders are often very treatable, more than 60 percent of people do not seek treatment for them.

How Worry Distracts Us from Life’s Goodness

Here are four ways in which worry robs us of the joy we could be experiencing right now.

1. Worry creates tunnel vision. When we are consumed with worry, our attention narrows. We focus exclusively on what could go wrong, losing sight of the broader picture. This tunnel vision blinds us to opportunities, personal achievements and moments of As a result, we fail to savor the good things happening in our lives.
2. It keeps us from focusing on the present. Worry is future-oriented. It drags our thoughts into the realm of “What if” and worst-case scenarios, diverting attention from the Yet the present is the only moment we truly have any control over.

Missing out on the now means missing out on the chance to appreciate life’s beauty as it unfolds.

Worrying may also prevent us from taking the steps needed today to protect our future. For example, sitting on cash and not investing because we are worried about what will happen to the stock market can cause us to miss out on potential growth.

3. It can sabotage relationships. Worry, particularly when left unchecked, can create unnecessary tension in our relationships. It may lead us to misinterpret others’ actions or words, amplifying minor concerns into significant issues. We might worry about things like being misunderstood, feeling unappreciated or wondering about the future of a relationship, which can prevent us from enjoying the time spent with the people we care about.
4. Worry can lead to burnout and health Everyone worries a little from time to time, but chronic worry taxes our mental and emotional energy. As mentioned, it can lead to stress and anxiety and eventually burnout and other health issues.

According to WebMD, the nervous system in our bodies is a messaging network that’s made up of the brain, spinal cord, nerves and special cells called neurons. Worrying too much can trigger the brain to release “stress hormones” that speed up the heart rate and breathing, raise your blood sugar and send more blood to your arms and legs. Over time, chronic worry can take a toll on your health, affecting your heart, blood vessels, muscles and other systems.

When we’re constantly preoccupied with what could go wrong, we lose the energy and motivation to pursue the things that bring us joy and fulfillment. In the long run, this diminishes our overall well-being.

Shifting Focus: From Worry to Gratitude

Breaking the cycle of worry is challenging but necessary. One effective strategy is to cultivate a practice of gratitude. Gratitude shifts our focus from what we lack or fear to what we already have. It reminds us that while uncertainties will always exist, there is much in our lives worth appreciating right now.

Here are four practical ways to counteract worry with gratitude:

1.  Keep a gratitude journal

Take a few minutes each day to write down three things you’re grateful for. These can be simple things — a warm cup of coffee in the morning, a kind word from a colleague or the beauty of a sunset. Regularly acknowledging the positive aspects of your life can help rewire your brain to focus more on the good and less on the negative. This is a great way to start every day.

2.  Practice mindfulness

Mindfulness is the art of being present. When you find yourself spiraling into worry, take a moment to ground yourself in the present. Engage your senses: notice what you can see, hear, smell, taste and feel. This simple practice can help pull your mind away from future worries and bring it back to the present moment.

3.  Challenge negative thoughts

When worries arise, ask yourself whether they are based on facts or assumptions. Often, our worries are rooted in worst-case scenarios that are unlikely to happen. Challenge these thoughts by considering more balanced perspectives. What’s the best- case scenario? What’s most likely to happen? By reframing your worries, you may find they lose some of their power.

4.  Celebrate even the small wins

Instead of waiting for major milestones to feel accomplished or happy, learn to celebrate small wins. Each day brings its own victories — whether it’s finishing a task, having a productive conversation or simply making it through a tough day. Acknowledging these moments creates a sense of progress and fulfillment, helping to counterbalance any worries.

Investing and Worry

Investing requires taking a long-term view and separating real risk from hypothetical scenarios. Moreover, there are often ways to mitigate risk.

One of the biggest risks many investors face is inflation — the fact that they will need more money in the future as the cost of living goes up. The only way to keep pace with, or get ahead of, inflation is to invest, which may involve some volatility and risk. If people do not invest properly, they may run out of money, see their lifestyle severely diminished and be unable to leave a legacy for heirs.

A 2024 survey from the Nationwide Retirement Institute® revealed that some investors are taking potentially adverse actions as a result of worrying about the economy, and many are doing so without professional guidance. Almost 8 in 10 (78 percent) respondents rated the U.S. economy overall as poor or fair. When asked the reasons for their negative rating of the economy, respondents overwhelmingly cited inflation (80 percent), wages not keeping up with the cost of living (51 percent) and high housing costs (50 percent).

Consumers who said they were feeling budgetary strain reported changing their behavior in ways that could potentially have long-term adverse effects. These behaviors include reducing their retirement plan contributions and withdrawing money from retirement savings to cover housing costs — a move that depletes savings and can result in significant tax implications.

Working with a team of experienced financial advisors can help people avoid such costly mistakes and replace worry with confidence about the future. However, unfortunately, nearly three-fourths of the respondents in the Nationwide Retirement Institute survey (74 percent) said they do not use a financial advisor for help with personal finances.

It can be costly to attempt to plan your future alone. From our experience, we believe the cost of working with a financial professional typically pays for itself in the form of potentially better long-term outcomes — and enhanced quality of life.

For example, one strategy we can use to help you balance your current and future financial needs is to have sufficient cash on hand for near-term needs, as well as investments. The cash you don’t have invested can provide you with stability for your current needs, while your investments can help you outpace inflation and come out ahead in the long run.

When you work with our team, we will develop a plan that meets your current needs, your long-term vision and your risk tolerance. The customized lifetime plan we build for you is designed to enable you to live well today and also in the future.

Choose to See the Good

Worry may be a natural part of life, but we don’t have to let it dominate our thoughts. By cultivating awareness, practicing gratitude and focusing on the present, we can shift our perspective and begin to appreciate the good things we often overlook.

Life is full of beauty, joy, and opportunities — if only we allow ourselves to see them. Our team is here to help you on your journey; however, ultimately it is up to you to choose the path you take and to be grateful versus worried.

“Worry never robs tomorrow of its sorrow, it only saps today of its joy.” Leo Buscaglia

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Any opinions are those of Randy Carver and not necessarily those of Raymond James. This material is being provided for information purposes only and is not a complete description, nor is it a recommendation. The information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but we do not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete.

This information is not a statement of all available necessary data for making an investment decision, and it does not constitute a recommendation. All options are as of this date and are subject to change without notice. Investing involves risk and you may incur a profit or loss regardless of strategy selected, including asset allocation and diversification. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.