We are excited to announce a relaunch of our firm to better meet your needs in this new era, and for generations to come. We believe that these updates will improve and strengthen our firm to help ensure your personalized plan remains strong today, tomorrow, and into the future. In an increasingly complex, and rapidly changing world, we remain committed to the mission of helping simplify your life, while achieving your personal vision. We are here for you!
A New Era and New Look: Three Decades Centered Around Your Vision
We continue to hear about a “new normal” –yet this really is not new. Change is constant and we must evolve to be relevant both personally and as business. Thirty years ago, I founded Carver Financial Services to help people achieve the life they envisioned—whatever that might be.
Much has changed with the world, since 1990, and our firm has continued to evolve. We have expanded our team, building and services while continuing to utilize state-of-the-art technology to better serve your needs and those of our community. Despite our continued growth, our founding purpose hasn’t changed at all. In fact, it’s only grown stronger.
While there are thousands of firms that focus on investments, financial planning and money management we focus on you and your vision with our innovative Personal Vision Planning® process.
As we move into the next “new normal,” we are excited to announce a relaunch of our firm to better meet your needs in this new era, and for generations to come.
The most visible sign is an evolved look for our logo—one that better connects with our commitment to, and partnership with you.
Our new logo is a visual symbol of our partnership with you, and our mission to make people’s lives better in everything we do. The three lines in the icon represent your vision, our team, and our global resources. Together, these parallel lines move in an upward trajectory toward a bright, positive future.
Other visible signs of our new and improved firm are the growth of our professional team, the completion of our building expansion and the introduction of a new website at the end of June. In addition to the more observable updates, behind the scenes we’re also enhancing our processes, technology and communications.
We are introducing a new and improved investment management process that can allow us to respond to changing market and economic conditions more efficiently. This update to our Personal Vision Planning™ process will better help meet the individualized needs of our clients.
As part of our commitment to be an enduring firm, we continue to expand our team with multi-generations of professionals, so that we will be here for you today and for years to come.
We continue to make smart investments in our team’s continuing education, to ensure we have the most current knowledge and information for you.
We believe that these updates will improve and strengthen our firm to help ensure your personalized plan remains strong today, tomorrow and into the future. In an increasingly complex, and rapidly changing world, we remain committed to the mission of helping simplify your life, while achieving your personal vision.
Our commitment to personalized service and planning, based on your vision, will never change. No matter what the future brings, we are proud to share your journey and we will be here for you. As always please contact us whenever we may be of service carverfinancialservices@raymondjames.com or carverfinancialservices.com.
As of May 2020, we manage more than $1.5 billion in assets for clients around the corner and around the globe. We look forward to serving you.
Healthy, Wealthy, and Wise with NBA & CAVS’ Dietitian Kylene Bogden
As mentioned before Your health and well-being are our most important priority. How we eat can directly impact how we feel and how healthy we actually are. We are very excited to have one of the leading experts with us this evening.
The Selflessness of Putting Yourself First – To Help Others
“In case of a loss of cabin pressure masks will drop from the ceiling. Place the yellow cup over your nose and mouth and breath normally. Even though the bag may not inflate oxygen is flowing. Place your mask on first before helping others.”
If you have flown, you have heard this message. The line about putting your mask on first is there not just to help you, but so that you can help others. If you try to help others before yourself and come incapacitated not only can’t you help, but you may become a burden.
This is an important metaphor for those who spend a great deal of their time taking care of others. If you don’t take care of yourself, you can experience burnout, stress, fatigue, reduced mental effectiveness, health problems, anxiety, frustration, inability to sleep, etc.
If you truly want to help others you need to take care of yourself and “put your own mask on first.” Find things that can help you replenish your energy, such as:
- Getting enough rest
- Exercising regularly
- Eating properly
- Finding things that make YOU happy
Remember, it isn’t selfish to take care of yourself, it’s necessary! Life can be complicated and overwhelming, particularly in times of uncertainty. Somehow, some way, we have to make sure that we take care of ourselves in order for us to have something left to give to others. We need to put our own mask on first. This is not selfish but truly selfless.
If there is anything that we can do to help you, your family, or your friends please contact us at 440-974-0808 or email carverfinancialservices@raymondjames.com.
For more resources on the current situation, please visit our Coronavirus Covid-19 Resources page.
The News-Herald
Carver Financial – Economic & Market Landscape
Randy Carver, President and Founder of Carver Financial Services, Inc. and an RJFS Registered Principal presents information on the current market and economic landscape and what you should consider for your financial planning during these uncertain times. This brief video also discusses the values and mission of Carver Financial, and how they help you achieve your personal vision, whatever it may be.
We are hearing more about a new normal, post-Coronavirus crisis. This video looks at how in an increasingly complex and confusing world, Carver Financial is here to help you. Since being founded 30 years ago, Carver Financial has continued to evolve in order to fulfill its mission of helping you simplify your life while achieving your personal vision in a changing world.
Please contact us with questions or whenever we may be of service to you, your family or your friends. As always, we are here for you. You can reach us at carverfinancialservices@raymondjames.com or (440) 974-0808.
Go Paperless with Your Financial Documents
New rules require Raymond James to deliver new disclosures to existing clients by June 30, including a 100-page document with details about products and services.
The Securities and Exchange Commission recently enacted Regulation Best Interest and related regulations require broker/dealers and registered investment advisers to provide existing and prospective clients with specific disclosures addressing, among other things, available account options and services, and the related potential conflicts. With this, by June 30, you will receive:
- 1) A Client Relationship Summary (Form CRS) – A two- to four-page document with information about the types of accounts and services available and types of fees, charges and potential conflicts of interest associated with certain account types.
- 2) A detailed disclosure booklet – An approximately 100-page booklet that provides additional detail about the topics covered in the Form CRS, as well as important information regarding available investment products and services.
When you receive these disclosures – whether via traditional mail or email – We encourage you to read them and ask questions. We would be happy to set up time to discuss. Contact our office at 440-974-0808.
These disclosures are important, and we encourage you to read them, but we often hear that clients would prefer to avoid extensive paper documents.
How can I limit the paper mail I receive?
The deadline to choose paperless delivery for the above-referenced disclosures is April 24th. If you’re already using Client Access:
- 1) Log in to Client Access and go to Account Services > Client Tools.
- 2) Select “I want to receive all my account documents online.”
NOTE: To receive this disclosure mailing electronically, make sure to also select the “Other Correspondence” document category for Online Delivery.
If you haven’t yet signed up for Client Access, we encourage you to consider doing so, especially in these times of limited physical contact. We would be happy to help get you set up. This secure, convenient online account access system complements the services we provide, offering instant availability of your financial information wherever you are in addition to the convenience of receiving statements and other communications electronically.
We have and will continue to act as a fiduciary in your best interest. Please feel free to contact us with any questions regarding the above changes, Client Access, your portfolio, and other financial planning needs. If you would like assistance to set up e-delivery of paperwork and statements we’d be happy to help. As always, we are here for you.
Financial Times names Randy Carver to 2020 List of Top 400 Financial Advisors
April 16, 2020 – Randy Carver, RJFS Registered Principal, and the President of Carver Financial Services, Inc. was once again named to the 2020 Financial Times list of Top 400 Financial Advisers.
The Financial Times 400 Top Financial Advisors is an independent listing produced annually by Ignites Research, a division of Money-Media, Inc., on behalf of the Financial Times (April 2020). To qualify for the list, advisers had to have 10 years of experience and at least $300 million in assets under management (AUM) and no more than 60% of the AUM with institutional clients. The FT reaches out to some of the largest brokerages in the U.S. and asks them to provide a list of advisers who meet the minimum criteria outlined above. These advisers are then invited to apply for the ranking. Only advisers who submit an online application can be considered for the ranking.
In 2020, roughly 1,040 applications were received and 400 were selected to the final list (38.5%). The 400 qualified advisers were then scored on six attributes: AUM, AUM growth rate, compliance record, years of experience, industry certifications, and online accessibility. AUM is the top factor, accounting for roughly 60-70 percent of the applicant’s score. Additionally, to provide a diversity of advisers, the FT placed a cap on the number of advisers from any one state that’s roughly correlated to the distribution of millionaires across the U.S. The ranking may not be representative of any one client’s experience, is not an endorsement, and is not indicative of an adviser’s future performance.
Neither Raymond James nor any of its Financial Advisors pay a fee in exchange for this award/rating. The FT, Ignites Research, and Money-Media are not affiliated with Raymond James.
The Seat Belt Sign’s Illuminated: 3 Rules for Flying & Life
I earned my pilot’s license in 1986, and I have logged more than 2,000 flight hours. In flying, there are a number of rules, procedures, and axioms that pilots memorize so that in an emergency, they can act without having to overthink what to do in the moment. These simple rules can help keep us safe when things go wrong and provide guidance for life in general. As many have heard me say before, things can and will go wrong in life and with flying. The outcome is largely dependent on how we act, not on what happens to us.
“I am not a product of my circumstances. I am a product of my decisions.”
Stephen R. Covey
In the spring of 2020, as we all search for ways to adjust to the disruptions caused by the Coronavirus pandemic, we can all benefit from adopting these three guidelines.
Rule 1. Aviate, navigate and then communicate
First, fly the plane, then figure out where you are, and then communicate. It seems that with the current crisis, there are a lot of folks in the government and otherwise who are communicating without knowing where we are — and in the meantime, losing control of the situation.
Numerous aviation studies have found that many pilots get so focused on solving a problem in an emergency that they sometimes forget to fly the airplane. A very small thing cascades into a tragedy.
For example, before Eastern Airlines Flight 401 crashed in the Everglades on December 29, 1972, the pilots became so distracted by a burned-out indicator light in the cockpit that they actually flew the airplane into the ground. The axiom “Aviate, Navigate, Communicate,” teaches us to fly the airplane first, then navigate, and once the situation is under control, communicate.
As we deal with health-related, financial and other issues related to the Coronavirus, it’s important to think things through, figure out where you are and then communicate.
Rule 2. Stay ahead of the plane—never let the plane take you someplace your mind gets to first
Pilots are taught to “stay ahead of the airplane.” That means knowing exactly where you are, where you’re going at all times and what you will do next.
In life, and with wealth management, we need to have a plan, monitor our progress and then make adjustments. Things can and will change with flying and with our financial planning. We need to be proactive, not reactive when deciding what we will do next.
“When it is obvious that the goals cannot be reached, don’t adjust the goals; adjust the action steps.”
Confucius
Rule 3. Taking off is optional—landing is not
One way or another, you will be coming back down. If you don’t think you can reach your destination or land safely, don’t take off. Once you are in the air, you will be landing.
With investing, we need to assess the risk of any strategy or investment and decide if it’s consistent with our personal needs, objectives and risk tolerance. It’s up to you, the captain, to decide if you are going to take off. Once you do, then you must follow the first two rules for a successful landing.
Even with the best of planning, a flight will sometimes run into turbulence or bad weather. This doesn’t mean you won’t make it to your destination; it simply means you might be delayed or have to change your route. Bad weather and turbulence are never comfortable.
“Man must rise above the Earth—to the top of the atmosphere and beyond—for only thus will he fully understand the world in which he lives.”
Socrates
We are your co-pilots
As the markets and economy give us turbulence now due to uncertainty about the Coronavirus, the election, and myriad other factors, it’s key to have an experienced pilot and flight crew to get you to your destination safely. The trip might be delayed, and you might have to reroute your trip, but you will get to your destination safely.
Our team has more than 250 years of combined experience and has been through difficult periods before. We have developed and refined a process for wealth management that accounts for volatility; it is based on each client’s personal needs and objectives. We have state of the art technology and systems to help our team (flight crew), and we are prepared for what we are going through right now. It’s not comfortable when we hit turbulence, but we will get through it.
The seat belt sign is illuminated—the key is to stay in your seat and remain calm. We will provide updates (just like on a flight). We are here for you.
“If black boxes survive air crashes, why don’t they make the whole plane out of that stuff?”
George Carlin, Comedian
Feel free to phone us at (440) 974-0808 or email randy.carver@raymondjames.com.
For more resources on the current situation, please visit our Coronavirus Covid-19 Resources page.
The information contained in this report does not purport to be a complete description of the securities, markets, or developments referred to in this material. The information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but we do not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete. Any opinions are those of Carver Financial Team, and not necessarily those of Raymond James. Expressions of opinion are as of this date and are subject to change without notice. There is no guarantee that these statements, opinions or forecasts provided herein will prove to be correct. Investing involves risk and you may incur a profit or loss regardless of strategy selected. Individual investor’s results will vary. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Future investment performance cannot be guaranteed, investment yields will fluctuate with market conditions.
Any information is not a complete summary or statement of all available data necessary for making an investment decision and does not constitute a recommendation.
Our Office is Open to Serve You
Our office is open, and we are here to serve you during the current situation. Due to the CDC recommended guidelines, we are only meeting with clients via phone or video calls. Please contact our office if you have questions, would like to schedule a meeting or if there is anything that we can do for you.
We kindly ask that you please limit visits to our office for dropping off checks and paperwork. This is for both your safety and for our team. We encourage you to mail checks or other paperwork during this time. Please also refrain from bringing in your shredding. We will be offering a shredding day once the state-wide, stay-at-home restrictions are lifted, for any shredding that may have accumulated.
We understand some people would like to stay at home and many forms can be delivered electronically to you. Additionally, if you would like to reduce the mail that you receive, you can elect electronic delivery of documents via Client Access. Please let our team know and they can assist you. You can continue to receive paper statements while eliminating other mail if you wish to do so.
Thank you for your understanding. We will get through this together. Please contact us if we can be of any assistance to you, your family or your friends. We are here for you!