Start with Your Personal Vision, Not Just Your Numbers

Most people begin the year with resolutions about money—spend less, save more, invest better. Those are important, but they’re not the starting point.

Instead, begin with your Personal Vision Planning (PVP). Ask yourself:

– What experiences do I want to have in 2026?

– What relationships do I want to nurture?

– What lifestyle do I want to create?

– What do I want more of—or less of?

The numbers are the tools. Your vision is the destination.

Quick Wins: The 2026 Financial Tune-Up

The beginning of the year is a perfect time for a light-touch financial health check.

• Review your investment strategy (midterm election years bring volatility and opportunity)
• Update beneficiaries and estate documents
• Review equity compensation, pensions, or Social Security
• Revisit tax strategies (QCDs, donor-advised funds, Roth conversions, etc.)

Automate What You Can So You Can Focus on What Matters

One of the best ways to “win” financially in 2026 is automating the important things:

– Savings and investing

– Bill payments

– Charitable giving

– Portfolio rebalancing (we handle this!)

Protect Yourself: Cybersecurity Is the New Seatbelt

Digital crime is the fastest-growing global threat. In 2026, commit to:

– Freezing your credit

– Using two-factor authentication

– Reviewing bank and credit activity weekly

– Calling us before responding to suspicious messages

Invest in Experiences, Not Just Accounts

Experiences—not things—create the memories people cherish. Whether it’s travel, family time, or exclusive events like Carver Fest at the Rock Hall, plan something that excites you in 2026.

Strengthen Your Personal Balance Sheet

Your financial balance sheet is important, but so is your personal one:

– Health

– Relationships

– Purpose

– Learning

– Community

– Joy

Schedule Your 2026 Planning Review Now

A proactive review helps you:

– Update your Personal Vision Plan

– Review your portfolio strategy

– Explore tax opportunities

– Discuss major life changes

– Strengthen security measures

– Identify opportunities you may not have considered

Final Thought: Your Best Year Ever Starts with a Conversation

2026 has the makings of a remarkable year—not because of what happens in the markets or election cycle, but because of the choices you make and the vision you set.

Our mission at Carver Financial Services remains the same: to help you achieve the life you want with confidence and clarity.

Let’s make 2026 unforgettable—together.

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You can contact us at randy.carver@raymondjames.com or (440) 974-0808.

Any opinions are those of Randy Carver and not necessarily those of Raymond James.