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.