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Evacuating for a storm or fire? Have these documents ready.
Evacuating for a storm or fire? Have these documents ready.
Proactive organization can make insurance claims and other recovery activities easier.
Preparing for an unexpected storm or fire can help protect both your personal and financial well-being. Consider these recommendations for protecting important documents and making a swift, safe evacuation.
Saving your documents
If a fire, hurricane or other natural disaster occurs, the documents needed to rebuild your life should either be with you or stored somewhere safely out of harm’s way. Waterproof, fireproof safes offer protection for your most important items, offering a level of security in the event of a last-minute evacuation. For disasters that can be forecasted further in advance – think weather-related events like hurricanes – it may be beneficial to take important papers with you.
While many of the documents below can be replaced, keeping them safe will make insurance claims and other recovery activities easier. Consider bringing:
- Identification: passports, immigration papers, military discharge papers, immunization records, Social Security cards
- Family records and certificates: birth, adoption, marriage, divorce, death
- Home and vehicle: deeds, titles, registration, loan papers
- Planning documents: wills, trusts, powers of attorney, healthcare directives
- Insurance information: health, life, home, vehicle
Consider placing them in a three-ring binder with pockets for easy portability, and store within a water resistant bag. Waterproof and fireproof boxes are usually quite heavy, but a heavy-duty waterproof bag from a sporting goods store or large, resealable plastic bag can serve as a lighter alternative.
Preparing your emergency bag
Proponents of preparedness recommend keeping a small bag packed with essentials for a quick escape. Your emergency bag should remain ready to go at all times, ideal for an unanticipated evacuation. Your water resistant duffel bag or knapsack can include items such as:
- Your documents binder
- Photos or video of your property for later insurance claims Safe deposit box key, if applicable
- Notepad and pen flashlight
- Small first-aid kit
- Bottled water and nonperishable snacks
- Extra resealable bags
An additional “quick grab” list will ensure you won’t forget items that would be inconvenient to keep in your emergency bag at all times. Examples include:
- Backup of your computer, especially if it stores personal information
- Cash for food and gas, as ATMs may not be in service
- Required medications
- Phone or tablet and chargers
Planning for pets
If conditions are unsafe for you, they’re unsafe for your pets as well. Research in advance which public shelters, lodging facilities or kennels can take care of your pets if you’re unable to bring them with you during an evacuation. If you have an exotic pet, try contacting local pet stores or zoological gardens located in a safe area. Your local SPCA or other pet-oriented organization can also likely provide information.
Additional steps to prepare your pets include:
- Making copies of your pets’ updated immunization records
- Filling out a pet ID card with a recent picture, description, contact information, medical details and care instructions
- Compiling a kit with items like collars, leashes, medications, food, water, treats, toys, litter/pans, first aid supplies, and carriers
Depending on the type of natural hazards your area is prone to, additional provisions might be needed. But regardless of the particular peril, these precautions can provide a greater sense of security in the face of an unexpected disaster.
Links are being provided for information purposes only. Raymond James is not affiliated with and does not endorse, authorize or sponsor any of the listed websites or their respective sponsors. Raymond James is not responsible for the content of any website or the collection or use of information regarding any website’s users and/or members. Raymond James does not provide tax or legal services. Please discuss these matters with the appropriate professional.
Timely Thoughts from Evan and Dale
“What’s the market going to do?” “Why is it going down?” “What is making money?’ “Its up 500 points, should we be buying?” “Its down, should we be selling?”
All of these are legitimate questions we have always received but recently the questions have turned more aggressively rhetorical with some clients.
Dale and I have been working with clients for over 25 years. Never in those 25 years have we experienced the rapid back and forth on a minute by minute, hour by hour and day by day basis. For many months now we have seen the markets and almost every sector within these markets sell off. We have had days where we start down 1-5% only to turn around for no reason, or the inverse. We have had days where everything looks great and we rally, only to give it all back within minutes or the next day. It is never enjoyable to lose wealth, even if it is temporary or if its giving back some gains. The toll this volatility is taking on our clients, our team and ourselves is reaching unprecedented levels. Some days it feels like we are capitulating, a term that references when most people are throwing in the towel and selling anything not nailed down. Other days, people are buying with both fists everything regardless of what we tell them. In a world where bonds, stocks and alternatives are all down double digits, its tough to find a more stable place to go.
What I want to reiterate to everyone is that nobody can be perfect in this business. Nobody has all the answers all the time. Including the talking heads on TV, your family, friends, or coworkers. Everyone likes to talk about their winners but not their losers. Absolutely no one knows where or when the bottom is, or the top. Anyone who thinks they or their adviser can be is fooling themselves. What we do know is that over the last 25 years, our team has developed, refined and gone back to the drawing board to create investment strategies that attempt to mitigate downside risk as much as possible, while allowing a client to reap rewards when the markets allow for that to happen. They are not going to be perfect. The markets will go up 70-80% of the time and pull back 20-30% of the time. One of our primary goals is to mitigate the impact of market crashes to client portfolios. (defined as declines 20% or greater in the S&P 500 lasting at least one year) which are imminent but not permanent or unmanageable. The last three crashes were -57% in 2007-2009, -49% 2000-2002, and -27% in 1980-1982.* We utilize a disciplined process combining fundamental, tactical and hedges to help further this mitigation goal but that is often not enough to sidestep common but painful pullbacks (defined as 15% or greater declines in the S&P 500). In light of the recent market deterioration, we have been revisiting our asset allocations and tactically favoring cash alternatives. If we knew where the markets would go before they went there, we would have clients positioned that way. Or we would be off somewhere sipping umbrella drinks out of a golden shoe. None of which is happening. We can’t promise much except that we and the entire CrossleyShear team are working our tails off for you.
We are going through a period of rising interest rates that have been in the wings for the last decade but on hold for a litany of reasons. We have seen a 12 year bull market with loose money across the globe inflate asset prices and now we are suffering from the hangover of inflation that ultimately comes from asset bubbles. We have had a global pandemic that has taken over 1 million souls in this nation, some very close to us. That same pandemic and the global response to it has also created a massive supply chain disruption, which has exacerbated the inflation we are seeing. Throw the cherry on top with a war in Europe and a continuous, rolling lockdown in China and things just keep getting crazier.
If you are stressed about your account and the market’s volatility, we need you to know we are as well…X 600. One of the things we have always stressed is that we treat our clients’ money, as if it were our own. So please know that we too lose sleep, get sick to our stomach and even get emotional over the gyrations of this market. However just as “hope” isn’t an investment strategy, neither is “fear.” We will continue to manage this environment to the best of our abilities, with the tools of experience, research and non-emotional investment moves. While most of our clients have been supportive and understanding in this chaos, some have been less courteous and we understand your frustration. If you wish to chat, we welcome it, but we ask that you try to be professional, just as you would expect from us and our team.
I the end, we know all of these challenges will pass. The markets will eventually reach new highs, as they always do. We could be headed for more back and forth until…it stops. When it does, we are prepared to succeed for you, our trusted clients because we have processes and time tested strategies in place. We don’t move on fear or hope, we move on facts and math. Hang in there and keep yourselves and your family healthy and all things in perspective.
Sincerely,
Evan M. Shear, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™
W. W. Dale Crossley, Jr., JD, CWS®, Financial Planner
CrossleyShear Wealth Management’s Evan Shear and Dale Crossley Named Again to Forbes’ List of Top Wealth Advisors
HEATHROW/MERRITT ISLAND, FLORIDA, April 12, 2022 – CrossleyShear Wealth Management (CrossleyShear), a team of premier financial planning and wealth management advisors, announced today that both founding partners, Evan Shear and Dale Crossley, have been named to the Forbes' prestigious 2022 list of America’s Best-in-State Wealth Advisors. Out of approximately 34,925 nominations, the annual ranking spotlights more than 6,500 advisors who are researched, interviewed, and assigned a ranking based on an algorithm of qualitative and quantitative criteria. This is the fifth consecutive year CrossleyShear has been appeared on the distinguished list.
“This honor continues to be a humbling achievement for me, Dale and the entire CrossleyShear team. It’s also a tribute to our clients who place their trust in us on a daily basis. We understand the important role we play in our client lives. It’s this very responsibility that drives our culture and mission,” stated Evan Shear, Co-Founder and Branch Manager of CrossleyShear Wealth Management, and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional. “This recognition is a testament to our team’s commitment and dedication to delivering the very best in care and financial planning to our clients. It’s a passion that continues to be the foundation of our individual and collective success,” added W. Dale Crossley, Jr., JD, CWS®, Co-Founder of CrossleyShear Wealth Management, Branch Manager and Financial Planner – RJFS.
To learn more about CrossleyShear Wealth Management and the practice’s financial planning and wealth management solutions, visit CrossleyShear.com. For more information about CSsports, visit CSsports.net.
About CrossleyShear Wealth Management | Since 1998, CrossleyShear Wealth Management has served as a premier financial planning team dedicated to helping provide clients and families with innovative financial solutions and wealth management strategies. With offices in Heathrow and Merritt Island, Florida, their tailored customer care philosophy and customized planning process helps empower its clients to achieve their financial goals and financial independence. The company’s CSsports division exclusively serves the unique needs of professional athletes – before, during and after their sports career – providing customized solutions ranging from everyday spending advice and retirement planning to managing investments, insurance and business planning. For more information about CrossleyShear Wealth Management and CSsports, visit CrossleyShear.com.
1515 International Parkway, Suite 2019, Heathrow, FL 32746 | 407.215.7575
2395 N. Courtenay Parkway, Suite 201, Merritt Island, FL 32953 | 321.452.0061
CrossleyShear Wealth Management and CSsports are not registered broker dealers and are independent of Raymond James Financial Services. Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC.
Investment advisory services are offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, CFP® (with plaque design) and CFP® (with flame design) in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.
The Forbes ranking of Best-In-State Wealth Advisors, developed by SHOOK Research, is based on an algorithm of qualitative criteria, mostly gained through telephone and in-person due diligence interviews, and quantitative data. Those advisors that are considered have a minimum of seven years of experience, and the algorithm weights factors like revenue trends, assets under management, compliance records, industry experience and those that encompass best practices in their practices and approach to working with clients. Portfolio performance is not a criteria due to varying client objectives and lack of audited data. Out of approximately 34,925 nominations, more than 6,550 advisors received the award. This ranking is not indicative of an advisor's future performance, is not an endorsement, and may not be representative of individual clients' experience. Neither Raymond James nor any of its Financial Advisors or RIA firms pay a fee in exchange for this award/rating. Raymond James is not affiliated with Forbes or Shook Research, LLC. Please visit https://www.forbes.com/best-in-state-wealth-advisors for more info.
From the Desk of Dale Crossley and Evan Shear
From the Desk of Dale Crossley and Evan Shear
We hope you and your loved ones are doing well.
There’s no shortage of nerve-wracking headlines, particularly as Russia continues to wage war against Ukraine. Our hearts go out to the people of Ukraine as they fight to keep their country sovereign. Pair worrisome geopolitical tensions with rising inflation and soaring oil prices, and the markets are struggling to gain ground. Adding to the volatility, during the mid-March Federal Open Market Committee meeting, interest rates were increased a bit earlier than anticipated to help curb rising inflation. The market downturn is the unfortunate part of investing. Although it's very hard to keep emotions in check with the current headlines, we carefully plan for periods of economic downturns and market instability.
Although expected, March was the first interest rate increase since 2018. The decision was based on 2022 inflation projections previously at 2.7% and adjusted up to 4.3%, as well as GDP growth projections originally at 4%, but adjusted down to 2.8%. By raising or lowering interest rates, the Fed stimulates or slows down economic growth, as needed. Fed officials anticipate at least another 150 basis points in rate hikes by the end of the year to keep rising inflation in check. The markets will be closely watching the timing and frequency of interest rate increases as it's a delicate balancing act raising rates enough to curb inflation, but not too much as to completely stunt economic growth.
Lastly, you may also be aware that during the first quarter of this year, we experienced a yield curve inversion of the 2-year Treasury yield and the ten-year Treasury yield. This is often, but not always, an indicator of an upcoming recession. It’s important to note that the spread between the 3-month Treasury yield and the 10-year Treasury yield has not inverted, which is positive. While this yield curve inversion is being carefully watched, since 1976, there have been 10 inversions of this yield curve, but only 6 recessions.
The Russia-Ukraine conflict continues to be a destabilizing factor in global markets, but the Fed has repeatedly asserted that the U.S. economy and labor market are strong. We’ll be keeping a close eye on all of these factors affecting the markets and keeping you informed. As always, if you have questions or concerns about your portfolio, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Links are being provided for information purposes only. Raymond James is not affiliated with and does not endorse, authorize or sponsor any of the listed websites or their respective sponsors. Raymond James is not responsible for the content of any website or the collection or use of information regarding any website’s users and/or members. Raymond James does not provide tax or legal services. Please discuss these matters with the appropriate professional.
There is no guarantee that these statements, opinions or forecasts provided herein will prove to be correct. All opinions are as of this date and are subject to change without notice. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.
Deep clean your portfolio this spring
Deep clean your portfolio this spring
Mark your calendar with important market deadlines and closures.
Refresh your portfolio this spring by reviewing your expenses and checking your credit report.
Spring 2022 market closures
- Apr. 15: Good Friday
- May 30: Memorial Day
Dates to remember
- April 18: Tax Day - The deadline to file your return and pay taxes or request an extension. Also, first quarter estimated tax payments are due, if required.
- April 18: Last day to contribute to traditional and Roth IRAs or health savings accounts for 2021.
Things to do
- Mind your RMDs: If over 72, take required minimum distributions (RMDs) from your IRAs and qualified plans. You must begin RMDs by April 1 the year after you turn 72. Subsequent distributions must be taken by Dec. 31 each year. That means if you reached 72 during 2021, and you delayed your 2021 initial RMD until April 1, 2022, you still have to take your 2022 RMD before Dec. 31, 2022. For more information, go to irs.gov/rmd.
- Home in on housing: If you’re considering buying or refinancing a home, keep an eye on mortgage rates and plan to review the terms with your advisor – this transaction will impact your financial plan.
- Consider an extension: If applicable – particularly if you hold securities subject to income reallocation – ask your tax advisor if filing an extension with the IRS would be beneficial.
- Tune up your portfolio: Similar to your retirement accounts, consider a seasonal review of your portfolio to ensure your allocation is optimal for your objectives.
- Review your cash flow: Make sure all expenses are considered and that you’re still allocating enough to your savings retirement and “rainy day” accounts. Flexible liquidity is key.
- Consolidate and donate: Create a spring cleaning ritual and let go of the clutter consuming space in your home – digitizing your files is a good place to start. Though giving items away offers its own benefits, remember to get a qualified appraisal for more valuable donations.
- Comb through your credit report: Making a habit of checking your credit report at least once a year can help you detect and dispute errors.
Withdrawals from tax-deferred accounts may be subject to income taxes, and prior to age 59 1/2 a 10% federal penalty tax may apply. Roth IRA owners must be 59 1/2 or older and have held the IRA for five years before tax-free withdrawals are permitted. The process of rebalancing may result in tax consequences. Asset allocation does not guarantee a profit nor protect against loss. Investment products are: not deposits, not FDIC/NCUA insured, not insured by any government agency, not bank guaranteed, subject to risk and may lose value. © 2021 Raymond James & Associates, Inc., member New York Stock Exchange/SIPC. © 2021 Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Raymond James financial advisors do not render legal or tax advice. Please consult a qualified professional regarding legal or tax advice. 21-BDMKT-5147 ME/KF 11/21
Links are being provided for information purposes only. Raymond James is not affiliated with and does not endorse, authorize or sponsor any of the listed websites or their respective sponsors. Raymond James is not responsible for the content of any website or the collection or use of information regarding any website’s users and/or members. Raymond James does not provide tax or legal services. Please discuss these matters with the appropriate professional.
