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What If My Financial Priorities Changed This Year?
Focus on Your Budget
While you may have no control over a volatile economy, adjusting your personal budget to better manage changing conditions remains one of your most important financial responsibilities. If you feel that you may no longer be capable of meeting previous targets, or if you need to set new ones that you hadn’t previously considered, it’s necessary to take action. In such cases, you will likely need to decrease your spending or increase your income. This will help you maintain an appropriate balance moving forward. Always prioritize meeting your immediate obligations before pursuing more ambitious 2026 financial goals. It’s acceptable to scale back investments or other long-term objectives if you need to spend more on essentials like rent, medical bills, or a reliable vehicle.Identify Exactly Why You Are Changing Your Financial Goals
Wanting to spend less money in the coming year is a good decision for many people. Still, it is not specific enough to be sustainable. Reflecting on your overall financial situation and identifying specific reasons for setting new financial goals can clarify your motives and help you stay committed to necessary lifestyle changes. Some common reasons for changing your 2026 financial goals include:- Losing a job or starting a new one with a significantly higher or lower salary
- Getting married
- Having a child
- Purchasing a new home or moving to a new city with substantially higher rent than you are used to
- A child is starting college or an expensive private school
- Significant medical expenses
Set SMART Goals
Pinpointing exactly why you want to set new 2026 financial goals is an essential first step. Then, make sure those goals are specific to help you achieve them. Goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound offer a structured approach to making changes. Using small, clear steps leads to better results than vague goals without a plan.Prioritize Annual Reviews
Your annual reviews are valuable for understanding your current financial situation and how national and global economic changes may influence it. They also help identify beneficial adjustments for the coming year. Regularly scheduled checkpoints allow you to reflect on your income, spending habits, investments, and overall portfolio. They help identify areas for improvement for your next review.Choose CrosselyShear to Reach Your 2026 Financial Goals
At CrossleyShear, we are here to help you understand every detail of your current financial situation. Our goal is to use that information to choose realistic priorities for this year onward. Setting new plans can feel intimidating, especially if what you thought was the perfect solution one or more years ago no longer works for you. However, identifying older financial goals that are no longer a good fit for you and being realistic about why is a smart money move that helps you make better use of every dollar. Instead of ignoring changes to your financial situation or the economy and hoping they resolve on their own, we’re here to help you reassess older decisions that may no longer be sustainable in 2026 and adjust them to align with current conditions. Contact us today to learn more about the benefits of working with us to maximize your financial goals this year or to get started. Every investor’s situation is unique and you should consider your investment goals, risk tolerance and time horizon before making any investment. Prior to making an investment decision, please consult with your financial advisor about your individual situation. The foregoing information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but we do not guarantee that it is accurate or complete, it is not a statement of all available data necessary for making an investment decision, and it does not constitute a recommendation. Any opinions are those of Dale Crossley and Evan Shear and not necessarily those of Raymond James.What if I Didn’t Hit My Financial Goals This Year?
It’s been a tough year for many people. A lot of us haven’t met our annual financial goals. The holiday lights go up, your calendar fills with celebrations and parties, and everyone expects you to be “merry”, which can feel particularly depressing.
If you’re thinking back to January and realizing you didn’t save more, invest better, tackle that estate plan, or accomplish what you had in mind, you’re not alone. The “what if” mentality can easily overshadow your enjoyable holiday season.
A Year-End Reality Check (Without the Shame)
There’s no shame in not meeting your annual financial goals. You may not have had complete control over your plans if they relied on investments or other sources of income. Also, life happens. There’s a chance that additional factors, possibly more than one, interfered. Instead of wallowing in guilt, ask yourself these questions:
- Did you set the right objectives? Do they reflect your actual priorities? If you don’t reach a target, it may not have been the right one for you.
- Did your financial or family circumstances change this year? Maybe you lost your job, or your business didn’t make as much money as last year. Maybe one of your children got married and needed some help paying for the wedding? Or perhaps you have just had a stressful situation, like a sick relative, that distracted you from what you needed to do.
- What did you do right this year? Even if it’s just not doing anything wrong, there will be something.
You can find something worth celebrating. The life event may have been meaningful, or the realization that your desires and needs have shifted might be an achievement by itself.
Resetting Your Financial Compass
The New Year is still a great time to do a financial reset, especially if you didn’t meet your goals.
Start by listing your objectives and asking yourself why you made them in the first place. You may want to give up on it if it no longer makes sense or if you feel you’ve been pursuing it without truly considering it. Generic financial advice often leads people to set plans that aren’t meaningful, aren’t achievable in their current economic situation, or both.
Adjust the timeline. If you’re close to achieving a goal, it may only require a few more months, or you may need to carry it forward to next year. It’s acceptable for some objectives to take longer to achieve. If your income decreased, you might need to extend the time horizon for a savings target. Or if you needed to use that money for an unforeseen cost, like fixing a broken roof.
Then refocus on your strategy. You might not be able to do this on your own. Now is a great time to schedule a review with your financial advisor. Yes, we can still help you in December. To end the year on a high note, schedule an appointment with CrossleyShear.
Use December as a Launchpad
December is a natural time for reflection and change. If you have a target you are close to, you still have time to make a last-minute contribution to your retirement or savings accounts.
Review your upcoming fiscal year’s budget. Compare it to your actual spending. Do you need to make a resolution to spend less? Or do you have to accept that certain fixed expenses, such as your mortgage, have actually increased?
Then set your annual financial goals for next year. Make sure they are realistic and achievable. If you have set yourself up and you couldn’t meet, learn from that and lower your expectations. This year’s failures can easily inform next year’s successes.
You don’t have to do it alone; let us guide you without judgment. We’re here to help, not tell you what you should have done.
Progress, Not Perfection
Really essential? Don’t expect perfection. Your financial journey is not a marathon; it’s an ultramarathon. Just because your time isn’t great right now doesn’t mean you won’t finish where you need to.
So, if the “What If” mentality is telling you how short you fell this year, remind it that in the long run, it doesn’t matter. Take what you’ve learned, and make this coming year your best yet.
If you need help achieving your annual financial goals, contact CrossleyShear today to schedule a conversation with our team about your objectives and how we can help you move forward.
Every investor’s situation is unique and you should consider your investment goals, risk tolerance and time horizon before making any investment. Prior to making an investment decision, please consult with your financial advisor about your individual situation. The foregoing information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but we do not guarantee that it is accurate or complete, it is not a statement of all available data necessary for making an investment decision, and it does not constitute a recommendation. Any opinions are those of Dale Crossley and Evan Shear and not necessarily those of Raymond James.
Holiday Mulled Wine (or Non-Alcoholic Mulled Cider) Recipe
Ingredients
For Mulled Wine Version
• 1 bottle red wine (750 ml; something fruity like Merlot or Cabernet)
• 1 orange, sliced
• ½ cup fresh cranberries
• 2–3 cinnamon sticks
• 3–4 star anise pods
• 6–8 whole cloves
• 2–4 tablespoons honey or sugar (to taste)
• ¼ cup brandy (optional for extra warmth)
For a Non-Alcoholic Mulled Cider Version
• Replace wine with 1.5 liters of apple cider or cranberry-apple juice
• Everything else stays the same
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Instructions
1. Combine ingredients
Add wine (or cider/juice), orange slices, cranberries, cinnamon sticks, star anise, and cloves to a saucepan.
2. Heat gently
Warm on low heat for 20–30 minutes.
Do not boil — boiling cooks off alcohol and can turn the flavors bitter.
3. Sweeten to taste
Stir in honey or sugar until dissolved.
4. Optional: Add brandy
Add just before serving for extra depth and warmth.
5. Serve warm
Ladle into mugs and garnish with:
o a cinnamon stick
o an orange slice
o a few cranberries
o a star anise pod
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Flavor Tips
• Add a few cardamom pods for a more complex aroma.
• Use blood oranges for a deeper color and citrusy punch.
• For a sweeter drink, add a splash of cranberry juice.
Any opinions are those of Dale Crossley and Evan Shear and not necessarily those of Raymond James.
Scam alert: Learn to spot and stop common fraud tactics
Scam alert: Learn to spot and stop common fraud tactics
These 10 common scams catch people off guard. Here’s how to stay ahead of them.
Fraudsters do more than steal money. They take advantage of people during moments of change or weakness, especially when routines shift. Scammers often appear when you're under pressure, grieving, adjusting to retirement or simply overwhelmed.
And you don’t have to be retired to be a target. Bad actors look for any opportunity.
Recognizing the tactics they use is the first step toward stopping them.
1. Lottery scam
You get an unsolicited phone call or email saying you’ve won a large prize. The fraudster asks you to send money to cover shipping, taxes or other ancillary fees. The prize never arrives because it was never real.
Ask yourself: Did you actually enter a contest? Did they explain when and how they’d contact you if you won?
2. Grandchild scam
Your grandchild calls to confess their troubles. Or so you think. A fraudster may pretend to be a grandchild in crisis and urgently ask you for money, often begging you not to tell their parents. This emotional pressure is part of the scam.
Ask yourself: Does this sound like something your grandchild would say? Can you pause and call them back – or call their parents – before making a decision?
To prepare for such scenarios, talk with your family or close loved ones now about how you’ll contact each other during emergencies. Agree on ways to verify it’s really them before you act.
3. Charity scam
You donate to one charity and end up on every charity’s list. Some charities sell or share your name, phone number and email with other organizations and third-party fundraisers or marketing lists. Fraudsters may use similar-sounding names or logos to trick you into giving again, but the money doesn’t go where you intend.
Ask yourself: Did you initiate the donation, or are they contacting you out of the blue? Does the name exactly match the group you intended to support?
4. Computer scam
Someone calls pretending to be from a major company, such as Microsoft, and says he can see that your computer has a virus. He offers to help you get rid of it by asking you to log into a website that lets him control your computer. The technical term for this is remote access, and it allows the fraudster to access your computer where they will then steal your personal and financial information.
Ask yourself: Did you reach out for tech support, or did they contact you first? If you already have a support service, does this match how they usually reach out? Real companies don’t call out of the blue to fix your computer.
5. Timeshare scam
If you own a timeshare, you may get a call from someone claiming they’re authorized to sell it for you, for a fee. After paying, however, you never hear from them again.
Ask yourself: Did you contact this company first? Have they provided a contract or any proof you can share with your lawyer to confirm it’s legitimate?
6. Homeowner scam
A man comes to your door and offers to clean your gutters or trim your trees, which sounds like a good idea. He asks for prepayment, then disappears without doing the work.
Ask yourself: Do you know this company, or have you seen proof it’s legitimate? A professional should be willing to provide references, ID or a business card – and let you pay after the job is completed.
7. Medical scam
You get an unsolicited call about a discounted price for a piece of medical equipment such as a heart monitor, wheelchair or bathtub bench. You’re asked for a deposit and your personal information or Medicare number to send the equipment, but the equipment never shows up, and now the information you may have given them could be used to commit identity theft.
Ask yourself: Did you request this product, or are they contacting you out of the blue? Before giving any medical or insurance information, check with your doctor or health plan provider directly.
8. Foreclosure scam
You’re approached by a “professional” who claims your home is under threat of foreclosure and offers to pay off your mortgage or taxes if you sign over the deed to the property. Once they have the deed, the fraudster can refinance your home, take out loans in your name or sell the property and keep the money. Keep in mind, even if you sign over a deed to someone, you are still liable for your mortgage obligations.
Ask yourself: Is this offer coming from your bank, lender or a verified legal source? Don’t sign anything until you’ve spoken with your mortgage company or a housing counselor you trust.
9. Caregiver and sweetheart scam
Some fraudsters build close personal relationships, such as caregivers, romantic partners or trusted friends. Over time, they gain access to your finances, online accounts or legal documents under the appearance of helping. In many cases, this manipulation is slow and emotional. You may not realize it’s a scam until money is missing or debt has been taken out in your name.
Ask yourself: Has this person asked for access to your bank account, online passwords or power of attorney? Or are they always asking for help, even though you’ve never seen them in person and they claim to live far away?
10. Title company scam
Before purchasing or closing on a new property, a scammer intercepts an email from your real estate agent or title company. They send fake payment instructions to steal your closing funds. Watch for last-minute changes, unfamiliar email addresses or payment requests that feel off.
Ask yourself: Does this match what your agent told you? When in doubt, call them directly using a number you already trust.
You can tell your agent and the title company that you will not accept changes to payment instructions by email. Agree on how you’ll verify any changes, just in case.
These scams are common and widespread. But speaking with trusted loved ones or your financial professional before making decisions can help you avoid these traps. Additionally, keep in mind these tips for staying safe:
- Consider placing a freeze on your credit with all three major credit bureaus. This makes it harder for bad actors to open new accounts in your name.
- Don’t pay for things you don’t remember ordering.
- Don’t give your personal information to unknown third parties.
- Work with financial institutions that use fraud protection to safeguard your credit card and banking information.
- Don’t click links in the body of suspicious emails, especially if they claim to come from your bank, credit card company, real estate agent or title company. Instead, log in to the company’s official website or call them directly to verify.
- Don’t let strangers into your house. Instead, ask for a business card and say your spouse, kids or lawyer will be in touch.
- Be wary of caregivers and suitors, especially if you notice signs of substance abuse or other red flags.
- Limit the purchases and donations you make by check, which may list your home address or other key data.
If you suspect you’ve fallen victim to a scam or that your identity has been compromised, it’s time to act. Report the incident to your advisor or financial institution right away to help protect your accounts, and consult identitytheft.gov to see the Federal Trade Commission’s recommendations for critical next steps. Additionally, reporting cybercrime to the FBI can help federal agencies respond quicker and more effectively to threats.
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.
From the Desk of Dale Crossley and Evan Shear
From the Desk of Dale Crossley and Evan Shear | Q4 2025
We hope this final issue of The Journey for 2025 finds you and your loved ones well. As the holiday season unfolds, it’s a natural time to reflect on the past year and express our gratitude, especially in a year that has been challenging for so many. As a firm dedicated to trusted, long-term financial planning, we are profoundly grateful for the milestones we’ve reached with you.
Below are some highlights from 2025, the accomplishments we’re celebrating, and the ways we’re giving back.
First and Foremost: Thank You to Our Clients
We cannot adequately express how grateful we are for every single one of our clients. The trust you place in us is never taken for granted. Our life’s passion is helping you create and maintain a solid plan that protects your financial future and supports the people who matter most to you.
We are inspired by your success stories. Whether it’s sending children to college debt-free, purchasing the vacation home you’ve dreamed of, or reaching long-awaited retirement goals, your achievements give our work purpose every single day.
Expanding Our Advisory Team: Merging with Halifax Wealth Management
This summer, we merged with Halifax Wealth Management, welcoming Andrew Hall and Rae Ann Bennett to our team. Andy brings more than 30 years of financial planning experience, making him an exceptional addition who will help our clients continue to thrive.
This strategic merger brings together two practices deeply committed to client-centric care, transparency, and continuous learning. We’re confident this partnership will elevate the service we deliver, strengthening support for both our existing clients and the Halifax community.
Milestones in Asset Management
This year, we added over $170 million in client assets, helping us reach a significant milestone:
We now manage more than $1 billion in assets.
This accomplishment reflects the trust our clients place in us and reinforces our commitment to disciplined, long-term portfolio management.
Award-Winning Financial Advisory Services
Congratulations to Evan Shear on once again being named to the Raymond James Chairman's Council and recognized as a Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisor for Florida. These honors reflect Evan’s exceptional leadership and our entire team’s dedication to delivering client-first, fiduciary financial planning and wealth management services.
We’re also pleased to share that Dale Crossley earned the Certified Wealth Strategist® designation from the Cannon Financial Institute, a reflection of our commitment to continuous learning and professional excellence.
Welcoming a New Team Member
Beyond our merger, we are thrilled to welcome Halle Harkins as our new Client Concierge. Halle brings warmth, kindness, and a love for nature and the arts. We know you’ll enjoy seeing her smiling face when you visit or speak with her on the phone.
Our 2025 Charitable Giving
One of our favorite yearly initiatives is donating to charities selected by each member of our team on your behalf. Our goal is to support meaningful causes across a wide range of needs within our community and beyond.
This year’s organizations include:
- 321 Empowerment Youth Organization: helping youth build life skills and pursue passions.
- The Alzheimer's & Dementia Resource Center (ADRC).
- St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
- The Scott Hamilton SCARES Foundation—Sk8 to Eliminate Cancer.
- Helping Animals Live and Overcome No-Kill Rescue Shelter.
- Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida.
- Green Horizon Land Trust.
- Cudas UnHooked—New Smyrna Beach: supporting at-risk and homeless students in New Smyrna Beach.
- Matthew's Hope Ministries: providing essential resources and services to unhoused people.
- The American Library Association.
We are grateful to be in a position to give generously and make an impact.
We’re Here for You
As always, we are here to help. Whether you need support with wealth or asset management, retirement planning, or comprehensive financial advisory services. Thank you for your trust and partnership throughout 2025. We look forward to continuing the journey together in the year ahead.
The Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisors 2025 ranking, 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. This ranking is based upon the period from 6/30/2023 to 6/30/2024 and was released on 4/8/2025. Those advisors that are considered have a minimum of seven years of experience, and the algorithm weighs 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 48,944 nominations, roughly 9,722 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. Compensation provided for using the 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.
Any opinions are those of CrossleyShear Wealth Management and not necessarily those of Raymond James. The information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but we do not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete. 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.
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.
