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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.

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
________________________________________
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
________________________________________
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.

What are some effective donation strategies? As the holidays approach, the desire to give back becomes powerful. You’re thinking about gratitude and want to help the people who need it. But wanting to give doesn’t mean you know the best way to do so. You might be asking yourself questions like:

• Am I giving effectively?
• Am I missing any tax-smart strategies?
• Will my gift actually make a difference?

If you find yourself feeling that tug-of-war between wanting to give but not knowing how to do it, you aren’t alone. The good news is that there are several innovative, intentional, and effective donation strategies, regardless of your financial goals or income level.

Let’s calm the “What If Monster” together and explore how you can give back using both heart and strategy.

Knowing Why You’re Giving

Before you start exploring effective donation strategies, it’s essential to understand why you want to give. Ask yourself these questions:

• What matters to me?
• Do I want to provide consistently or on a one-time basis?
• Do I want to make an immediate impact or one that lasts beyond my lifetime?

Once you have clarity on your ‘why,’ you can figure out your ‘how’ without feeling overwhelmed.

Charitable Giving Strategies to Consider

There are many ways to give. Let’s discuss some strategies to consider.

Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs)

If you are 70 and a half years or older, a QCD allows you to donate straight from your IRA to a qualified charity. Here’s some important info on that:

• You can donate up to $100,000 annually.
• It can help reduce your overall tax liability while supporting a cause that’s important to you.
• The donation counts toward your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) but isn’t included in taxable income.
• They are ideal if you don’t need your RMD to meet living expenses and want to avoid upping your tax bracket.

Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs)

Do you want to give now and decide later? Then a DAF could be the right choice for you.

• You give cash or appreciated assets (like stock) into a fund.
• You get an immediate tax deduction.
• Then, you decide what to support over time.

It can be a helpful strategy in years when you have a higher-than-normal income and want to offset it by giving a charitable deduction.

Gifting Appreciated Assets

Another option is to donate stock or other appreciated investments. This can be more tax-efficient than giving cash. You avoid paying capital gains taxes and get a charitable deduction for the full fair market value. It benefits both you and the charity, helping to keep more dollars working for good.

Bunching Donations

If you find that the standard deduction is higher than your itemized deductions, consider “bunching” multiple years of charitable giving into one tax year to maximize your deduction. You can do this in tandem with a DAF.

Legacy Giving

Do you want your generosity to live on? Here are some options:

• Naming a charity as a beneficiary of your IRA, 401(k), or life insurance.
• Including charitable gifts in your will or trust.

These can create long-term impact while offering potential estate tax benefits.

You Don’t Have to Navigate Giving Alone

Giving should feel rewarding, not confusing. At CrossleyShear, we help our clients align their charitable giving with their financial goals, values, and tax strategy. Whether you’re considering a QCD, exploring a Donor-Advised Fund, or just want to know your options, we’re here to help.

The Bottom Line for Effective Donation Strategies

You don’t need to be a millionaire to make an impact. When you implement the proper strategies, your generosity can go further, benefit causes you care about, and potentially reduce your tax bill.

Let’s calm the “What If Monster” today. Contact us 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.

Oil and its petroleum byproducts are a driving force in the global economy. It has been one of the most essential resources in the world for over a century and has brought several Middle Eastern governments unimaginable wealth. There is an arguably unlimited oil supply underground — somewhere north of 1.6 trillion barrels — but prices and production are volatile for such a stable commodity.  Geopolitics is the likely culprit behind wide fluctuations in the oil market, followed by innovative technologies. Let’s explore how oil prices and production trends have evolved over time and what the future holds.

A Historical Perspective

Oil and the US dependence on it influenced US foreign policy as early as 1850. The discovery of oil in the Middle East dates to 1908 in Persia (Iran). OPEC, the consortium of Arab countries that controls production), also controlled prices by increasing or lowering production until other countries (Venezuela, Russia) came online and brought competition into the mix. Oddly enough, crude prices remained relatively stable during the Gulf War. The US industry introduced fracking —extracting oil and gas from shale — in 2014, leading to decreased demand and another price drop. Global demand also sharply declined during the 2020 pandemic.

Current Oil Prices and Production Trends

Prices have recovered with the rest of the global economy, bringing them back to levels that keep them out of the news. Fracking in the US helps prices stay low, and OPEC bases its production levels on how much oil and gas the US is producing. The only real unknown on the horizon today is the Ukrainian conflict with Russia, but another geopolitical fracas can happen anytime and affect oil prices and production trends once more.

What Happens Next?

Oil faces an uncertain future as it faces numerous headwinds. Renewable energy has moved past a green trend into a market force, with solar, wind, and battery power leading the charge. Geopolitical instability is another risk factor — China, India, and Turkey are buying Russian oil today, increasing prices in the West as they have lost access to Russian exports.

Improving Technology

New technologies are producing cleaner oil than ever, and production is up as oil companies implement them. New technologies are leading to cleaner oil production, and companies are adopting them rapidly. For example, Exxon is using aerial, satellite, and ground-sensor networks to reduce emissions, showcasing how technological advancements are reshaping oil prices and production trends.

Price Predictions

Brent crude prices are forecast to drop to $80 per barrel in the last quarter due to increased production, followed by the news of a .50 rate cut by the Federal Reserve. Oil production is expected to rise in Q4 2024 and throughout 2025, resulting in lower prices per barrel.

Investment in Oil

Is oil still a good investment? Probably yes. Even though China’s demand is lower and the US economy also appears to be slowing down, prices have not moved up much in recent months. However, economists expect OPEC to continue withdrawing from global oil inventories, which will bump demand back up. Over the long term, oil companies will adapt to the changing technologies and renewables that keep them in blue-chip territory.

The Evolution of Oil

Oil remains a valuable resource for the global economy and will remain so for the foreseeable future. However, research and development capital is moving towards cleaner energy sources, although much of that research is driven by the large oil companies, which are adapting to renewables as well as traditional oil and petroleum products.

While green energy is probably the future as a fuel source, petrochemicals remain the go-to materials for thousands of manufactured products. Until biodegradable plastics are developed into a viable alternative, expect oil to stay a solid investment.

Prices and Production Trends: The Road Ahead for Oil and Gas

As the energy landscape continues to evolve, the future of oil and gas remains dynamic. While renewable energy sources gain traction, oil’s versatility and its role in petrochemical production ensure it will remain relevant in the global economy. However, ongoing geopolitical tensions, technological advancements, and environmental considerations will shape the industry’s trajectory. Investors and stakeholders will need to stay agile, keeping an eye on shifts in demand, production innovations, and global policies to adapt successfully to the changing market conditions. Staying informed of new technologies and industry changes is critical in navigating the uncharted waters of oil and gas.  

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. Investing in oil involves special risks, including the potential adverse effects of state and federal regulation and may not be suitable for all investors. Investing involves risk and you may incur a profit or loss regardless of strategy selected, including diversification and asset allocation. Prior to making an investment decision, please consult with your financial advisor about your individual situation. Any opinions are those of Dale Crossley and Evan Shear and not necessarily those of Raymond James.