Facts Vs Feelings Take 5 – Is China Dumping Our Bonds?
Welcome back to Carson’s Take Five with Ryan Detrick, Chief Market Strategist at Carson Group, and Sonu Varghese, VP, Global Macro Strategist at Carson Group! In this episode of Carson’s Take Five, Ryan and Sonu break down what’s driving the recent surge in interest rates, whether Chi …
Market Commentary: Rebound Shows the Upside for Stocks as Economic Uncertainty Persists
As we noted last week, the S&P 500 had fallen more than 10% in two days on April 3 and 4, one of the worst two-day declines ever. We also noted that fear and uncertainty was dominating the headlines and that any good news could spark a rally. Well, that happened last week.
Facts Vs Feelings Take 5 – Will the Good News Last?
After weeks of volatility, the markets finally gave us something to smile about! In this episode of Carson’s Take 5, Ryan and Sonu break down what sparked the historic market rally, what it could mean for investors, and whether this good news has staying power. Spoiler: It might all c …
Your Money
MoreWinning in 2025: Tax Strategies for a Thriving Year
Want to plan better for next year’s tax return? Learn about smart tax planning in our Winning in 2025: Tax Strategies for a Thriving Year webinar, now available for viewing on-demand.
Strategies to Help Finish the Tax Season Strong
Like gardening or working out, tax planning is one of those activities where you get out what you put in. Plenty of us have a weight bench gathering dust in the garage that hasn’t gotten us into any better shape, or a plot in the backyard that just won’t grow anything because we never weed …
Tax Planning Checklist
Each year it is important to review your plan to ensure you are taking advantage of all the tax breaks and incentives available to you. Annual inflation adjustments and new laws create opportunities to save for retirement or reduce your tax bill. To help you make the best decisions regardin …
2025 Calendar: Key Tasks & Financial Dates
Tackle 2025 with this month-by-month financial task list. We’ve also included important dates so you won’t miss any key deadlines.
Your Business
MoreLife Insurance Strategies for Business Owners
Owning a business can be like parenting. You’ve likely experienced many sleepless nights and spent a countless amount of energy on your “baby.” Like parenting, being a business owner can be an enriching journey and make life worth the trip.
From Tax Efficiency to Retirement: Financial Planning for Small Business Owners
Financial planning for a small business gets more complicated every day. Business owners must navigate tax efficiency (and life under the new Tax Cuts and Jobs Act), retirement preparations for yourself and your employees, and succession planning. Get your financial plan in place today and …
8 Financial Planning Tips for Small Business Owners
Running a small business involves juggling multiple responsibilities. Managing the business’s finances is one of the most crucial aspects. Proper financial management can be the difference between a thriving business and one that struggles to stay afloat. Here are eight essential financial …
Business Succession Planning Checklist
You remember your first day of business. But what about your last day? Succession planning is more complex than it may seem. Our guide walks you through the details.
Your Retirement
MoreAre Retirement Plan Contributions Tax-Deductible?
Retirement plans like 401(k)s and IRAs can be an easy and effective way to save for retirement. Many investors favor these accounts for their significant tax advantages, which can include pre-tax or tax-deductible contributions.
Your High-Income Years are Key to Retirement Planning, So Get Stubborn
If you’re between the ages of 35 and 55, it’s time to get stubborn. Not like a toddler or teenager trying to assert their independence, but more in the sense of being committed and unyielding as you work toward your financial goals.
Understanding Long-Term Care Planning: What You Need to Know
As we age, the prospect of needing assistance with daily activities becomes more likely. Planning for long-term care (LTC) ensures that you or your loved ones will have access to the support needed, while avoiding financial strain. Below, we’ll explore some common questions about long-term …
Medicare and Managing Health Care Costs in Retirement
Health care costs in retirement aren't going anywhere. Naturally, as our bodies get older, it costs more to keep them running. Let's look at the parts of this vital program and how it plays a part in your financial plan.
Your Legacy
MoreWhy You Might Need a Power of Attorney
Have you thought about your legacy? We highly recommend that you appoint a trusted family member or friend as your power of attorney (POA), giving them the ability to help with your financial or health needs, should an unfortunate event occur in your life.
7 Tips to Successfully Transfer Wealth to Your Kids
70% of family wealth is lost by the end of the second generation and 90% by the end of the third. Get our step-by-step guide to help you successfully pass your wealth to the next generation. Download Guide
Knowing When to Update Your Estate Plan
From the family tea set to the most complex estate, transferring wealth is quite common. What’s less common, but just as important, is outlining a specific plan for this transfer and updating it as circumstances change.
A Guide to Gifting to Your Heirs
Gifting to your loved ones now or posthumously each carries their own positives and negatives as they relate to your estate plan, taxes, your goals and your legacy.
Your Freedom
MoreCompounding Wealth (and Wisdom): The Power of Compound Interest
No single strategy works forever, but you also don’t want to change your approach every time the markets shift slightly. How does investing work – not just for a season or a year or two, but for a lifetime? Time is a major factor when it comes to successful investing.
How to Make Charitable Giving Part of Your Financial Plan
COVID-19 caused an economic shockwave that we’ll feel for a long time. Nonprofits, from large global networks to the local churches, have been hit hard, too. In a recent survey of 110 nonprofits, 80% of them said revenue had fallen across the board.
7 Economic Myths Busted
By Ryan Detrick, Chief Market Strategist We’ve been hearing many of the same myths over and over, yet we don’t think they are the big worry that the media and many make them out to be. These are legitimate concerns and have many investors worried, but we think the chances of them becoming l …
When Shifting Goals Mean Shifting Plans
Your financial plan shouldn't look the same at 55 as it did when you were 35, right? So how do you know when it's time to adjust your plan?
Market & Investments
MoreFacts Vs Feelings Take 5 – Is China Dumping Our Bonds?
Welcome back to Carson’s Take Five with Ryan Detrick, Chief Market Strategist at Carson Group, and Sonu Varghese, VP, Global Macro Strategist at Carson Group! In this episode of Carson’s Take Five, Ryan and Sonu break down what’s driving the recent surge in interest rates, whether Chi …
Market Commentary: Rebound Shows the Upside for Stocks as Economic Uncertainty Persists
As we noted last week, the S&P 500 had fallen more than 10% in two days on April 3 and 4, one of the worst two-day declines ever. We also noted that fear and uncertainty was dominating the headlines and that any good news could spark a rally. Well, that happened last week.
Facts Vs Feelings Take 5 – Will the Good News Last?
After weeks of volatility, the markets finally gave us something to smile about! In this episode of Carson’s Take 5, Ryan and Sonu break down what sparked the historic market rally, what it could mean for investors, and whether this good news has staying power. Spoiler: It might all c …
2025 Market Outlook Report
The economy had a big year in 2024, avoiding a recession while posting strong job numbers and a soaring stock market. But the new year brings new concerns. What impact could we see from tariffs? How long do we think this bull market will continue? What will the Fed do in 2025?
In the News
MoreCOVID’s Financial Toll Isn’t What You Think
By Erin Wood, Senior Vice President, Financial Planning and Advanced Solutions Just a few years ago, Rose retired with a decent-sized 401(k). With some careful budgeting and a part-time job, her retirement finances were on track. Rose was looking forward to traveling, reigniting her passion …
Emerging Financially Healthy After a Gray Divorce
By: Erin Wood, CFP®, CRPC®, FBS®, Senior Vice President, Financial Planning, Carson Group Laura and Caroline are in their late 50s. Friends since meeting at a playgroup for their toddlers, both were in long-term, seemingly happy marriages.
3 Roth Conversion Traps To Avoid After The SECURE Act
Roth conversions can be a powerful tax and retirement planning technique. The idea behind most Roth conversions is to take money from an IRA and convert it to a Roth IRA. Essentially, you’re paying taxes today instead of paying taxes in the future.