Market Commentary: Stocks Finally Take a Breather

A Down Week Well, it was bound to happen eventually, but stocks finally fell last week, with the S&P 500 Index down about 1.0%. Remember though, the index was higher the previous six weeks, giving us the longest weekly win streak this entire year. After such a strong week, some red on t …

Facts Vs Feelings Take 5 – Why Gold is Shining

This week on Take 5 (and from the Carson headquarters!) Ryan Detrick, Chief Market Strategist at Carson Group, and Sonu Varghese, VP, Global Macro Strategist at Carson Group, discuss all things gold! Gold is at all-time highs. Is it a bad thing? Tune in and hear Sonu and Ryan’s thoughts!

5 Financial Considerations for Americans Thinking About Retiring Abroad

What do you think about when someone mentions the Cayman Islands? Do you think of the pristine white sandy beaches? The clear blue water? Fresh seafood? Snorkeling? While these may be on the top of most people’s mind, some may even consider it a great place to retire. 

Your Money

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3 Methods to Not Run Out of Money

What’s the #1 fear in retirement? Running out of money. Get our step-by-step guide to help ensure your assets last a lifetime.   Download Guide

Values-Based Financial Planning

According to survey results, roughly 70% of Americans planned to set goals at the beginning of this year. Health and fitness topped the list, financial goals were the second most common, and a third of goal-setters intended to create religious or spiritual goals. Juggling goals in multiple …

4 Pitfalls of Not Having a Financial Plan

There are some things in life you just can’t plan for: an unexpected illness, job loss, death of spouse, disability. And while experiencing one of these major events can drastically impact your life, having an effective financial plan can help ensure that it doesn’t ruin your financial well-being.

2024 Calendar: Key Tasks & Financial Dates

2024 Calendar: Key Tasks & Financial Dates

Tackle 2024 with this month-by-month financial task list. We’ve also included important dates so you won’t miss any key deadlines.

Your Business

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Life 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

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

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5 Financial Considerations for Americans Thinking About Retiring Abroad

What do you think about when someone mentions the Cayman Islands? Do you think of the pristine white sandy beaches? The clear blue water? Fresh seafood? Snorkeling? While these may be on the top of most people’s mind, some may even consider it a great place to retire. 

8 Blunders to Avoid in Retirement

For many retirees, this momentous event creates apprehension and fear. But, it doesn’t have to be that way. With the proper planning strategy, you can move toward your future with certainty and excitement.   Download Guide

Getting Ready for Retirement? Take These Essential Steps for a Smooth Transition

Retirement is an exciting milestone—a time to leave behind the hustle and bustle of work and embrace a new chapter filled with more freedom and opportunities to enjoy life. But before you clock out for the last time, it’s essential to make sure you’re fully prepared for this significant lif …

Medicare and Managing Health Care Costs in Retirement

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

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Choosing the Right Trustee for Your Estate Plan

One of the most important decisions you’ll make when designing your estate plan is who to name in the various fiduciary roles: trustee, personal representative, executor and agent. While a critical decision, it’s often given significantly less thought than the distribution of your assets. B …

Revocable Living Trusts as part of an Estate Plan

Our latest webinar, Revocable Living Trusts as part of an Estate Plan with Carson Group’s Director, Trust Services Scott Berryman and Manager & Sr. Wealth Planner Tom Fridrich is now available for viewing on-demand. 

Estate Planning

Often, people believe that estate planning only benefits the very wealthy, but nothing could be further from the truth. It’s something everyone needs to engage in regardless of age, estate size or marital status. If you have a bank account, investments, a car, home or other property—you hav …

A Guide to Gifting to Your Heirs

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

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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 …

Investing in Your Child’s Financial Future: Helping Kids Develop Strong Money Management Skills

Gaining financial literacy at a young age is a vital key to finding financial freedom later in life. Give your kids the lessons they need now to make better decisions about money in the future.

Financial Resolutions to Take Into the New Year

Tom Fridrich, JD, CLU, ChFC®, Senior Wealth Planner Thinking about making some New Year’s resolutions? Add financial wellbeing to your list. It’s a terrific time to identify goals and opportunities that may put you in a better financial position — not only in the upcoming year, …

When Shifting Goals Mean Shifting Plans

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

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Market Commentary: Stocks Finally Take a Breather

A Down Week Well, it was bound to happen eventually, but stocks finally fell last week, with the S&P 500 Index down about 1.0%. Remember though, the index was higher the previous six weeks, giving us the longest weekly win streak this entire year. After such a strong week, some red on t …

Facts Vs Feelings Take 5 – Why Gold is Shining

This week on Take 5 (and from the Carson headquarters!) Ryan Detrick, Chief Market Strategist at Carson Group, and Sonu Varghese, VP, Global Macro Strategist at Carson Group, discuss all things gold! Gold is at all-time highs. Is it a bad thing? Tune in and hear Sonu and Ryan’s thoughts!

Market Commentary: Stocks Make More New Highs as Election Approaches

A Broken Record Tell me if you’ve heard this yet, but the S&P 500 gained last week with more new all-time highs. The S&P 500 has now made a new all-time high this year in all the months that don’t start with an ‘A’ (as in April and August). A total of 47 new all-time …

2023 Market Outlook Report

2023 Market Outlook Report

Will the bull market continue in 2024? What about a recession? What will the Fed do? We take a deep dive into our outlook for 2024 in Carson Investment Research’s Outlook ‘24: Seeing Eye to Eye.

In the News

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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.

10 Common Estate Planning Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

Estate planning and end of life planning are about taking control of your situation. Death and long-term care later in life might be hard to fathom right now, but we can’t put off planning out of fear of the unknown or because it’s unpleasant. Don’t wait for life to happen to you, though.

4 Ways To Improve Your Estate Plan

Most people want to plan for a good life and a good retirement, so why not plan for a good end of life, too? Let’s look at four ways you can refine your estate plan, protect your assets and create a level of control and certainty for your loved ones.