Facts Vs Feelings Take 5 – Did the Fed Pull a Grinch?

In this week’s episode of Take 5, Ryan Detrick, Chief Market Strategist at Carson Group, and Sonu Varghese, VP, Global Macro Strategist at Carson Group, uncover the Federal Reserve’s recent decision to cut interest rates by 0.25%, projecting only two cuts for 2025 instead of the previ …

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.

Market Commentary: Stocks Stall but More Signs Inflation Has Normalized

We Still Believe in Santa Stocks fell overall last week, with some of the weakness masked by big gains from the communications services and consumer discretionary sectors. In the process the Dow was lower all five days (and seven in a row total), yet the Nasdaq hit 20,000 for the first time …

Your Money

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2025 Calendar: Key Tasks & Financial Dates

Get ready to tackle 2025 with this month-by-month financial task list. We’ve also included important dates so you won’t miss key deadlines. Download the checklist today to get started.  

How to Pay for Long-Term Care

 Long-term care expenses can be overwhelming, especially for those who didn’t understand the costs they would experience later in life. How will you pay for long-term care in the final chapters of your life?  Watch our webinar, “How to Pay for Long-Term Care” with Carson Group’s Vice Presid …

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

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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Business Owner, Are You Really Ready?

Ask yourself this – who will you be, not what will you do. Life is full of changes. I still remember my high school English teacher saying, “The only thing constant in life is change itself.” Selling a business or transitioning it to the next generation is one of these many changes. So what …

Decentralizing an owner from the business: What is employee value and how can I build it?

The most valuable businesses are always transition ready. When working with closely held businesses, it is common that a business owner plays a central role in the overall functioning of a business. Some common examples that we see: The business owner is the main driver of sales and new cus …

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.

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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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 …

Long-Term Care

Our goal is to make your life easier. Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia can be highly stressful for caregivers and family members. Providing answers on how to financially prepare for these conditions is one way we can help. Read this guide for tips on how to prepare for th …

5 Reasons to Think About Long-Term Care Planning Today

I once received an email from a family friend about long-term care insurance. He was frustrated over a premium increase – which wasn’t the first rate hike – yet, he was still thankful for the policy. Despite the rising cost, he knew the importance of long-term care insurance in helping prot …

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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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.

How a Donor-Advised Fund Can Help Your Charitable Giving

Giving is an important part of our society for many. It can provide us the opportunity to support causes we believe in and make a positive impact. Keep in mind, giving isn’t always about donating money. It can also include volunteering time or donating goods and resources. Here are some exa …

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 …

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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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.

The Three Components of a Successful Business Exit Plan Strategy

Chloe Quigley, CEPA, Business Exit Planning Advisor What’s the most important thing when selling your business? Certified Exit Planning Advisors know that there are three equally important components of an exit plan:

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

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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Facts Vs Feelings Take 5 – Did the Fed Pull a Grinch?

In this week’s episode of Take 5, Ryan Detrick, Chief Market Strategist at Carson Group, and Sonu Varghese, VP, Global Macro Strategist at Carson Group, uncover the Federal Reserve’s recent decision to cut interest rates by 0.25%, projecting only two cuts for 2025 instead of the previ …

Market Commentary: Stocks Stall but More Signs Inflation Has Normalized

We Still Believe in Santa Stocks fell overall last week, with some of the weakness masked by big gains from the communications services and consumer discretionary sectors. In the process the Dow was lower all five days (and seven in a row total), yet the Nasdaq hit 20,000 for the first time …

Facts Vs Feelings Take 5 – Inflation Data Continues to Improve

In the latest episode of Take 5, Ryan Detrick, Chief Market Strategist at Carson Group, discusses the improving trends in inflation. Ryan also highlights the Federal Reserve’s likely rate cuts, strong economic fundamentals, and the resilience of the current bull market, which has seen …

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.