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

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Winning 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 …

Understanding the Tax Implications of Six Common Life Events

Life can be a rollercoaster, and the events that accompany it can have profound effects on our relationships, mood, psychological well-being, and—perhaps most confoundingly of all—our taxes. Follow along as we walk you through six common life events that will affect your tax situation and w …

2025 Calendar: Key Tasks & Financial Dates

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

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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 …

5 Essential Financial Planning Steps for Small Business Success

Financial planning is important in all aspects of life, in the realms of both personal and business. But for small business owners, financial planning may look a little different from the traditional plans your financial advisor will draw up for your personal matters. Continue reading below …

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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Are 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.

The Emotional and Financial Impact of Long-Term Care on Families

The idea of long-term care can be scary for many Americans. As we get older, however, it’s an unwelcome necessity for many. The emotional and financial consequences can and may be devastating to those that require coverage and those around them.

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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Why 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.

The Importance of Updating Your Estate Plan After Major Life Events

As you advance through life and reach milestones like purchasing your first home, marriage, and growing your family, it’s important to create and maintain an estate plan. An estate plan helps ensure that your assets that you’ve worked hard for will go to the proper people without the risk o …

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

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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Compounding 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.

8 Financial Goals and Milestones to Work Towards Achieving in Your Life

Having milestones and goals to work towards are important for everyone to have. They give us a sense of drive and satisfaction when we finally achieve that goal. Financially, people oftentimes strive for financial independence or security. We’ve listed below eight common financial goals to …

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 – 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

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?

Valorem Insights

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3 Major Financial Challenges of High Net Worth Individuals

3 Benefits to Powering Up Your 401 (k)

Keeping Your Financial Accounts Cyber Secure

Cybercrime is on the rise everywhere. In fact, global losses due to cybercrime climbed from $600 billion in 2018 to $1 trillion in 2020. That’s enough to make anyone concerned about the security of their financial accounts. But you don’t have to feel helpless against the threat of hackers. …

In the News

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COVID’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.