Market Commentary: U.S. Debt Downgrade Should Have Minimal Impact

Rating agency Fitch downgraded the U.S. government’s longer-term credit rating to AA+ from AAA. This was the second downgrade in the nation’s history. The first came in August 2011 from S&P Global Ratings after a government standoff over the debt ceiling. The agency cited “the expected …

Facts Vs Feelings Take 5 – Just Like Everyone Expected

We’ve seen some incredibly strong economic data over the past week! Join Carson Group’s Chief Market Strategist Ryan Detrick and VP, Global Macro Strategist Sonu Varghese as they break down everything from the GDP to the stock market. Highlights include: · GDP grew well above expectations · …

Divorce Planning

There’s no question divorce is one of the most stressful and emotionally- charged experiences people may encounter in their adult lives. However, it is possible to get through a divorce with your self-esteem, finances and future intact. The key is careful and deliberate planning. Download G …

Your Money

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Divorce Planning

There’s no question divorce is one of the most stressful and emotionally- charged experiences people may encounter in their adult lives. However, it is possible to get through a divorce with your self-esteem, finances and future intact. The key is careful and deliberate planning. Download G …

Blended Family Finances: What to Consider When Getting Remarried

By Tom Fridrich, JD, CLU, ChFC®, Senior Wealth Planner Blended families, composed of couples who bring children from previous relationships together, have become increasingly common in today’s society. While blending families brings joy and new opportunities, it also can create comple …

Tax Planning Strategies for Executive Compensation

By Mike Valenti, CPA, CFP®, Director, Tax Planning Corporate executives often receive the brunt of the U.S. tax system. Typically, most or all of their income is W-2 income and subject to the higher ordinary tax rates as well as FICA taxes. W-2 employees currently are unable to deduct home …

2023 Calendar: Key Tasks & Financial Dates

2023 Calendar: Key Tasks & Financial Dates

Tackle 2023 with this month-by-month financial task list. We’ve also included important dates so you won’t miss key deadlines.

Your Business

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Building Your Ideal Business Succession Plan

By Odaro Aisueni, CFP®, Wealth Planning Administrator As a small business owner, you’re likely so immersed in the routine functions of your business that you haven’t yet put much thought into the day you leave it behind. In fact, most small business owners have so much purpose t …

5 Common Business Exit Planning Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

By Elizabeth Schanou, JD, CExPTM , Senior Wealth Planner  Succession planning – or more accurately “business exit planning” – is a critical process that has weighty implications for small business owners. There are two key goals: You want to ensure a seamless transition that will pres …

Business Succession Planning Checklist

The business succession process isn’t a “rainy day” task. It’s a living process that you should start as soon as possible.  You’ve probably given it some thought and almost figured out how you want to transition your business, but an “almost” succession plan is no plan at all. Fill in the f …

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 Common Retirement Planning Mistakes

Is your retirement plan lacking? Let’s look at 5 common retirement planning mistakes and how you can get the most out of your retirement plan.

Your Retirement Income Plan

Having a retirement income plan in place can help you approach retirement with confidence. Learn more in our informative webinar, Your Retirement Income Plan, with Carson Group’s Senior Wealth Planner Tom Fridrich and Retirement Plan Advisor Chris Tooker, now available on-demand. 

The Basics of Required Minimum Distributions With Your Retirement Account

Retirement accounts like 401(k)s and IRAs allow individuals to save for their future in a tax advantaged manner. IRA and 401(k) contributions are often tax deductible and gains are tax deferred – meaning you may only pay taxes when you withdraw money from your account.

7 Important Retirement Savings Topics for 2023

7 Important Retirement Savings Topics for 2023

See the topics that are important to keep in mind as you navigate the various individual and employer-sponsored plans that may be available to you.

Your Legacy

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Exit Strategies for Business Owners

Watch our webinar, “Exit Strategies for Business Owners” with Carson Group’s Director, Wealth Planning Kimberly Flynn and Mark Petersen, Vice President of Affluent Wealth Planning, now available on-demand. 

Financial Literacy Guide

The basics of financial literacy – such as budgeting, borrowing and saving – can be difficult to teach to kids, but the rewards of a child heading into adulthood with a solid understanding of financial literacy are numerous. Download the checklist today to get started.

Charitable Giving Strategies in a High-Income Year

Tom Fridrich, JD, CLUⓇ, ChFCⓇ, Senior Wealth Planner  The end of the year offers an ideal opportunity to look both forward and back — reflecting on recent achievements, while setting goals for the upcoming months. For many of my clients, it’s also a time to review their finances and i …

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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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, …

Where is the Money Tree? How to Teach Kids About Money, Credit Cards, Saving, Investing, Venmo and More

Craig Lemoine, Director of Consumer Investment Research      Ask kids what they think money is, and you get some interesting responses.  Over the last month, I asked my friends, family and neighbors if I could pose a question to their children about money. Their answers covered it all …

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: U.S. Debt Downgrade Should Have Minimal Impact

Rating agency Fitch downgraded the U.S. government’s longer-term credit rating to AA+ from AAA. This was the second downgrade in the nation’s history. The first came in August 2011 from S&P Global Ratings after a government standoff over the debt ceiling. The agency cited “the expected …

Facts Vs Feelings Take 5 – Just Like Everyone Expected

We’ve seen some incredibly strong economic data over the past week! Join Carson Group’s Chief Market Strategist Ryan Detrick and VP, Global Macro Strategist Sonu Varghese as they break down everything from the GDP to the stock market. Highlights include: · GDP grew well above expectations · …

Market Commentary: Stocks and the Economy Show Continued Strength

After a large reversal Thursday, stocks bounced back Friday, bolstered by the continued impressive performance of the economy (further details below). This has already been a historic year — the stock market experienced one of its best starts in 2023. The S&P 500 is up close to 20% for …

2023 Market Outlook Report

2023 Market Outlook Report

Just because 2022 was a poor year for stocks and bonds doesn’t mean the same will be true for 2023. See why the Carson Research team believes there are reasons to be optimistic in 2023.

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.