The Glass Half Full: Will the Fed Hike? (Ep. 16)
In this episode of The Glass Half Full, Ryan Detrick, Chief Market Strategist at Carson Group, and Sonu Varghese, Chief Macro Strategist at Carson Group, unpack the Fed’s latest meeting, the reaction to new Chair Kevin Warsh’s debut, and whether markets are getting too hawkish too fast. The …
Planning for Your First Required Minimum Distribution in Retirement
Qualified retirement plans—such as traditional 401(k)s, 403(b)s and IRAs—can help offer clear tax advantages. They offer a tax deferral on contributions and growth until distribution. And while this is beneficial for many, certain rules are in place to help prevent individuals from taking a …
Market Commentary: Modest S&P 500 Gains Mask Improving Market Breadth
SpaceX’s initial public offering (IPO) on Friday dominated market news last week, but behind the scenes, the S&P 500 edged higher after the big drop on Friday, June 5. Could some more June choppiness be in store? Sure, but we do believe this bull market is still alive and well and the p …
Your Money
MoreThe 3-Lane Highway Approach to Financial Planning
Do you ever stop to consider if you’re getting the best financial advice? Are you receiving advice focused on solving your known—and unknown—problems? Are you on the road to living your fullest life? For many individuals and families, the answer is unclear. That’s because financial guidan …
Webinar: Tax-Smart Strategies — How Women Can Design Their Wealth Plan with Purpose and Intention
Over the next two decades, more than $51 trillion is expected to transfer to women as surviving spouses, making this one of the most significant wealth shifts in history. Yet many women tell us their biggest financial concern isn’t investing—it’s paying too much in taxes. This webinar is d …
What Documents You Should Provide to Your Tax Preparer
It’s February, so it’s officially tax season! One of the most common client questions heard by tax preparers is, “So, what do you need from me?” The short answer to that question is, often, “Everything.” But that isn’t helpful, nor is it entirely true. And this year, thanks to the passage …

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
MoreFour Ways the CARES Act Can Help Your Business
From loans to tax breaks to credits, the CARES Act attempts to provide relief to small- and medium-sized businesses. As unemployment numbers reach an all-time high, the government is looking for ways to keep Americans employed by helping employers meet payroll.
Retirement Plans for Small Business: Comparison Chart
401(k), SEP, Simple, Defined Benefit, rollovers, conversions, pre-tax, post-tax – there’s a lot to think about when it comes to retirement plans. This gets even more complex as a small business owner when you’re on the other side of the table. We put together this comparison chart, wh …
3 Things All Valuable Businesses Have
Building a business that’s truly valuable takes more than hard work and good timing. It’s about creating something that can thrive, adapt, and grow—with or without you at the helm. Whether you’re planning for a future sale or succession or simply want to build long-term value, it’s importa …

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
MorePlanning for Your First Required Minimum Distribution in Retirement
Qualified retirement plans—such as traditional 401(k)s, 403(b)s and IRAs—can help offer clear tax advantages. They offer a tax deferral on contributions and growth until distribution. And while this is beneficial for many, certain rules are in place to help prevent individuals from taking a …
Don’t Blow Your Budget! Tips to Create Your Retirement Spending Plan
Many retirees find that even carefully planned budgets don’t hold up once the structure of a regular work schedule disappears. Spending can creep up in unexpected ways, and despite detailed worksheets and diligent tracking, it’s easy to exceed monthly limits. What looks solid on paper can o …
Getting Ready to Retire? How to Be Fully Prepared
During your working years, retirement can feel like a distant, far-off time in your life that you hope to get to someday. And though you may think of it simply as the point when you stop working, it’s a major life transition that shifts how you spend your time, how you define your purpose, …

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
MoreEstate Planning Checklist
Are you one of the many Americans who don’t have an estate plan? No matter how few or how many assets you have, an estate plan can help you preserve your legacy and provide clarity to your surviving family. If you’re not sure where to begin, our estate planning checklist can help you get …
To Give Now or Give Later: When Is the Right Time to Gift to Your Heirs?
You’re in a good position in your life. You’ve built up your wealth, perhaps from a successful business or working in corporate America. You might feel it’s time to start winding down and considering whether to transfer some of those assets to the next generation. The question then becomes …
Estate Planning Simplified: Understanding Wills & Trusts
While it can be easy for people to back-burner estate planning due to busy schedules or thinking they have plenty of time to get around to it, doing so can result in property and financial assets passing to unintended heirs in unintentional ways. Without the proper planning, your heirs coul …

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
MoreWebinar: Tax-Smart Strategies — How Women Can Design Their Wealth Plan with Purpose and Intention
Over the next two decades, more than $51 trillion is expected to transfer to women as surviving spouses, making this one of the most significant wealth shifts in history. Yet many women tell us their biggest financial concern isn’t investing—it’s paying too much in taxes. This webinar is d …
Your Family Index Number: Defining Your Future With Confidence
Long-term financial security is a goal most investors aspire to, yet accomplished individuals and families know that attaining this objective requires more than hard work and luck. Check out our free guide which discusses how a personalized and focused approach begins with determining your …
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.

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
MoreThe Glass Half Full: Will the Fed Hike? (Ep. 16)
In this episode of The Glass Half Full, Ryan Detrick, Chief Market Strategist at Carson Group, and Sonu Varghese, Chief Macro Strategist at Carson Group, unpack the Fed’s latest meeting, the reaction to new Chair Kevin Warsh’s debut, and whether markets are getting too hawkish too fast. The …
Market Commentary: Modest S&P 500 Gains Mask Improving Market Breadth
SpaceX’s initial public offering (IPO) on Friday dominated market news last week, but behind the scenes, the S&P 500 edged higher after the big drop on Friday, June 5. Could some more June choppiness be in store? Sure, but we do believe this bull market is still alive and well and the p …
The Glass Half Full: What Goes Up (Ep. 15)
In this episode of The Glass Half Full, Ryan Detrick, Chief Market Strategist at Carson Group, and Sonu Varghese, Chief Macro Strategist at Carson Group, break down what’s driving the recent market pullback and why it may not be the threat it feels like. The rally that preceded it was …

Midyear Market Outlook 2025
The economy has weathered volatility and uncertainty to start 2025, with the ongoing bull market continuing its run and the labor market staying strong. But plenty of headwinds remain as we head into the second half of the year.
In the News
More5 Common Retirement Fears and How to Overcome Them
By Erin Wood, CFP®, Senior Vice President, Financial Planning and Advanced Solutions If we’re to believe everything we see in magazine and TV ads, retirement is a time of leisurely bike rides with your spouse, lunching with friends and exploring hobbies like painting or ceramics, all done i …
Do I Need a Financial Advisor? How to Know What You Need Now
By Erin Wood, CFP®, Senior Vice President, Financial Planning and Advanced Solutions, Carson Group Do I need a financial advisor? Given what I do for a living, I get this question a lot. I may be biased, but I think almost everyone would benefit from some kind of advice for their money. …
Do You Have a Cognitive Decline Plan?
By Erin Wood, CFP®, Senior Vice President, Financial Planning and Advanced Solutions, Carson Group My paternal grandmother was the type of woman who was always bustling with activity, whether it was hosting post-church lunches every Sunday or helping a neighbor in need. So, it was a bit …
