Weekly Market Commentary: Middle East Conflict May Move the Fed
The S&P 500 fell 1.6% last week as investors continue to assess the market impact of the conflict in the Middle East. We’ve seen some big market swings on changing headlines, especially in oil. On Monday, hope was the war in Iran would be over soon, but that quickly lost steam and crude …
Facts vs Feelings The Glass Half Full — How Much Does Iran Matter?
In this episode of The Glass Half Full, hosts Ryan Detrick, Chief Market Strategist, and Sonu Varghese, Chief Macro Strategist, discuss rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and what disruptions near the Strait of Hormuz could mean for global energy markets, the economy, and inves …
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 …
Your Money
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 …
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 …
Webinar: A Proactive Approach to Tax Planning
Are you ready to become wiser about your wealth? Learn about smart tax planning in A Proactive Approach to Tax Planning: Safeguarding and Growing Your Lifetime Wealth, now available for viewing. In this on-demand webinar, Carson’s Managing Partner and Chief Tax Strategist Debbie Taylo …

2026 Calendar: Key Tasks & Financial Dates
Tackle 2026 with this month-by-month financial task list. We’ve also included important dates so you won’t miss any key deadlines.
Your Business
More3 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 …
Is Your Business Worth as Much as You Think?
As a business owner, you already know your company has value. It supports your lifestyle, pays your employees, and provides products or services your clients rely on. But here’s the big question: If someone asked you today what your business is worth, could you give them a confident answer? …
4 Unforeseen Third-Party Sales Challenges for Small Business Owners
Many business owners assume their exit path will be a sale to a third party. In fact, some entrepreneurs start their businesses with the goal of finding a larger buyer, selling the business, and moving on to their next business idea. A cash sale can definitely draw business owners toward th …

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
MoreAre 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. Contributions to a 401(k), traditional IRA, and other retirem …
Why & How to Use a Roth IRA Conversion in Retirement Planning
With larger traditional IRA account balances and changing tax laws, Roth IRA conversions have emerged as a compelling strategy in retirement planning, offering a range of benefits and opportunities. Converting your tax-deferred retirement plans to a Roth IRA can be a strategic move, particu …
The Basics of Required Minimum Distributions With Your Retirement Account
Many retirement accounts—including 401(k)s and IRAs—give individuals the ability to save for retirement in a potentially tax-advantaged manner. Contributions are often tax-deductible, and gains are tax-deferred. This means your retirement funds can grow without being taxed until you start w …

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
MoreIs a Donor-Advised Fund for Charitable Giving a Good Fit?
A donor-advised fund (DAF) is a charitable giving account that can play a valuable role in a charitable giving strategy—popular for its tax efficiency, flexibility, and simplicity. This resource can help you determine if a DAF could be worth considering as a useful addition to your overall …
Charitable Giving Strategies in a High-Income Year
The end of the year offers an ideal opportunity to look both forward and backward—reflecting on recent achievements while setting goals for the upcoming months. For many people, it’s also a time to review their finances and identify charitable moves that can help lower their tax bill. If y …
Including Charitable Giving in Your Financial Planning
If you’re interested in making a lasting impact for the causes that matter most to you, you may want to include charitable giving in your financial plan. In this on-demand webinar, Carson’s Heather Zack, Private Client Services – Solutions Strategist, will share information about charitable …

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 …
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.

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
MoreWeekly Market Commentary: Middle East Conflict May Move the Fed
The S&P 500 fell 1.6% last week as investors continue to assess the market impact of the conflict in the Middle East. We’ve seen some big market swings on changing headlines, especially in oil. On Monday, hope was the war in Iran would be over soon, but that quickly lost steam and crude …
Facts vs Feelings The Glass Half Full — How Much Does Iran Matter?
In this episode of The Glass Half Full, hosts Ryan Detrick, Chief Market Strategist, and Sonu Varghese, Chief Macro Strategist, discuss rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and what disruptions near the Strait of Hormuz could mean for global energy markets, the economy, and inves …
Weekly Market Commentary: Markets Navigate Flat Job Growth, Middle East Conflict, Rising Energy Prices
Markets Navigate Flat Job Growth, Middle East Conflict, Rising Energy Prices The S&P 500 turned slightly negative for the year last week, but many other major indexes have solid gains. Inflation risk has risen as energy prices have soared, but we still expect price spikes to be relative …

Market Outlook 2026: Riding the Wave
Our Market Outlook 2026: Riding the Wave is geared toward helping investors navigate the ongoing bull market as we enter the new year. Carson Investment Research provides crucial insights and analysis of the opportunities and challenges facing investors.
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 …