Market Commentary: Are Stocks in a Bubble? We Don’t Think So
“By many measures, for example, equity prices are fairly highly valued.” Jerome Powell, Tuesday, September 23, Speech to the Providence Chamber of Commerce.
Facts Vs Feelings Take 5 – Is the Stock Market in a Bubble?
In the latest Take 5, hosts Ryan Detrick, Chief Market Strategist, and Sonu Varghese, VP, Global Macro Strategist, tackle the big question making headlines: Is the stock market in a bubble? With comparisons to 1929 floating around, it’s easy to feel uneasy. Ryan and Sonu break down the fact …
How Much Will Healthcare Cost in Retirement?
When saving for retirement, we often dream about all the things we’ll be able to do with that money—traveling, going out to eat, maybe trying new hobbies. But the reality is that there are also everyday household expenses that you should account for in your post-retirement budget. Less fun …
Your Money
MoreYour Social Security Game Plan
Have you given much thought to your strategy for Social Security benefits? It’s good to have a plan in place to help you make the most of this program. But you may have questions.
Do I Need Life Insurance? How to Choose Life Insurance Coverage and When to Reassess Your Needs
Just because we express a desire to do something, doesn’t mean we’ll do it. Insurance is a great example of this. A recent study on life insurance statistics showed that 42% of Americans report feeling that they need more life insurance coverage.* At the same time, the percentage of familie …
Health Savings Account (HSA) Worksheet
Did you know you can utilize a health savings account (HSA) to invest for your future? HSAs have many tax benefits, including tad-deductible contributions and tax-deferred growth. But is one right for you? This worksheet will help you determine if you qualify, as well as identify common mis …
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
MoreYour Guide to Business Succession Planning
As a small business owner, you may be so immersed in the day-to-day functions of your business that you haven’t yet put much thought into the day you leave it behind. In fact, for many business owners, the thought of bringing their time to a close can be daunting. Yet planning for your depa …
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 …
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
MoreHow Much Will Healthcare Cost in Retirement?
When saving for retirement, we often dream about all the things we’ll be able to do with that money—traveling, going out to eat, maybe trying new hobbies. But the reality is that there are also everyday household expenses that you should account for in your post-retirement budget. Less fun …
Which Medicare Plan Is Best for You?
Choosing the right Medicare plan is one of the most important decisions seniors face. It’s also one of the most difficult. The healthcare system isn’t user-friendly to begin with. Stack all the Medicare options on top of that, and you’ve got yourself a challenge. That’s why it’s a good id …
Maximizing Medicare: A Strategic Approach to Healthcare in Retirement
Have you thought about how much your healthcare will cost in retirement? Many people underestimate what they’ll need, and that can be an unwelcome reality check once you’re in retirement. According to recent findings, a 65-year-old individual retiring in 2025 will most likely spend an avera …
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
MoreHow Does a Charitable Remainder Trust Work?
If you’re looking for a way to give back long-term without hurting your current financial security, a charitable remainder trust (CRT) may provide a win-win opportunity. CRTs let you support your favorite cause while also creating a stream of income for yourself or your loved ones. When you …
How Estate and Gift Taxes Can Impact Your Financial Plan
Tom Fridrich, JD, CLU, ChFC®, Manager and Senior Wealth Planner Giving something you own to someone else. It’s a simple, human act – one that seems like it shouldn’t take too much planning to do it correctly. But when does gifting become a tax issue? What do you need to consider about gifti …
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.
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
MoreCompounding 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.
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
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
MoreMarket Commentary: Are Stocks in a Bubble? We Don’t Think So
“By many measures, for example, equity prices are fairly highly valued.” Jerome Powell, Tuesday, September 23, Speech to the Providence Chamber of Commerce.
Facts Vs Feelings Take 5 – Is the Stock Market in a Bubble?
In the latest Take 5, hosts Ryan Detrick, Chief Market Strategist, and Sonu Varghese, VP, Global Macro Strategist, tackle the big question making headlines: Is the stock market in a bubble? With comparisons to 1929 floating around, it’s easy to feel uneasy. Ryan and Sonu break down the fact …
Market Commentary: The Fed Cuts Rates and Small Caps Join the Party
The Federal Reserve (“Fed”) cut interest rates 0.25%-points at their September meeting last week, taking their policy rate to the 4.0–4.25% range. This comes after a long nine-month pause but the move was widely expected, especially given recent data showing a rapidly cooling labor market.
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 …