What Is the Yield Curve and What Does It Tell Us?
If you’ve paid attention to market prognostications over the last year, you’ve likely heard the term “yield curve.” The yield curve has become the center of attention for explaining the economy and markets, which is why our financial advisors always seem to be answering one question: What i …
Market Commentary: A Jittery Week, but Strength Beneath the Surface
Perhaps in honor of the Super Bowl, stocks were higher on Monday and Friday last week (reminds us of the two sides of a goal post) but saw massive selling the other three days. Sparking the selling were relatively new worries over AI potentially disrupting business models in several industr …
Legacy Planning Beyond Wealth: How to Build a Lasting Family Legacy
Although many people equate legacy planning with generational wealth transfer, a holistic approach to legacy planning can address financial, legal, and personal aspirations in a cohesive plan. It can take into account your unique relationships, values, philanthropic goals, and family govern …
Your Money
MoreWhat Is the Yield Curve and What Does It Tell Us?
If you’ve paid attention to market prognostications over the last year, you’ve likely heard the term “yield curve.” The yield curve has become the center of attention for explaining the economy and markets, which is why our financial advisors always seem to be answering one question: What i …
The Progression of Financial Planning Through Every Decade of Your Life
Your career and lifestyle look completely different when you’re in your 20s compared to when you’re in your 60s – your financial focus and planning in each decade should follow suit. I’ve highlighted three financial tactics to focus on in each decade of your life starting with your 20s.
The Opportunity in Change: How Changing Goals Change Financial Plans
Your financial goals are constantly changing, but your financial plan isn’t always nimble enough to change with them. That’s why it’s important to keep a well-stocked account to use as an emergency or opportunity fund for your goals. Here’s a scenario where an opportunity fund could help me …

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
MoreWhy & 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 …
How to Set Up a 401(k): A Step-by-Step Guide for Long-Term Success
As a source of retirement income, the 401(k) is second in popularity only to Social Security, and it has the potential to generate strong returns. In fact, nearly 10% of American adults qualify as millionaires largely due to their retirement savings.[1] But here’s the catch: With rising cos …

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
MoreLegacy Planning Beyond Wealth: How to Build a Lasting Family Legacy
Although many people equate legacy planning with generational wealth transfer, a holistic approach to legacy planning can address financial, legal, and personal aspirations in a cohesive plan. It can take into account your unique relationships, values, philanthropic goals, and family govern …
How to Establish a Private Family Foundation for Strategic Giving
If you’re looking for a way to structure your charitable giving to optimize the benefits for your family and your favorite causes, a private family foundation may be an option to consider. Although they can be complex to establish, they provide significant tax benefits, the ability to exerc …
Charitable Trusts: Maximizing Potential Tax Benefits and Philanthropic Impact
If charitable giving is a significant part of your estate plan, it’s essential to choose a donation structure that fits your resources and goals. Trusts can be effective ways to provide for yourself or your family and help potentially reduce taxes while maximizing support for the causes you …

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: A Jittery Week, but Strength Beneath the Surface
Perhaps in honor of the Super Bowl, stocks were higher on Monday and Friday last week (reminds us of the two sides of a goal post) but saw massive selling the other three days. Sparking the selling were relatively new worries over AI potentially disrupting business models in several industr …
Facts vs Feelings Take 5 – Let’s Talk About the Tech Wreck
In the latest Take 5, hosts Ryan Detrick, Chief Market Strategist, and Sonu Varghese, VP, Global Macro Strategist, discuss the recent weakness in the U.S. dollar, what’s driving the move, and why it may not be as alarming as headlines suggest. They also explore how currency shifts can creat …
Fiscal and Monetary Policy in 2026: Key Tailwinds and Risks for Investors
Fiscal and monetary policies are expected to provide tailwinds for markets in 2026, with the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) providing stimulus and the Federal Reserve likely to continue cutting rates. However, households’ spending tax refunds could boost inflation further, inspiri …

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
MoreCarson Wealth Expands Montana Presence with the Addition of True North Financial
Carson Wealth announced the expansion of its Montana presence through a strategic partnership with Billings-based True North Financial, now known as Carson Wealth | True North Financial. This collaboration establishes Carson’s second Billings location. The six-person team, led by mana …
Carson Wealth Expands Presence in Three States
Carson Wealth today announced its acquisition of three Carson Wealth locations in Hagerstown, Maryland, Atlanta, Georgia and Johnson City, Tennessee. The move expands Carson Wealth’s footprint in the East, strengthening the firm’s position in the wealth management market. Led by …
Congratulations to Our 2024 Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisors
Carson Wealth announced that four of the firm’s wealth advisors were named to the Forbes 2024 Best-in-State Wealth Advisors list. This prestigious award recognizes outstanding financial advisors who have demonstrated excellence in their field and are committed to providing exceptional servi …
