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What’s on our mind? You can read about it in our posts. Whether it’s ideas from the industry or emerging trends, you can read about it here. So keep checking in. We’re glad to have you reading along.
Healthy Body, Healthy Pocketbook
Lifestyle Read Time: 3 min Healthy Body, Healthy Pocketbook Many people have a clear vision of what their ideal retirement looks like. Some desire vacation homes in tropical destinations, while others plan to spend quality time with...
Read MoreMarket Insights: The Year in Review
Stocks moved higher during a holiday-shortened week of trading, capping off a turbulent, but otherwise strong year for equity investors.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.35%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 increased...
Read MoreAre You Ready?
2020 = Rough Road; 2021 = Crossroad. What will you do?
Read MoreStimulus checks are coming — here's who will get one
A second round of stimulus checks will soon be landing in the bank accounts of millions of Americans, thanks to the $900 billion economic relief package that Congressional leaders agreed to on December 20. But there are some...
Read MoreBreaking Down the Parts of Medicare
Generally, the different parts of Medicare help cover specific services. Most beneficiaries choose to receive their Parts A and B benefits through Original Medicare, the traditional fee-for-service program offered directly through the...
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Monthly Market Insights | December 2020
You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience. U.S. Markets Stock prices powered higher and emboldened investors in November thanks to a series of positive news events. The Dow Jones...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Dow Hits 30,000
Stocks surged last week, ignited by another COVID-19 vaccine announcement, encouraging economic data, and the easing of political uncertainty.The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 2.21%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 added...
Read MoreTrends in Charitable Giving
Trends in Charitable Giving According to Giving USA 2020, Americans gave an estimated $449.64 billion to charity in 2019. That’s one of the highest totals in more than 60 years since the report was first published.1 Americans...
Read MoreThe Business Cycle
Investment Read Time: 3 min The Business Cycle What has upswings and downturns, troughs, peaks, and plateaus? Though such terms could easily describe a roller coaster ride, they are also commonly used to describe the business cycle....
Read MoreFour Reasons Why Elections Should Never Drive Your Investment Decisions
Where chaos, turmoil and uncertainty are concerned, “2020” is the gift that keeps giving. The nail-biting U.S. election was merely par for the course during a year that brought us a global pandemic, economic recession, and...
Read MoreMonthly Market Insights | November 2020
You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience. U.S. Markets Inaction on a second American fiscal stimulus bill and a rise in global COVID-19 cases put pressure on stock prices in October....
Read MoreElection 2020: Be Confident. Be Bold. Be Patient
It should come as no surprise that the economy is the most crucial issue in the upcoming election.But here's something that may surprise you. More than 90% of investors say they plan to change their portfolio in the 12 months...
Read MoreElection 2020: A Dose of Patience
The upcoming election is prompting some people to reconsider their investment strategy.In fact, 45% of consumers with $100,000 or more investable assets expect to make changes to their portfolio due to the upcoming 2020 presidential...
Read More2 Min Video Tip about Retirement Realities
Have you imagined what your retirement life will be like? Here are some things to consider.
Read MoreMONTHLY MARKET INSIGHTS | OCTOBER 2020
You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience. U.S. Markets Stocks dropped in September as investors worried about stalled fiscal stimulus talks in Washington, the upcoming election, and new...
Read More2 Min Video Tip about who you should ask for financial advice
Where do you get your financial advice? Here are some things to consider.
Read MoreElection 2020: Preparing for Any Outcome
As the U.S. presidential election draws near, expect to see more and more headlines that propose, "What will happen next if this person is elected?" or, "What policy changes to prepare for in the next four years?"In reality, however,...
Read More2 Min Video Tip About the Pros and Cons of Buying Gold
These are some things to consider if you are thinking about buying gold.
Read MoreThe Anatomy of an Index
Investment Read Time: 4 min The Anatomy of an Index Did you know that more than $9.9 trillion in assets are benchmarked to the Standard & Poor’s 500 Composite Index, including $3.4 trillion in index assets?1,2 The S&P 500 is...
Read More2 Min Video Tip About Exchange Traded Funds
This week we discuss the tax benefits of Exchange Traded Funds.
Read More2 Min Video Tip About Your Social Security Income
This week we share 4 facts you need to know about Social Security Income.
Read MoreMonthly Market Insights | September 2020
U.S. Markets Stock prices surged in August as investors cheered positive news of a potential COVID-19 treatment and welcomed a month-long...
Read MoreSystematic Withdrawals in Retirement
Many of us grew up with the concept that making regular, periodic contributions to our retirement account was a sound investment strategy. The idea was that, in a fluctuating market, regularly investing a set amount would enable an...
Read More2 Min Video Tip About Early Withdrawals From Your IRA
Chris Browning and Tamara Kirkland of Masters Advisory Partners here with this week’s useful 2 minute video tip about additional early withdrawals from your Individual Retirement Account, or IRA, that escape the 10% penalty tax.
Read MoreLabor Day Weekend BBQ Edition of Q&A with C&T Session #3
Grilling steaks and answering these general Estate Planning questions: How does effective estate management help you during your lifetime as well as after your death? What is a quick formula to estimate your estate taxes? What are the...
Read MoreUnderstanding the Alternate Valuation Date
When an individual dies, the executor is faced with an important decision that has the potential to impact the taxes owed by the estate and its heirs.1 The executor will have the option of valuing the estate on the date of death, or...
Read More2 Min Video Tip about CARES Act Provisions for Accessing Your Retirement Savings
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What’s your favorite new thing to do during the pandemic?
What’s your favorite new thing to do during the pandemic and do you plan to keep doing it in the future? Share it with us. We’d love to hear about it!
Read MoreQ&A with C&T Session #2
5 Smart Investing Principles you can use now
Read MoreJoin us for some financial and investment tips
Q&A With C&T: Session #2 Join us for Session #2 of Q&A with C&T as we discuss 5 Smart Investing Principles you can use now in response to the questions you have asked us recently about how to invest wisely in the current economic and...
Read MoreAre you on the right path to achieve your financial goals?
Click below to take a short quiz and MAP your goals: Let's get started
Read MoreMonthly Market Insights | July 2020
U.S. Markets Stock prices climbed higher in June, as investors looked beyond an increase in COVID-19 cases as well as reports that several...
Read MoreIs Term Life Insurance for You?
Insurance Is Term Life Insurance for You? Term insurance is the simplest form of life insurance. It provides temporary life insurance protection on a limited budget. Here’s how it works: When a policyholder buys term insurance,...
Read MoreStay Safe with a B.O.P. At Your Back
Learn about the advantages of Business Owner Policies with this highly educational and fun animated video.
Read MoreA Decision Not Made Is Still a Decision
Whether through inertia or trepidation, investors who put off important investment decisions might consider the admonition offered by motivational speaker Brian Tracy, “Almost any decision is better than no decision at all...
Read MoreMonthly Market Insights | June 2020
U.S. Markets Stocks rallied in May, sparked by a supportive Federal Reserve, stories of states re-opening, and reported progress on a COVID-19...
Read MoreWe Stand With You
In recent days, unhealed social wounds have been brought painfully into focus across the nation. Please know that we are deeply committed to promoting justice, healing, and wholeness for all members of our community. If you or someone...
Read MoreWould downsizing your home better prepare you for retirement?
What does your home really cost?
Read MoreCan Election Results Predict the Market?
How do the markets usually react to elections? Was the 2016 election any different?
Read MoreMonthly Market Insights | May 2020
U.S. Markets Stocks rebounded sharply in April, fueled by a flattening pandemic curve and positive results from a clinical trial investigating...
Read MoreThe Business Cycle
How will you weather the ups and downs of the business cycle?
Read MoreWhere Is the Market Headed?
We all know the stock market can be unpredictable. We all want to know, “What’s next for the financial markets?”
Read MoreThe Cycle of Investing
Understanding the cycle of investing may help you avoid easy pitfalls.
Read MoreMonthly Market Insights | April 2020
U.S. Markets The spread of COVID-19 sent stocks tumbling, as the health and economic costs of the pandemic continued to mount. The Dow Jones...
Read MoreWhy Everyone Needs an Estate Strategy
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Read MoreGuide to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act
What Small Businesses Need to Know Included in the recently passed CARES Act are additional business loan options, changes to tax policies and changes to the FFCRA, all designed to ease the burden of COVID-19. The coronavirus pandemic...
Read MoreHow to budget the money you have if you lose your job during the COVID-19 pandemic
A growing percentage of Americans are out of work or have had their hours reduced due to the coronavirus pandemic. If you fall into that category and are starting to rely on emergency savings to get through this period, you’ll...
Read MoreWhen Markets React
When markets shift, experienced investors stick to their strategy.
Read MoreSpecial: Global Stocks Drop; Weekly Updates March 9, 2020
Status is reachable Ron Carson CEO/Chairman of Carson Group Holdings, LLC- Entrepreneur, Financial Advisor, NYT Best-Selling Author, Thought Leader ... See More 131 articles Special Update: Global stocks dropped sharply on Monday...
Read MoreBridging the Confidence Gap
Bridging the Confidence Gap In the world of finance, the effects of the "confidence gap" can be especially apparent. AddThis Share | Facebook Twitter Print Email //
Read MoreHistory shows stocks typically rebound from disease outbreaks before long
History shows stocks typically rebound from disease outbreaks before long Annie Nova@AnnieReporter Key Points Your 401(k) likely isn’t recovering from the coronavirus as quickly as you’d hoped. Looking for some consolation?...
Read MoreKeeping Up with the Joneses
Keeping Up with the Joneses Lifestyle inflation can be the enemy of wealth building. What could happen if you invested instead of buying more stuff? AddThis Share | Facebook Twitter Print Email //
Read MoreTo Catch a Thief
To Catch a Thief Many Americans have taken steps in recent years to protect their identity. However, according to one report, published in 2018, identity theft is at an all-time high, affecting an estimated 16.7 million U.S. adults. If...
Read MoreThe Pre-Retirement Checklist
The Pre-Retirement Checklist The Pre-Retirement Checklist: HOW PREPARED ARE YOU? Getting ready for retirement? Before you can cross that bridge, you’ll need to cross some important items off your to-do list. But thanks to our...
Read MoreSix Most Overlooked Tax Deductions
Six Most Overlooked Tax Deductions Who among us wants to pay the IRS more taxes than we have to? While few may raise their hands, Americans regularly overpay because they fail to take tax deductions for which they are eligible....
Read MoreSOCIAL SECURITY: THE $64,000 QUESTION
SOCIAL SECURITY: THE $64,000 QUESTION One of the most common questions people ask about Social Security is when they should start taking benefits. This is the $64,000 question. Making the right decision for you can have a meaningful...
Read MoreMonthly Market Insights | January 2020
Monthly Market Insights | January 2020 You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience. U.S. Markets Riding a wave of trade optimism and solid economic data, stocks notched solid gains in...
Read MoreYou Would Rather Be...
Do you know how much risk you’re comfortable with? Would you rather be reading or skydiving right now?
Read MoreRequired Reading: The Economic Report of the President
Required Reading: The Economic Report of the President Tip: The University of California at Santa Barbara keeps an archive of Economic Reports of the President from Harry Truman’s 1947 report to the latest edition. Source:...
Read MoreIs travel insurance warranted?
Is travel insurance warranted? It may be offered to you as you book a vacation, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you need it. Your life, auto, or health insurance may provide adequate coverage as you travel. Be sure to...
Read MoreData Thieves from Outer Space
Data Thieves from Outer Space AddThis Share | Facebook Twitter Print Email //
Read MoreThe Investment Risk No One’s Ever Heard Of
The Investment Risk No One’s Ever Heard Of Knowledgeable investors are aware that investing in the capital markets presents any number of risks—interest-rate risk, company risk, and market risk. Risk is an inseparable...
Read MoreMonthly Market Insights | December 2019
Monthly Market Insights | December 2019 You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience. U.S. Markets Stocks notched solid gains in November, thanks to solid economic data, improving trade...
Read MoreRed Flags for Tax Auditors
Red Flags for Tax Auditors No one wants to see an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) auditor show up at his or her door. The IRS can’t audit every American’s tax return, so it relies on guidelines to select the ones most...
Read More12 Year-End Money Strategies You Can’t Afford To Overlook
12 Year-End Money Strategies You Can’t Afford To Overlook Share to facebook Share to twitter Share to linkedin As year-end approaches, there’s still time to make sure you’re on track toward your important financial...
Read MoreShould You Invest in Exchange Traded Funds?
Should You Invest in Exchange Traded Funds? There are hundreds of ETFs available. Should you invest in them? AddThis Share | Facebook Twitter Print Email //
Read MoreFinancial Aid for Students 101
Financial Aid for Students 101 Preparing for college while still in high school can be difficult for even the most academically minded student. These days, you need to excel in the classroom, make sure you’re involved in...
Read MoreRightsizing for Retirement
Rightsizing for Retirement What does your home really cost? AddThis Share | Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Print //
Read MoreMonthly Market Insights | July 2019
Monthly Market Insights | July 2019 You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience. U.S. Markets The stock market rode a wave of optimism this month, thanks to continued belief in a potential...
Read MorePerception vs. Reality
Perception vs. Reality There’s an alarming difference between perception and reality for current and future retirees. AddThis Share | Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Print //
Read MoreMonthly Market Insights | June 2019
Monthly Market Insights | June 2019 You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience. US Markets Investors’ hope of an imminent trade deal with China was shattered in May, driving stocks...
Read MoreThe Power of Compound Interest
The Power of Compound Interest Learn how to harness the power of compound interest for your investments.
Read MoreIt May Be Time for a Financial Checkup
It May Be Time for a Financial Checkup It’s never a bad time to speak with your financial advisor about changes in your situation.
Read MoreEvents on Wall Street
Events on Wall Street Can successful investors predict changes in the markets? Some can but others miss the market’s signals. AddThis Share | Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Print //
Read More6 Stock Market Plunge Statistics You Need to Know
6 Stock Market Plunge Statistics You Need to Know The S&P 500 registered its 15th-biggest point decline in history on Monday, but there's absolutely no need to panic.
Read MoreStock Market Volatility
Interest rates. Trade Talks. Inflation Fears. Political Events. International Developments. During the past year, every one of these events have influenced stock prices.
Read MoreA New Way to Look at Your Bucket List
A New Way to Look at Your Bucket List That big list of dreams and goals isn't the only way to look at your bucket list.
Read MoreFrom Boats to Brokers
From Boats to Brokers From the Dutch East India Company to Wall Street, the stock market has a long and storied history.
Read MoreTax Reform: Before and After
The recently passed 2017 Tax Cuts and jobs Act brought with it the biggest tax reform in decades. Here are a few of the changes that could affect you.
Read MoreMonthly Market Insights | April 2019
Stock prices rose during the month, overcoming poor economic reports and volatility in the domestic bond market.
Read MoreIt Was the Best of Times, It Was the Worst of Times
It Was the Best of Times, It Was the Worst of Times. All about how missing the best market days (or the worst!) might affect your portfolio.
Read More16 Wall Street Cliches in 60 Seconds
16 Wall Street Cliches in 60 Seconds Pundits say a lot of things about the markets. Let's see if you can keep up.
Read MoreChoosing a Retirement Plan that Fits Your Business
Choosing a Retirement Plan that Fits Your Business One survey found that 79% of small business owners expect at least some of their retirement income to come from tax-advantaged retirement savings accounts.¹ If you have yet to...
Read MoreThe Five Basics of Financial Literacy
Understanding the ways credit and debt work for and against you are some of the first steps toward understanding personal finance. While it’s not...
Read More8 strategies crucial for building wealth
Photo by Dina Konovalov https://www.businessinsider.com/financial-planner-best-wealth-building-strategies-2019-2businessinsider.com I'm a financial planner, and my most successful clients taught me 8 strategies crucial for building...
Read MoreWhat's Your Investment IQ?
What’s Your Investment IQ? AddThis Share | Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Print // Have A Question About This Topic? Name Email Address Message Thank you! Oops! Related Content Bridging the Confidence Gap In the world of finance, the...
Read MoreBridging the Confidence Gap
Bridging the Confidence Gap In the world of finance, the effects of the "confidence gap" can be especially apparent.
Read MoreA Bucket Plan to Go with Your Bucket List
The baby boomers have re-defined everything they’ve touched, from music to marriage to parenting and, more lately, to what “old” means—60 is the new 50! Longer, healthier living, however, can put greater stress...
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