Insights

Welcome back to Carson’s Take Five with Ryan Detrick, Chief Market Strategist, and Sonu Varghese, VP, Global Macro Strategist. This week, the duo leans into the spooky season to ask whether there are “monsters under the bed” for investors. Despite market worries and talk of volatility, Ryan …

Earnings announcements are one of the most significant events in investing, often causing sharp moves in stock prices and influencing broader market trends every quarter. At their core, earnings reports reveal how much money a company made, what it expects to make in the future, whether it …

Arizona offers several state tax credits for 2025, and we want to ensure everyone is aware of the opportunities available.  Charitable Tax Credits: QCOs and QCFOs For tax year 2025:  Qualified Charitable Organization (QCO):  Up to $495 for single, head of household, or married filing separa …

The September Effect describes how the stock market tends to slump each September—investors and pros have noticed that September is usually the worst month for stocks, with bigger drops than other times of the year. But this year, things might get interesting thanks to some fresh signals fr …

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 …

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? …

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 …

Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) can be a powerful tool for clients aged 701/2 and older who are interested in optimizing charitable giving while also improving their tax situation. When used correctly, a QCD allows IRA owners to directly transfer up to $105,000 (2024limit) per yea …

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 …

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 …

Estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy—it’s for everyone who cares about passing along what they have, no matter the amount, in the smoothest, clearest way possible. The ultimate goal isn’t about the size of an estate, but about leaving a legacy with less cost, confusion, and heartache …

None of us like to think about the end of our lives, but planning ahead is one of the most meaningful gifts we can leave behind. When we pass, our loved ones are often left not only with grief but also with the overwhelming task of sorting through our affairs. By organizing our personal, fi …

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 …

Financial freedom is more than just a buzzword—it is the ability to live life on your own terms, free from constant financial stress. If you dream of an early retirement, world travel, or simply want confidence about your future, pursuing financial freedom is possible with the right mindset …

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.

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.

Welcome back to Carson’s Take Five with Ryan Detrick, Chief Market Strategist, and Sonu Varghese, VP, Global Macro Strategist. This week, the duo leans into the spooky season to ask whether there are “monsters under the bed” for investors. Despite market worries and talk of volatility, Ryan …

The S&P 500 gained 1.7% last week, alternating between up and down days. The index is still a little more than 2% of all-time highs in the spooky month of October (more on that below). We wouldn’t be surprised to see more volatility, but we still think the environment is supportive. Wit …

Welcome back to Carson’s Take Five with Ryan Detrick, Chief Market Strategist, and Sonu Varghese, VP, Global Macro Strategist! In this episode, Ryan and Sonu break down the latest escalation in trade tensions between the U.S. and China and what it means for markets, inflation, and investors …