Tax Planning for Executive Compensation
Tax planning for executive compensation doesn’t have to be confusing. Watch our webinar: Tax Planning for Executive Compensation with Carson’s Director, Tax Planning Mike Valenti and Wealth Planner Michael Gruidel, now available on-demand.
11 Things to Know About the Debt Ceiling
One of the top questions we’re receiving lately has to do with the impending debt ceiling drama and what it could all mean. Here are some common questions and answers regarding this excitement out of Washington.
Executive Compensation Plans: Common Elements
Executive compensation plans can be used to attract, retain and reward high value employees. We’ve put together helpful information to know if you’re ever offered one of these plans through your employer. Download the checklist today to get started.
Your Money
MoreTax Planning for Executive Compensation
Tax planning for executive compensation doesn’t have to be confusing. Watch our webinar: Tax Planning for Executive Compensation with Carson’s Director, Tax Planning Mike Valenti and Wealth Planner Michael Gruidel, now available on-demand.
Stock Options, Explained: Incentive Stock Options vs. Non-Qualified Stock Options
Companies may grant employees stock options as a form of noncash compensation. This allows the employees to purchase shares of the employer’s stock at a given price after a predetermined period of time has passed. The intent of stock option compensation is to align the interests of the empl …
6 Tips to Create a Healthier Relationship With Money
Does the word “sale” send you running to your wallet? How many half-priced clothes hang in your closet with the tag still on? How many uncomfortable shoes did you buy solely because they were on sale? When thinking about money, do you feel stressed? Tense? Controlling? Confused? Like you ha …

2023 Calendar: Key Tasks & Financial Dates
Tackle 2023 with this month-by-month financial task list. We’ve also included important dates so you won’t miss key deadlines.
Your Business
MoreExecutive Compensation Plans: Common Elements
Executive compensation plans can be used to attract, retain and reward high value employees. We’ve put together helpful information to know if you’re ever offered one of these plans through your employer. Download the checklist today to get started.
Culture From the Top Down: Executive Compensation Plans Explained
By Craig Lemoine, Ph.D., CFP®, Director of Consumer Investment Research At their most basic level, executive compensation plans are designed to attract, retain and motivate top talent and leadership. But truly successful plans are designed to be much more than providing a high salary to a k …
Breaking Down the Basics of ISOs
Companies have several tools they can deploy in order to retain top talent, and one that is gaining traction is incentive stock options, or ISOs. Much like non-qualified stock options (NSOs), ISOs are a form of equity compensation in private or public companies.

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
More4 Hurdles in Retirement Beyond Your Investment Portfolio
Becoming hyper-focused on only one aspect of a problem is pretty much never a good approach. A racecar driver who only focuses on speed and ignores strategy won’t win races, at least not many of them. A carpenter who only hammers in nails won’t build strong structures.
Next Level Retirement Planning
Level up your retirement plans! Watch out webinar: Next Level Retirement with Carson’s Senior Wealth Planner Tom Fridrich and Wealth Planner Michael Gruidel, now available on demand.
Can I Afford to Retire Early?
Wondering if the time is right to clock out once and for all? While the idea can seem tempting, you don’t want to be hasty. After all, getting back in the game is a lot harder than just staying in … and you don’t want to wind up drastically curtailing your lifestyle to avo …

7 Important Retirement Savings Topics for 2023
See the topics that are important to keep in mind as you navigate the various individual and employer-sponsored plans that may be available to you.
Your Legacy
MoreFinancial Literacy Guide
The basics of financial literacy – such as budgeting, borrowing and saving – can be difficult to teach to kids, but the rewards of a child heading into adulthood with a solid understanding of financial literacy are numerous. Download the checklist today to get started.
Teaching Your Kids About Money
Teaching your kids about money early will serve them long into adulthood. Watch our webinar: Teaching Your Kids About Money with Carson’s Senior Vice President, Financial Planning and Advanced Solutions Erin Wood and Vice President, NextGen & Advisor Development Programs Julie Ragatz, …
Charitable Giving Strategies in a High-Income Year
Tom Fridrich, JD, CLUⓇ, ChFCⓇ, Senior Wealth Planner The end of the year offers an ideal opportunity to look both forward and back — reflecting on recent achievements, while setting goals for the upcoming months. For many of my clients, it’s also a time to review their finances and i …

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
MoreInvesting in Your Child’s Financial Future: Helping Kids Develop Strong Money Management Skills
Gaining financial literacy at a young age is a vital key to finding financial freedom later in life. Give your kids the lessons they need now to make better decisions about money in the future.
Financial Resolutions to Take Into the New Year
Tom Fridrich, JD, CLU, ChFC®, Senior Wealth Planner Thinking about making some New Year’s resolutions? Add financial wellbeing to your list. It’s a terrific time to identify goals and opportunities that may put you in a better financial position — not only in the upcoming year, …
Where is the Money Tree? How to Teach Kids About Money, Credit Cards, Saving, Investing, Venmo and More
Craig Lemoine, Director of Consumer Investment Research Ask kids what they think money is, and you get some interesting responses. Over the last month, I asked my friends, family and neighbors if I could pose a question to their children about money. Their answers covered it all …

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
More11 Things to Know About the Debt Ceiling
One of the top questions we’re receiving lately has to do with the impending debt ceiling drama and what it could all mean. Here are some common questions and answers regarding this excitement out of Washington.
Market Commentary: Stocks Keep Chugging Along
Surprisingly, stocks continue to trend higher in the face of a constant barrage of negative news in the media. As we explain more below, the economy is presenting many positive signs that suggest a recession is unlikely, and stocks likely are sniffing this out. In fact, last Thursday the S& …
Market Commentary: Hanging Tough
Stocks fell for the second consecutive week, but the losses were quite manageable. In the face of banking and economic concerns, stocks are holding the line. Stocks tend to lead the economy, so just because the economic headlines are poor now doesn’t mean they will be in the future. Stocks …

2023 Market Outlook Report
Just because 2022 was a poor year for stocks and bonds doesn’t mean the same will be true for 2023. See why the Carson Research team believes there are reasons to be optimistic in 2023.
In the News
MoreCOVID’s Financial Toll Isn’t What You Think
By Erin Wood, Senior Vice President, Financial Planning and Advanced Solutions Just a few years ago, Rose retired with a decent-sized 401(k). With some careful budgeting and a part-time job, her retirement finances were on track. Rose was looking forward to traveling, reigniting her passion …
Emerging Financially Healthy After a Gray Divorce
By: Erin Wood, CFP®, CRPC®, FBS®, Senior Vice President, Financial Planning, Carson Group Laura and Caroline are in their late 50s. Friends since meeting at a playgroup for their toddlers, both were in long-term, seemingly happy marriages.
3 Roth Conversion Traps To Avoid After The SECURE Act
Roth conversions can be a powerful tax and retirement planning technique. The idea behind most Roth conversions is to take money from an IRA and convert it to a Roth IRA. Essentially, you’re paying taxes today instead of paying taxes in the future.