Insights

What a first half it’s been. We had a war, an oil spike, a 9% pullback, a furious rally, a bull market that keeps getting called old, and an AI trade that keeps getting even more interesting (and confusing). But despite all the noise, the S&P 500 still powered to a 10.2% gain in the …

This question of the quarter is more niche than usual, but it’s mainly because retirement communities have been the hottest topic among our clients all year. Many of our clients are approaching the phase of life where they are considering: “What’s next?” “Am I ready to have less house?” “Ca …

When my siblings and I were growing up, Kansas and vacation were synonymous; Kansas was also associated with summer, Thanksgiving, and the swimming pool. Kansas was magic. We would pile into the mini-van with GameBoys, McDonald’s hashbrowns in hand, and a spirit ready for the 8 hours of sun …

My oldest son, Story, turns 5 this month (I can barely write this out, as I’m in denial), and he’s starting to understand the concept of money more and more. My husband and I have been toying with the idea of when to start giving him an allowance and getting him some practice with money. …

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 …

You’re about to approach one of the biggest milestones in your lifetime: retirement. For many retirees, this is a momentous event that gives you much needed time for family, relaxation, and hobbies. For others, this may create apprehension and fear. But it doesn’t have to be that way. With …

Qualified retirement plans—such as traditional 401(k)s, 403(b)s and IRAs—can help offer clear tax advantages. They offer a tax deferral on contributions and growth until distribution. And while this is beneficial for many, certain rules are in place to help prevent individuals from taking a …

Many retirees find that even carefully planned budgets don’t hold up once the structure of a regular work schedule disappears. Spending can creep up in unexpected ways, and despite detailed worksheets and diligent tracking, it’s easy to exceed monthly limits. What looks solid on paper can o …

Are you one of the many Americans who don’t have an estate plan? No matter how few or how many assets you have, an estate plan can help you preserve your legacy and provide clarity to your surviving family.   If you’re not sure where to begin, our estate planning checklist can help you get  …

You’re in a good position in your life. You’ve built up your wealth, perhaps from a successful business or working in corporate America. You might feel it’s time to start winding down and considering whether to transfer some of those assets to the next generation. The question then becomes  …

While it can be easy for people to back-burner estate planning due to busy schedules or thinking they have plenty of time to get around to it, doing so can result in property and financial assets passing to unintended heirs in unintentional ways. Without the proper planning, your heirs coul …

Over the next two decades, more than $51 trillion is expected to transfer to women as surviving spouses, making this one of the most significant wealth shifts in history. Yet many women tell us their biggest financial concern isn’t investing—it’s paying too much in taxes.  This webinar is d …

How often do you see a funky email that makes you stop in your tracks and question if it is legitimate? For me, it’s almost every single day. Going through my emails there are loads of “you won a free iPhone 15 Pro!” or “click this link to pay your toll bill” or plenty of …

Wealth Advisor Alana Macy shares essential tips to protect yourself from scams and identity theft. Learn key facts, warning signs, common scams, and practical steps to prevent and address identity theft.

What a first half it’s been. We had a war, an oil spike, a 9% pullback, a furious rally, a bull market that keeps getting called old, and an AI trade that keeps getting even more interesting (and confusing). But despite all the noise, the S&P 500 still powered to a 10.2% gain in the …

In this midyear edition of The Glass Half Full, Ryan Detrick, Chief Market Strategist at Carson Group, and Sonu Varghese, Chief Macro Strategist at Carson Group, look back at what caught them off guard in the first half of 2026, before next week’s official second-half outlook. They st …

Well, that’s a wrap on the first half of 2026. After all the handwringing this spring over the Middle East, oil prices, and the Fed, the S&P 500 closed the first six months up 9.6% (excluding dividends), and it did it in style. The index’s second-quarter gain of 14.9% was the best Q2 in …