Election Surprise Is Something New, Not 1968 Redux
President Joe Biden withdrew from the 2024 presidential race and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee, although the endorsement does not necessarily mean she will win the nomination. The change in the Democratic ticket does not change our fundamental view of the e …
Facts Vs Feelings Take 5 – Is Chaos Normal?
There’s been a lot of big political changes and a historic IT disruption over the last week. Is this chaos normal? Carson Group’s Chief Market Strategist Ryan Detrick and VP, Global Macro Strategist Sonu Varghese share their insights. Highlights include: The markets and economy hav …
Leaving a Legacy
My Grandma Ann came from dirt floors and 13 brothers and sisters. She left high school to work and help support her family after her father died at the age of 40. Later, she put herself through business school to become a secretary and from there, built a life with my grandfather along with …
Your Money
More3 Methods to Not Run Out of Money
What’s the #1 fear in retirement? Running out of money. Get our step-by-step guide to help ensure your assets last a lifetime. Download Guide
If Inflation has come down from its peak, why doesn’t it feel like it has?
On paper, inflation has lowered over the past two years, but go to the grocery store, fill up your car with gas or go out to eat and I highly doubt you’ll find anyone ecstatic about how inflation has “cooled”.
4 Pitfalls of Not Having a Financial Plan
There are some things in life you just can’t plan for: an unexpected illness, job loss, death of spouse, disability. And while experiencing one of these major events can drastically impact your life, having an effective financial plan can help ensure that it doesn’t ruin your financial well-being.
2024 Calendar: Key Tasks & Financial Dates
Tackle 2024 with this month-by-month financial task list. We’ve also included important dates so you won’t miss key deadlines.
Your Retirement
More“It Must Be Nice”
I remember sitting in the seats of Arrowhead Stadium on an unseasonably warm day on January 11, 2004. The 13-3 Kansas City Chiefs were the number two seed on a path of destiny to take on the number one seed New England Patriots for the AFC Championship. This was our year! We would avenge th …
Scared of Running Out of Money in Retirement? Here’s How to Avoid It
There are currently about half a million centenarians in the world. The U.S. leads the world in sheer number of centenarians, according to available data. People are living longer than ever, and this plays a significant role in how you plan for your retirement.
The Roth IRA Conversion: Why & How to Use This Strategy in Your Retirement Planning
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, particularly for individuals seeking tax diversification, potential long-te …
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 Estate
MoreLeaving a Legacy
My Grandma Ann came from dirt floors and 13 brothers and sisters. She left high school to work and help support her family after her father died at the age of 40. Later, she put herself through business school to become a secretary and from there, built a life with my grandfather along with …
Choosing the Right Trustee for Your Estate Plan
One of the most important decisions you’ll make when designing your estate plan is who to name in the various fiduciary roles: trustee, personal representative, executor and agent. While a critical decision, it’s often given significantly less thought than the distribution of your assets. B …
Revocable Living Trusts as part of an Estate Plan
Our latest webinar, Revocable Living Trusts as part of an Estate Plan with Carson Group’s Director, Trust Services Scott Berryman and Manager & Sr. Wealth Planner Tom Fridrich is now available for viewing on-demand.
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 Terms
MoreRetirement and Vacation: Both Need Careful Planning
By Nick Gertsema, CFP®, ChFC®, RICP®. AIF®, CEO & Wealth Advisor There’s so much that goes into taking a vacation, especially when traveling with kids. Choose the destination. Shop around to find the best hotel, AirBnB, or cruise line. Examine the calendar to choose dates that don’t in …
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 …
Financial Planning: It’s About Time
Nicholas Gertsema, Chief Executive Officer/Wealth Advisor Picture this: it was my son’s 15th birthday, and I wanted to do something special, something that would truly resonate with him. And what better way to do that than with music? My son had caught a bit of my country music bug, a …
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
MoreElection Surprise Is Something New, Not 1968 Redux
President Joe Biden withdrew from the 2024 presidential race and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee, although the endorsement does not necessarily mean she will win the nomination. The change in the Democratic ticket does not change our fundamental view of the e …
Facts Vs Feelings Take 5 – Is Chaos Normal?
There’s been a lot of big political changes and a historic IT disruption over the last week. Is this chaos normal? Carson Group’s Chief Market Strategist Ryan Detrick and VP, Global Macro Strategist Sonu Varghese share their insights. Highlights include: The markets and economy hav …
Market Commentary: Small Caps Finding Support and Three Important Manufacturing Trends
President Biden Withdraws from Presidential Race
2023 Market Outlook Report
Will the bull market continue in 2024? What about a recession? What will the Fed do? We take a deep dive into our outlook for 2024 in Carson Investment Research’s Outlook ‘24: Seeing Eye to Eye.
Your Business
MoreLife Insurance Strategies for Business Owners
Owning a business can be like parenting. You’ve likely experienced many sleepless nights and spent a countless amount of energy on your “baby.” Like parenting, being a business owner can be an enriching journey and make life worth the trip.
From Tax Efficiency to Retirement: Financial Planning for Small Business Owners
Financial planning for a small business gets more complicated every day. Business owners must navigate tax efficiency (and life under the new Tax Cuts and Jobs Act), retirement preparations for yourself and your employees, and succession planning. Get your financial plan in place today and …
8 Financial Planning Tips for Small Business Owners
Running a small business involves juggling multiple responsibilities. Managing the business’s finances is one of the most crucial aspects. Proper financial management can be the difference between a thriving business and one that struggles to stay afloat. Here are eight essential financial …
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.
In the News
MoreGertsema Team: 2024 Excellence Awardee
The Gertsema Wealth Advisors team has reason to celebrate as they were recently honored as an InvestmentNews RIA Team of the Year Excellence Awardee.
Nick Gertsema: Best-In-State Ranking
Our CEO and Wealth Advisor Nick Gertsema, CFP®, ChFC®, RICP®, AIF® was recently named among the 2024 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors for Missouri. This is a prestigious distinction, and not one that many wealth advisors receive. Only those advisors with a history of providing high qua …
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.