Eight Interesting Things to Know About the Election

“It’s tough to make predictions, especially about the future.” Yogi Berra, Yankee great and Hall of Fame catcher.

Facts Vs Feelings Take 5 – We Have a New President

This week on Take 5, Ryan Detrick, Chief Market Strategist at Carson Group, and Sonu Varghese, VP, Global Macro Strategist at Carson Group, explore the post-election market outlook. They note that the election results bring stability, a positive factor for markets. Key points include expect …

Market Commentary: Seasonal Tailwinds Ahead, but First an Election

Get Ready for the Election Did you hear there’s an election tomorrow? Yes, we are finally there. As we discussed in detail last week, while of course the election matters, historically who is in the White House hasn’t mattered as much to investors as you might think. If the economy remains …

Your Money

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3 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

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 any key deadlines.

Your Retirement

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Long-Term Care

Our goal is to make your life easier. Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia can be highly stressful for caregivers and family members. Providing answers on how to financially prepare for these conditions is one way we can help. Read this guide for tips on how to prepare for th …

5 Reasons to Think About Long-Term Care Planning Today

I once received an email from a family friend about long-term care insurance. He was frustrated over a premium increase – which wasn’t the first rate hike – yet, he was still thankful for the policy. Despite the rising cost, he knew the importance of long-term care insurance in helping prot …

5 Financial Considerations for Americans Thinking About Retiring Abroad

What do you think about when someone mentions the Cayman Islands? Do you think of the pristine white sandy beaches? The clear blue water? Fresh seafood? Snorkeling? While these may be on the top of most people’s mind, some may even consider it a great place to retire. 

Medicare and Managing Health Care Costs in Retirement

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

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Pirates & Parrots & Legacy

The other day in our van, my wife turned on a new Zac Brown song for me to listen to. It wound up with us also listening to his “Pirates and Parrots” song. Now, I didn’t know going in what the song was about, but it didn’t take me very long to work it out.

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 …

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 …

A Guide to Gifting to Your Heirs

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

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Turning Away from Pessimism

I heard the song, Good News Sold, by Jordan Davis, as I was playing in the yard with my two daughters, and it got me thinking about the news and what we all hear broadcast to us daily. If you turn on your TV, social media or radio I can almost guarantee you’ll hear some …

Retirement 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 …

When Shifting Goals Mean Shifting Plans

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

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Eight Interesting Things to Know About the Election

“It’s tough to make predictions, especially about the future.” Yogi Berra, Yankee great and Hall of Fame catcher.

Facts Vs Feelings Take 5 – We Have a New President

This week on Take 5, Ryan Detrick, Chief Market Strategist at Carson Group, and Sonu Varghese, VP, Global Macro Strategist at Carson Group, explore the post-election market outlook. They note that the election results bring stability, a positive factor for markets. Key points include expect …

Market Commentary: Seasonal Tailwinds Ahead, but First an Election

Get Ready for the Election Did you hear there’s an election tomorrow? Yes, we are finally there. As we discussed in detail last week, while of course the election matters, historically who is in the White House hasn’t mattered as much to investors as you might think. If the economy remains …

2023 Market Outlook Report

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

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Life 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

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

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Gertsema 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.