Forced Into Retirement

In this episode, Grant and Bill discuss one TV personality’s fears that could be in her future, tips on handling a big win, and the value of shopping around.

We Will Spend Some Time Investing in Gold

In this episode, Grant and Bill discuss investing in gold, settling disagreements on who is getting what, and cryptocurrency, how to pass it on to your beneficiaries.

Best of Episode

This is a best of from The Retirement Blueprint.

Your Money

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Your Social Security Game Plan

Have you given much thought to your strategy for Social Security benefits? It’s good to have a plan in place to help you make the most of this program. But you may have questions.

Do I Need Life Insurance? How to Choose Life Insurance Coverage and When to Reassess Your Needs

Just because we express a desire to do something, doesn’t mean we’ll do it. Insurance is a great example of this. A recent study on life insurance statistics showed that 42% of Americans report feeling that they need more life insurance coverage.* At the same time, the percentage of familie …

Health Savings Account (HSA) Worksheet

Did you know you can utilize a health savings account (HSA) to invest for your future? HSAs have many tax benefits, including tad-deductible contributions and tax-deferred growth. But is one right for you? This worksheet will help you determine if you qualify, as well as identify common mis …

2025 Calendar: Key Tasks & Financial Dates

2025 Calendar: Key Tasks & Financial Dates

Tackle 2025 with this month-by-month financial task list. We’ve also included important dates so you won’t miss any key deadlines.

Your Business

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3 Things All Valuable Businesses Have

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 …

Is Your Business Worth as Much as You Think?

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? …

4 Unforeseen Third-Party Sales Challenges for Small Business Owners

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 …

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.

Your Retirement

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Forced Into Retirement

In this episode, Grant and Bill discuss one TV personality’s fears that could be in her future, tips on handling a big win, and the value of shopping around.

We Will Spend Some Time Investing in Gold

In this episode, Grant and Bill discuss investing in gold, settling disagreements on who is getting what, and cryptocurrency, how to pass it on to your beneficiaries.

Best of Episode

This is a best of from The Retirement Blueprint.

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 Legacy

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How Can I Donate in the Most Efficient Way Possible?

There are countless ways to give—from dropping off your old couch at local donation center to volunteering at the local soup kitchen. When it comes to monetary gifts, it’s worth thinking through how to give in a way that both supports your values and helps maximize tax savings.

How Estate and Gift Taxes Can Impact Your Financial Plan

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 …

Why You Might Need a Power of Attorney

Have you thought about your legacy? We highly recommend that you appoint a trusted family member or friend as your power of attorney (POA), giving them the ability to help with your financial or health needs, should an unfortunate event occur in your life.

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 Freedom

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Compounding Wealth (and Wisdom): The Power of Compound Interest

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.

How to Make Charitable Giving Part of Your Financial Plan

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.

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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Market Commentary: The Case for Stocks in 2026 Is Building

The S&P 500 fell 1.6% last week, and volatility ramped up over fears that AI stocks are in a bubble and valuations overall are stretched. The good news is we continue to think earnings are justifying this bull market. But pockets of technology could be a tad frothy, and a pause and a bi …

Could You Benefit from a Financial Advisor? 20 Key Questions

One of the most important myths when it comes to the value of a financial advisor is that the value lies primarily in searching for individual securities that provide better returns. But even when it comes just to portfolio returns (ignoring all the other ways a financial advisor helps clie …

Facts vs Feelings Take 5 – Don’t Stop Believin’

Welcome back to Carson’s Take Five with Ryan Detrick, Chief Market Strategist, and Sonu Varghese, VP, Global Macro Strategist! Live from the New York Stock Exchange, Ryan shares his on-the-ground perspective while Sonu joins remotely to discuss what’s driving today’s market momentum. Togeth …

Midyear Market Outlook 2025

Midyear Market Outlook 2025

The economy has weathered volatility and uncertainty to start 2025, with the ongoing bull market continuing its run and the labor market staying strong. But plenty of headwinds remain as we head into the second half of the year.

In the News

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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.

10 Common Estate Planning Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

Estate planning and end of life planning are about taking control of your situation. Death and long-term care later in life might be hard to fathom right now, but we can’t put off planning out of fear of the unknown or because it’s unpleasant. Don’t wait for life to happen to you, though.

4 Ways To Improve Your Estate Plan

Most people want to plan for a good life and a good retirement, so why not plan for a good end of life, too? Let’s look at four ways you can refine your estate plan, protect your assets and create a level of control and certainty for your loved ones.