Applied Financial Planning

10/14/2026

As a small business owner, you probably end up wearing a lot of hats. But one of the most important of your many responsibilities is managing finances—it can be the difference between a thriving business and one that’s struggling.

Need some support in this area? Check out our 7 tips for keeping your business financials in check over the long run:

Running a small business involves juggling multiple responsibilities, and managing the business’s finances is one of the most crucial aspects. Proper

10/12/2026

What a ride the past four years have been. With so many seeing a recession ahead in late 2022, we were bullish. And four years later, we still think this bull may have more room to run.
But how will the upcoming midterm elections affect the market? Get our insights in the latest Market Commentary:

The S&P 500 hit a new closing high Tuesday last week, its first new high since August 13. A new high confirms we’re still in a bull market and this

10/09/2026

Retirement can be exciting. But it can also bring a lot of uncertainty.

The good news? Thoughtful planning can help you feel more confident about what comes next.
Avoiding these common retirement planning mistakes can help you start the next chapter on the right foot:

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

10/07/2026

Now is a good time to take a closer look at your financial picture, including your tax situation.
You may still find opportunities to make strategic moves that could help reduce your tax burden today and support your long-term financial goals.

Check out 10 year-end tax planning strategies we think you should consider:

October is here. As the year draws to a close, it’s crucial to review your tax situation and take advantage of any tax and estate planning strategies that

10/05/2026

The latest economic data is giving investors a mixed picture. The labor market remains solid, which is encouraging for the economy and markets. At the same time, inflation is proving to be persistent.

What does it mean for investors? Our latest market commentary breaks down what’s happening with jobs, inflation, rate hikes, and the markets:

Stocks bounced to close the week, with the Nasdaq jumping 1.2% on Friday and finishing the week up 0.5%. It wasn't a clean sweep. The S&P 500 slipped

10/02/2026

A low monthly premium can look appealing when you’re comparing Medicare plans. But it’s only one piece of the decision.

The doctors you want to keep seeing, the prescriptions you take, and even where you spend your time can all affect which coverage works better for you.

Here are a few things worth looking at before you choose: https://ow.ly/JLw550ZSra9

09/30/2026

Medicare timing can sneak up on you.

Your initial enrollment period usually starts three months before the month you turn 65 and continues for three months after. But things like employer coverage can change when you need to sign up.

A little planning now can help you understand which window applies to you:

Your plan shouldn't look the same when you’re 55 as it did when you were 35, and part of that is because you have ever-changing goals. So how do you know when it’s time to adjust your financial plan?

09/28/2026

Treasury yields shot higher last week. Stocks basically shrugged.

The S&P 500 gained, the Nasdaq hit new highs, and the economic data still looked pretty solid. Consumers are spending, layoffs remain low, and earnings have held up even as inflation and interest rates stay elevated.

Higher yields still matter. But so far, they haven’t been enough to knock stocks off course.

More on what’s holding up and what could change the picture:

The bears had their shot last week, as Treasury yields soared—and at a bad time, too, as the third week of September is historically one of the worst

09/23/2026

The plan with the lowest monthly premium isn’t always the one that saves you the most money.

A plan might look great on paper, but once you add in your doctors, prescriptions, and what you’ll actually pay out of pocket, the numbers can shift fast.

That’s why open enrollment is about more than just comparing monthly premiums.

See five things to look at before choosing your coverage for the year ahead:

Navigating Medicare can be a daunting task, especially with the numerous plans and options available. However, choosing the right Medicare plan is

09/14/2026

Oil may be getting most of the attention, but the inflation story is broader than energy.

Prices are still rising across everyday services, while manufacturers are also dealing with higher costs for things like electronics, steel, and semiconductors.

That broader pressure is one reason Carson’s Investment Research team is taking another look at what the Fed may do next.

See what’s changing in the inflation picture and why it could matter for rates:

Stocks fell again last week as some early September weakness played out, though not before a nice bounce on Friday to end the week. It was a news-heavy