Haley Wainio, CFP

09/25/2026

Big deficits usually show up when the economy is struggling.

That’s what makes the current setup so unusual.

We’re more than five years into an economic expansion, inflation is still elevated, and the federal deficit has already reached about $1.8 trillion with two months left in the fiscal year.

Add in the massive capital needs of the AI buildout, and there’s a lot of competition for money.

See why that combination is putting more pressure on the cost of capital: https://bit.ly/4h4GIaD

Explore surging fiscal deficits, rising Treasury yields, inflation, AI investment, and why mounting government debt is pressuring markets.

09/23/2026

The Medicare plan you chose last year might not be the perfect fit anymore.

Maybe your prescriptions have changed, or a doctor you like is now out of network. Even the costs and benefits could be different this time around.

Open enrollment is your chance to double-check those details before just letting your plan renew automatically.

Here are five things to review before deciding what to keep or change: https://bit.ly/3ToOoYQ

Medicare open enrollment begins October 15. Check out our five tips for helping you get the right coverage for next year.

09/21/2026

The Fed and the bond market are looking at the same economy and pricing in very different paths for rates.

Fed officials project a 4.1% policy rate at the end of this year and no additional hikes in 2027.

Markets are pricing something higher, with rates above 4.6% in 2027 and a higher longer-run path than the Fed projects.

That gap matters because it shows how differently the two are reading inflation and how much tightening may still be needed.

See why markets appear more skeptical than the Fed: https://bit.ly/4yLhofz

09/19/2026

You may never feel completely ready to send your child off to college.

But financially, you can get a better idea of where you stand.

Whether college is around the corner or still years away, this quick quiz can help you get a sense of how prepared you are for future college expenses.

Answer 9 questions and get access to the College Expenses Checklist when you finish: https://bit.ly/3noZ50Y

09/18/2026

A retirement budget can look great on paper and still fall apart once you’re actually living it.

More time at home can mean higher utilities. More free time can turn into more dinners out, projects, or trips. Those little extras can add up faster than expected.

See the tips that can help you build a retirement spending plan around what life may really cost:

Learn how to create a realistic retirement spending plan, avoid lifestyle creep, and test your budget before retirement begins.

09/16/2026

Retirement may mean fewer meetings and more free time, but taxes don’t exactly retire when you do.

Social Security, RMDs, Medicare premiums, investments and even where you live can all affect what you owe.

Here are 8 tax-planning considerations to think about before retirement gets here:

Discover 8 tax planning strategies for retirement, from RMDs and Social Security to Roth conversions, healthcare costs, and estate planning.

09/14/2026

Oil may be getting most of the attention, but inflation pressures are showing up in more places.

Everyday services are still getting more expensive, while manufacturers are also seeing higher costs for things like electronics, steel, and semiconductors.

That broader pressure is one reason Carson’s Investment Research team is rethinking what the Fed may do next.

See what’s changing in the inflation picture and why it matters for rates: https://bit.ly/3SXUPFr

09/12/2026

Roth IRA or traditional IRA?

It sounds like a pretty simple choice until you start looking at the contribution rules.

Your age and current limits can affect where you’re eligible to contribute, and the answer may involve more than one type of IRA contribution.

Use the calculator to see what options may be available to your household: https://bit.ly/3DSygqB

09/10/2026

Retirement probably won’t look the same from beginning to end.

The early years may be filled with travel, hobbies, and more time with family. Later on, the pace may slow and healthcare or extra support may become a bigger part of the picture.

Thinking about those different stages now can help you plan for more than just the first few years.

See how the “go-go, slow-go, and no-go” years may shape your retirement plans:

Retirement is about more than finances—it’s a life transition. Learn how to prepare financially and personally for a fulfilling next chapter.

09/09/2026

Maybe you already have a 529 for your child or grandchild, and you’re wondering where a Trump Account fits.

They’re built for different goals. A 529 is centered on education, while a Trump Account starts as an investment account for a child and later transitions into a traditional IRA.

See how the two differ and how each may support your child’s future: https://bit.ly/44NivP8

As retirement gets closer, you should start thinking about retirement income. Make sure your plan helps you avoid these common mistakes.