Facts vs Feelings Take 5 – Back to December
In the latest Take 5, Ryan Detrick, Chief Market Strategist, and Sonu Varghese, VP, Global Macro Strategist, discuss the strong market momentum heading into December, why investor sentiment may be more cautious than market performance suggests, and how profit strength continues to support t …
Proactive Tax Planning Starts with Goals
Tax planning can be key to helping you achieve your financial goals. But it can’t happen in isolation. I believe the smartest approach is to align your tax strategy with your overall financial objectives—whether you’re aiming for early retirement, building a legacy for your fami …
Market Commentary: End-of-Week Rally Gets S&P 500 Back to Flat in November
November is now behind us, and we hope everyone had a chance to enjoy Thanksgiving with family and friends. As for the markets, we went from hearing it was the worst November for stocks since the Great Financial Crisis in 2008 to hearing it was the best Thanksgiving week for stocks since 20 …
Your Money
MoreProactive Tax Planning Starts with Goals
Tax planning can be key to helping you achieve your financial goals. But it can’t happen in isolation. I believe the smartest approach is to align your tax strategy with your overall financial objectives—whether you’re aiming for early retirement, building a legacy for your fami …
PA Living Costs: What to Know Before You Retire
If you’re approaching retirement and call Pennsylvania home, or are considering it, chances are you’ve been keeping an eye on the rising cost of living. Maybe you’ve even Googled questions like “Is Pennsylvania affordable to retire in?” or “How much do I need to live comfortably here?”
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.

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
More3 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
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
MoreHow Much Will Healthcare Cost in Retirement?
When saving for retirement, we often dream about all the things we’ll be able to do with that money—traveling, going out to eat, maybe trying new hobbies. But the reality is that there are also everyday household expenses that you should account for in your post-retirement budget. Less fun …
Which Medicare Plan Is Best for You?
Choosing the right Medicare plan is one of the most important decisions seniors face. It’s also one of the most difficult. The healthcare system isn’t user-friendly to begin with. Stack all the Medicare options on top of that, and you’ve got yourself a challenge. That’s why it’s a good id …
Maximizing Medicare: A Strategic Approach to Healthcare in Retirement
Have you thought about how much your healthcare will cost in retirement? Many people underestimate what they’ll need, and that can be an unwelcome reality check once you’re in retirement. According to recent findings, a 65-year-old individual retiring in 2025 will most likely spend an avera …

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
MoreIs a Donor-Advised Fund for Charitable Giving a Good Fit?
A donor-advised fund (DAF) is a charitable giving account that can play a valuable role in a charitable giving strategy—popular for its tax efficiency, flexibility, and simplicity. This resource can help you determine if a DAF could be worth considering as a useful addition to your overall …
Charitable Giving Strategies in a High-Income Year
The end of the year offers an ideal opportunity to look both forward and backward—reflecting on recent achievements while setting goals for the upcoming months. For many people, it’s also a time to review their finances and identify charitable moves that can help lower their tax bill. If y …
Including Charitable Giving in Your Financial Planning
If you’re interested in making a lasting impact for the causes that matter most to you, you may want to include charitable giving in your financial plan. In this on-demand webinar, Carson’s Heather Zack, Private Client Services – Solutions Strategist, will share information about charitable …

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
MoreEnjoying Vacations Without Compromising Your Financial Goals
Vacations offer something priceless: time to relax, connect with loved ones, and make lasting memories. But for many people, the question lingers—Can I really afford to take this trip without disrupting my long-term financial goals? The good news? With thoughtful planning, it’s entirely pos …
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.

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
MoreFacts vs Feelings Take 5 – Back to December
In the latest Take 5, Ryan Detrick, Chief Market Strategist, and Sonu Varghese, VP, Global Macro Strategist, discuss the strong market momentum heading into December, why investor sentiment may be more cautious than market performance suggests, and how profit strength continues to support t …
Market Commentary: End-of-Week Rally Gets S&P 500 Back to Flat in November
November is now behind us, and we hope everyone had a chance to enjoy Thanksgiving with family and friends. As for the markets, we went from hearing it was the worst November for stocks since the Great Financial Crisis in 2008 to hearing it was the best Thanksgiving week for stocks since 20 …
Facts vs Feelings Take 5 – Reasons to Be Thankful
In the latest episode of Carson’s Take 5, Ryan Detrick, Chief Market Strategist, guest host Barry Gilbert, VP, Asset Allocation Strategist, reflect on the many reasons investors can be thankful this year — from strong corporate earnings to broad market resilience across asset classes. They …

2025 Market Outlook Report
The economy had a big year in 2024, avoiding a recession while posting strong job numbers and a soaring stock market. But the new year brings new concerns. What impact could we see from tariffs? How long do we think this bull market will continue? What will the Fed do in 2025?
In the News
More2025 Market Volatility Email to Clients
As we all continue to monitor the recent market volatility stemming from newly implemented tariffs, we know how unsettling this type of news can feel. These moments of uncertainty are never easy—but they are not unfamiliar. As we proudly celebrate FIP’s 30th anniversary this year, we’re rem …
Celebrating 30 Years of Financial Independence Planning: A Personal Reflection from Harry Keller
As I sit down to write this, I’m filled with a deep sense of pride and gratitude, reflecting on the 30-year journey of Financial Independence Planning (FIP). What began as a simple vision—helping people achieve financial freedom—has grown into a vibrant, thriving community that feels more l …
Tariffs and Your Wealth: What You Should Know
For those who’ve worked hard, saved diligently, and built meaningful financial security, understanding economic policies like tariffs can help protect what you’ve earned. Tariffs- taxes on imported goods- might seem like a distant political issue, but they can have real impacts …
