Brian Armstrong, CFP, Wealth Advisor

06/22/2026

Markets got the rate decision they expected.

The message around it was harder to read.

Kevin Warsh’s first meeting as Fed chair left investors with more questions about how the Fed may respond if inflation stays elevated.

That uncertainty is part of what made last week’s market reaction worth watching. https://bit.ly/4adWmwq

06/20/2026

You may have an idea of when you want to retire.

But do you know how ready you are?

Our Retirement Readiness Quiz can help you take a quick look at a few important pieces, like savings, expenses, and investment style, to see where things stand. https://bit.ly/2thmnpC

06/19/2026

Estate planning is not just about who gets what.

It’s also about making your wishes easier to understand for the people who may need to carry them out.

A will and a trust can both help, but they do different jobs.

This guide explains the difference and where each may fit into your plan. https://bit.ly/3Pjx60i

Learn why smart estate planning can help you avoid probate and taxes, and how wills and trusts can protect assets and secure your family’s future.

06/17/2026

The best retirement budget is not just the one that works in a spreadsheet.

It’s the one that reflects how you actually spend once work no longer structures your days.

More free time can mean more home projects, more travel, more meals out, and more everyday spending that adds up.

Before relying on a retirement spending plan, it helps to understand where budgets often miss and what can make them more realistic. https://bit.ly/4vgT1oY

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

06/15/2026

A quiet week in the market can still tell an important story.

The S&P 500 edged slightly higher last week, but the more interesting piece was underneath: Strength was showing up outside of a few big technology names.

That broader picture matters when trying to understand what’s really driving the market. https://bit.ly/4xucYd9

06/13/2026

It’s easy to think about how much you want your portfolio to grow.

It’s harder to know how you’ll feel when the market moves the other way.

Our Investment Risk Tolerance Quiz can help you better understand your comfort with risk, expectations, and long-term investing mindset. https://bit.ly/3EKs844

06/12/2026

Many people grow up hearing the same Social Security advice: Wait as long as you can.

That may still make sense for some people.

But survivor benefits, cash flow needs, market conditions, and personal circumstances can change the conversation.

Before you decide when to claim, it helps to know where the “wait as long as possible” rule may not fit. https://bit.ly/48F5YA3

Does claiming Social Security benefits early make sense? Carson’s financial advisors help you understand survivor benefits, market fluctuations and more.

06/10/2026

Estate planning can feel easy to put off.

But when accounts, property, beneficiaries, and important documents are all in different places, it can create confusion later.

Our Estate Planning Checklist can help you see what’s organized, what may be outdated, and what still needs attention. https://bit.ly/3Pjmm21

06/08/2026

A strong jobs report sounds like good news.

So why did stocks sell off?

That’s the tension investors saw Friday, when the S&P 500 dropped and ended its nine-week winning streak.

This week’s commentary looks at why the market reacted the way it did, and why one tough day may not tell the whole story. https://bit.ly/4olizi8

06/06/2026

Most parents know college is expensive.

Fewer know whether they're actually on track to pay for it.

Whether college is around the corner or years away, a quick check-in today can help uncover gaps, opportunities, and next steps.

See where you stand: https://www.carsonwealth.com/college-readiness-quiz/