Financial Planning
Articles and resources related to Financial Planning.

Just Do Something
In her book, Before All Is Said and Done, Pat Miles urges us to "just do something!" Here are suggestions for getting started and how CCM can support you in ensuring your goals, legacy, and final desires are accomplished.

Putting Breaking News in Perspective
When breaking news hits, focusing on what matters in the next five hours, five days, and five years can help you take the best steps forward.

So, You Want to Retire?
As a financial advisor with more than 30 years of experience, Katy Vermeer, CFP®, shares what's on her mind as she anticipates her own retirement.

What the Fiduciary Rule and Telling the Truth Have In Common—And Why Both Are So Freeing
CCM's take on the new fiduciary rules being discussed and why acting in a client's best interest has always been one of our core values.

You Likely Can Spend and Give More
Consider the joy you'll experience in making a special purchase or charitable gift.

What to Focus on During Periods of Volatility
It's important to remember what matters and what you can control. Your CCM advisor is here to help.

Secure Act 2.0 Signed Into Law
Highlights from the Signed SECURE Act 2.0 and the impacts on financial planning strategies.

Financial Conversations With the Next Generation
One of the first questions I ask people who are seeking financial advice is, “What are your first money memories?”

Money and Independence
Knowledge can give people financial independence and comfort. The CCM Women's Initiative supports this.

The Newlywed Financial Planning Checklist
There are many aspects around one's financial life that can change after marriage. Review our checklist.

How You Could Benefit From the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022
As everyday prices continue to increase, you could benefit from different tax credits.

Are We There Yet? Navigating Volatility.
How investors can measure success in the midst of volatility.

Why Do We Invest?
Financial plans should be customized to meet each investor's unique financial goals.

Responding to the Financial Complexities of Divorce
Why a financial advisor is a key advocate in situations of divorce.

Security Is a Feeling, Not a Number
To feel financially secure, it's important to ask yourself questions about what is important to you and why.

To Give More, Think Differently
If you desire to give more than you do now, consider employing behavioral strategies.

Five Little-known Facts About 529s
Now is an ideal time to examine your educational savings strategies, including a 529 plan.

A Family Meeting: One of the Best Things You Can Do for Your Family in 2021
An effective family meeting can become a family bonding experience that pays dividends for many years.

Suddenly Single and Managing Wealth
Our counsel with clients who are suddenly single comes in many forms and often begins with cash flow management.

Dementia-friendly Wealth Management
Three important wealth management steps to take upon noticing signs of dementia.

Images to Help Navigate a "Scary" Stock Market
Carl Richards' creative sketches remind us of what to focus on during volatile market activity.

Highlights of the CARES Act
CCM's integrated team is diligently working to apply the CARES Act benefits to our clients' financial plans.

Have You Considered a Family Meeting?
Family meetings are a wonderful opportunity to discuss a family’s wealth and its purpose.

Financial Plan for One, Please
Regardless of the decision of or catalyst for a single status, there can be unique considerations and challenges for independent women.

Minnesota Individual Income Tax Changes Represent Federal Conformity
Carlson Capital Management's Tax Team analyzes tax law changes and helps clients optimize their tax situations, including impacts of Minnesota's Omnibus Tax Bill.

Investment Insight: A Ten-Year Look Back
March 9, 2009, is an important day in our shared history. It was on this date when the financial markets hit rock bottom during the Global Financial Crisis (GFC).

An Update from the Tax Team: Is Mortgage Interest Still Deductible?
Under the new Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, some key factors that will help determine the deductibility of interest paid on a mortgage loan.

Looking Back at Ten Years Since the Market Bottom of March 9, 2009
Investors don’t have to look too far back in time to remember the poor performance of the tech bubble in the early 2000s or the financial crisis of 2008.

The Power of Budgeting
A budget is one of the most basic and powerful financial tools available. It can serve as a road map, helping to create a pathway between where you are and where you want to be. Regardless of your age or stage of life, a budget can be a central component of meeting your financial goals.

The Evidence-based Value of Owning a Globally Diversified Portfolio
Putting aside the “noise” that can distract investors, the evidence is conclusive—it is very, very difficult to choose individual securities or investment vehicles that beat a diversified portfolio’s return. Especially in times of volatility there can be an emotional desire to “do something” even when it is not supported by evidence and is certainly not in one’s best interest.