Market Commentary: A Jittery Week, but Strength Beneath the Surface
Perhaps in honor of the Super Bowl, stocks were higher on Monday and Friday last week (reminds us of the two sides of a goal post) but saw massive selling the other three days. Sparking the selling were relatively new worries over AI potentially disrupting business models in several industr …
How can Silicon Valley tech executives leverage RSU and stock options for maximum after-tax wealth?
If you’re like most tech executives in Silicon Valley, chances are most of your net worth is in one stock – your current employer. And like many, because of this, your wealth has increased nicely 🙂 For some however, the stock performance may have held up well for a period only to los …
Facts vs Feelings Take 5 – Let’s Talk About the Tech Wreck
In the latest Take 5, hosts Ryan Detrick, Chief Market Strategist, and Sonu Varghese, VP, Global Macro Strategist, discuss the recent weakness in the U.S. dollar, what’s driving the move, and why it may not be as alarming as headlines suggest. They also explore how currency shifts can creat …
Your Money
MoreHow can Silicon Valley tech executives leverage RSU and stock options for maximum after-tax wealth?
If you’re like most tech executives in Silicon Valley, chances are most of your net worth is in one stock – your current employer. And like many, because of this, your wealth has increased nicely 🙂 For some however, the stock performance may have held up well for a period only to los …
The Opportunity in Change: How Changing Goals Change Financial Plans
Your financial goals are constantly changing, but your financial plan isn’t always nimble enough to change with them. That’s why it’s important to keep a well-stocked account to use as an emergency or opportunity fund for your goals. Here’s a scenario where an opportunity fund could help me …
Talking to Your Financial Advisor During Market Volatility
When market volatility occurs, it’s completely natural to feel anxious about your finances. This is an uncomfortable time for all investors, seasoned and new. It’s important to remember that market volatility is nothing new. If you’re working with a financial advisor, your financial plan …

2026 Calendar: Key Tasks & Financial Dates
Tackle 2026 with this month-by-month financial task list. We’ve also included important dates so you won’t miss any key deadlines.
Your Business
MoreWhat I Learned About the Future of AI and Why It Matters for Everyone
Last week, I attended one of Silicon Valley’s top AI conferences. An event packed with some of the most influential voices shaping the future of artificial intelligence. Leaders from NVIDIA, AMD, Deloitte, Plug and Play, and other innovation powerhouses shared what’s coming next in AI and h …
3 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? …

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
MoreWhy & How to Use a Roth IRA Conversion in Retirement Planning
With larger traditional IRA account balances and changing tax laws, Roth IRA conversions have emerged as a compelling strategy in retirement planning, offering a range of benefits and opportunities. Converting your tax-deferred retirement plans to a Roth IRA can be a strategic move, particu …
The Basics of Required Minimum Distributions With Your Retirement Account
Many retirement accounts—including 401(k)s and IRAs—give individuals the ability to save for retirement in a potentially tax-advantaged manner. Contributions are often tax-deductible, and gains are tax-deferred. This means your retirement funds can grow without being taxed until you start w …
How 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 …

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
MoreCompounding 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.
Securing Your Financial Future through Insurance – Derek Pesta’s Insights
Financial security is a top priority for everyone, given life’s unpredictable nature and potential curveballs. And insurance plays a crucial role in maintaining and augmenting financial security. It’s like a safety net for when things go wrong, whether it’s protecting our homes, health, or …

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
MoreMarket Commentary: A Jittery Week, but Strength Beneath the Surface
Perhaps in honor of the Super Bowl, stocks were higher on Monday and Friday last week (reminds us of the two sides of a goal post) but saw massive selling the other three days. Sparking the selling were relatively new worries over AI potentially disrupting business models in several industr …
Facts vs Feelings Take 5 – Let’s Talk About the Tech Wreck
In the latest Take 5, hosts Ryan Detrick, Chief Market Strategist, and Sonu Varghese, VP, Global Macro Strategist, discuss the recent weakness in the U.S. dollar, what’s driving the move, and why it may not be as alarming as headlines suggest. They also explore how currency shifts can creat …
Fiscal and Monetary Policy in 2026: Key Tailwinds and Risks for Investors
Fiscal and monetary policies are expected to provide tailwinds for markets in 2026, with the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) providing stimulus and the Federal Reserve likely to continue cutting rates. However, households’ spending tax refunds could boost inflation further, inspiri …

Market Outlook 2026: Riding the Wave
Our Market Outlook 2026: Riding the Wave is geared toward helping investors navigate the ongoing bull market as we enter the new year. Carson Investment Research provides crucial insights and analysis of the opportunities and challenges facing investors.
In the News
MorePesta and Pesta Welcomes Three New Team Members to Bolster Client Service and Growth
Pesta and Pesta, a leading wealth management firm headquartered in Cupertino, California, announced the addition of three new members to its growing team. These strategic hires underscore Pesta and Pesta’s commitment to providing exceptional client service. The firm welcomes Joy Rose, …
CEO Derek Pesta Offers Tax-Smart Diversification Solutions For Investors
In the financial management industry, one fundamental principle stands out: diversification to reduce risk and increase potential returns by spreading investments across various asset classes, industries, and geographic regions. For taxable investors, diversification takes on an even greate …
Exploring Financial Excellence: The Unique Qualities of Derek Pesta, an Accomplished Financial Advisor
Finding a good financial advisor is not an easy task. When choosing between two or more wealth management firms, investors often find themselves confused. Many new investors don’t understand all the intricacies of the finance world. That’s why they need professional help in making the right …
