How we create value
Our Firm
Who we are
Over the past 34 years, we’ve found that most people don’t want products and programs from their financial advisors. They want positive experiences and positive outcomes. At Carlson Investments, we see ourselves as more than financial managers.
We’re peace-of-mind managers.
Carlson Investments is a fully independent, fee-only registered investment advisor. Here’s what that means in plain English:
Fully Independent
We’re not tied to any brand or group of investment products or services. That means we work for you—and only for you.
Fee-Only
Unlike commission-based advisors, we don’t make money based on how much of something we can sell you. You pay us a simple, transparent fee to protect and grow your assets, so we only do well when you do well.
Registered Investment Advisor (RIA)
RIAs have a fiduciary duty that legally requires us to keep the best interests of our clients in mind at all times, and always act accordingly. Is the person you are working with held to that standard?
Investment Insights
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2025 Retirement Contribution Limits: What You Need to Know
A new year brings new contribution limits for your retirement accounts. These limits dictate the maximum amount of money that can be deposited into an account for the year—and as we always say, it’s best to start planning as early as possible!
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3 Essential ETF Investment Considerations
Over the past 20 years, we’ve seen the proliferation of exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and their disruptive forces across global financial markets. As of the end 2022, global ETF assets under management (AUM) reached $9.6 trillion, up from $204 billion in 2003. (Statista) ETF AUM has grown at about a 15% CAGR here in the U.S. since 2010. (OliverWyman)
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3 of Our Favorite Engaging (and Not Stuffy) Financial-Related Books & Why
Yes, we believe everyone should have a financial advisor they can turn to as a guide and sounding board. But we also believe that when it comes to your finances, soaking up knowledge and insights from a range of perspectives is vital! Check out three engaging and enlightening financial-related books touching on topics like financial independence, investing, and economics.
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4 Crucial Financial Steps to Take When You Lose Your Job
Losing a job can present many challenges and significantly impact your future retirement goals. We understand that this experience can be uncertain and scary, but remember, you are in control. Start by taking a breath. Then, follow these steps to get a good handle on what you will face and help reduce stress by putting a plan in place.
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4 Mistakes That Can Derail Your Investment Success
Are you sabotaging your financial success, and thus putting your mental health at risk? According to the Financial Health Network, money troubles are a major factor in many Americans’ rising stress levels.
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401(k) Employer Matching: Sometimes There Really is a Free Lunch
A 401(k) contribution match is one of the best benefits an employer can offer—it’s essentially free money for your future (or, as we like to call it, a free lunch)!
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401(k) Rollovers: Not Just for Retirees
401(k)s can streamline retirement savings by taking advantage of the automated payroll deduction and employer match. However, as you get closer to retirement, a 401(k) may not be the most beneficial type of account. That’s why reviewing your options early based on your financial and retirement goals is a good idea.
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7 Ways to Invest in Energy in a Changing Landscape
Investing in energy can be a dynamic way to capitalize on growing and changing global energy demands. And it isn’t just about owning oil company stocks!
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A Guide to International Investing
According to Charles Schwab, 85% of U.S. investors have “home country” bias in their portfolios, meaning the vast majority of their stocks and bonds are from U.S.-based companies.
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A Strong Dollar Means Summer Vacation Deals
If you’ve followed the market, you’ve watched the U.S. Dollar (USD) gain strength for the last several months. Let’s examine the impact of the strong dollar and what it could mean for your summer travels.
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Active or Passive Investing? Navigating Market Cycles with Confidence
When it comes to investing in public markets, one of the most debated topics is the choice between active and passive investing. In recent years, we’ve seen the rise of passive investing with the advent of exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and their consistent outperformance compared to many active peers. By contrast, active management has exhibited persistent outflows, leading some to question its prospects.
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Banking Turmoil – White Paper
The asset side (loans specifically) of bank balance sheets are in great shape. Very few loans are in default. We believe regulators are taking a pro-active, market-based solutions approach towards the bank deposit issues.
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Bonds are Back: Your Primer on the Bond Market
Bonds can be a great tool if you’re looking to balance your portfolio by diversifying your investments and reducing volatility.
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Carlson Quarterly – Q1 2023
Everyone loves a fresh start and after a nasty 2022, markets got off to a strong start in the first quarter of 2023 in the face of investor concerns around recession and inflation risks.
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Carlson Quarterly – Q1 2024
The equity rally off the October 2023 continued into the first quarter of 2024 as the S&P 500 rallied to new all-time-highs with a gain of 10.16%.
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Carlson Quarterly – Q1 2025
The first quarter of 2025 presented significant headwinds for U.S. equities, driven by aggressive trade policies and escalating geopolitical tensions.
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Carlson Quarterly – Q2 2023
The market continues to rally in the face of an endless “Wall of Worry” as the U.S. stock market delivered more gains during the second quarter of the year.
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Carlson Quarterly – Q2 2024
In the second quarter of 2024, the U.S. market demonstrated notable resilience and strength as the S&P 500 experienced substantial gains, driven primarily by the technology and communications sectors, with Mega-cap stocks leading the charge as companies race to be the dominant AI provider.
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Carlson Quarterly – Q3 2023
Following a robust second quarter, the stock market extended its gains into July, driven by strong corporate earnings and an expanding market multiple.
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Carlson Quarterly – Q3 2024
The third quarter of 2024 started with an increase in volatility as the yield curve started to un-invert after being inverted the last two years.
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Carlson Quarterly – Q4 2023
A request for reduced borrowing needs by Yellen’s Treasury quickly followed by a shift in tone regarding additional FOMC rate hikes by Jay Powell led to a massive Q4 rally in stocks to end 2023.
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Carlson Quarterly – Q4 2024
2024 was another stellar year for U.S. equities, with the S&P 500 climbing approximately 25% and the tech-driven, AI-fueled Nasdaq surging over 29.6%. This marked the best two-year stretch for equities since 1997-1998.
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Cash Management Matters – White Paper
Ever since the Federal Reserve first raised the federal funds rate in March 2022, “cash management matters again” for individuals.
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Cash Management Matters — White Paper
Ever since the Federal Reserve first raised the federal funds rate in March 2022, “cash management matters again” for individuals.
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Dividends Matter — White Paper
Total return is an important metric of equity performance that investors often overlook. The total return of an equity investment is a combination of its capital appreciation or depreciation and the dividend received.
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Educating the Next Generation on Investing
Investing basics and financial planning are both important topics to learn—but unfortunately, not always the most glamorous. It may take some creativity to intrigue young people regarding financial literacy. As with so many areas of finance, you can never start too early!
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Elder Fraud: Insights & Prevention Tips for 2025
Fraud is soaring—according to AARP and the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center, elder fraud increased by more than 11% from 2022 to 2023, totaling a staggering $3.4 billion in losses for seniors alone.
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How Expensive is Your 401(k) Plan?
Whether you are considering enrolling in a new 401(k) plan or you’re assessing your existing plan, researching and understanding fees could make a significant difference in your future retirement. It’s never too late to take control and strengthen your assets.
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How to Start a Budget: Because Budgeting = Awareness!
While budgeting seems very constraining, knowing where your cash goes can also be viewed as an awareness practice. Consider that even the super-wealthy take the time to generally understand their cash flows.
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HSA vs. FSA: Which Medical Spending Account is Right for Me?
The end of the year is approaching, which means it’s time to start making many important financial decisions for 2024. This will likely include evaluating benefits you receive from your employer, and there’s one perk that many individuals overlook: tax-advantaged medical spending accounts.
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Identity Theft: What It Looks Like + 8 Ways to Protect Yourself
Unfortunately, identity theft is up 584% over the last 20 years, according to Consumer Affairs. With so much business and banking done online, bad actors have numerous opportunities to steal sensitive information such as social security numbers (SSNs), data from social media profiles, credit cards, and bank accounts.
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Lending Money to Adult Children: The Dos and Don’ts
In some circumstances, a loan to an adult child might be a good solution for both the parent and their child. Check out the benefits and mistakes to avoid, along with some tips for navigating this sensitive situation.
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Mid-Year Tax Planning: Why Review Your Taxes & Finances in June?
Very few people enjoy the “puzzle” that is taxes. While the tax code may be a puzzle, it can be profitable if you understand the rules and maximize your tax savings. Plus, the more you plan, the more you can avoid the stress of tax preparation after the year is over.
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Planning for Retirement: You’re Never Too Young
When it comes to retirement planning, there is no better time to start than today! We push off many things until tomorrow, like laundry or grocery shopping. After all, we’ll get to it later, right? And that may be fine regarding simple errands. However, financial planning for your retirement should NOT be one of those things you put off.
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Putting Debt on Ice: Debt Payment Strategies
The average person's debt takes many forms. It can include credit cards, auto loans, mortgages, school loans, and personal loans. According to Business Insider, the average debt in America was $104,215 across mortgages, auto loans, student loans, and credit cards in Q1 2024.
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Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD): What is It + How Does it Work?
Part of planning for retirement is considering your IRA distributions and management. One tool that can offer significant savings and tax benefits while allowing you to do good is a qualified charitable distribution (QCD), a direct transfer from an IRA account made payable to a qualified 501(c)(3) charity.
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Quick Guide to Inflation + How to Protect Your Assets
Inflation is the increase in prices of goods and services across the board. Although it often has a negative connotation, a little inflation is integral to a healthy economy. Rising prices can mean higher revenue and earnings for businesses—if they can raise prices to keep up with their costs.
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Solo 401(k): A Breakdown of the Self-Employed Retirement Plan
From enjoying total autonomy to doing what you love most to working with your favorite kind of people, being self-employed offers many liberating perks. However, it also means you don’t have the luxury of an employer-sponsored retirement plan unless you take action.
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Stock Investing for Novices
Are you just starting to explore the opportunities and intricacies of the stock market? Investing in stocks can be daunting for beginners, but with the right approach, it can be a rewarding journey toward financial security and knowledge.
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Summer Financial Bucket List
Summer is here, meaning we’re more than halfway through the year! Now is the perfect time to review your financial situation and adjust as needed.
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Tax-Wise Investing in Your Regular Taxable Brokerage Account
We all know there are two guarantees in life: death and taxes. The government inevitably receives some form of tax revenue from your investments. There are two types of taxes levied upon the sale of a security (i.e., stock, bond, mutual fund, or ETF), known as long-term and short-term capital gain taxes.
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The Age-Old Question: Do I Have Enough to Retire?
Whether you’re planning ahead or approaching retirement soon, you likely have one major question: Do I have enough to retire?
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The Good, the Bad & the Ugly of Annuities
You’ll likely come across annuities as you evaluate your retirement savings options. An annuity is a contract between an investor and their insurance company. The investor pays the insurance company in either a lump sum or fixed monthly premiums.
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The Human Side of Investing: Understanding Investor Bias
Are your investment decisions primarily rooted in logic and facts, or are emotions and flawed reasoning influencing your choices?
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The Importance of the TOD and JTWROS Designations
Many people have heard about the nightmares in dealing with probate after coping with the loss of a loved one. Fortunately, there are ways to avoid these headaches and speed up the process. Learn about Transfer on Death (TOD) and Joint Tenants with Right of Survivorship (JTWROS) designations.
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The Retirement Spending Smile: What It Is & How It Affects Your Future
When it comes to retirement spending, many people—including advisors—start with an assumed retirement income goal and project that amount plus inflation over the lifetime of the retiree. When you look at the statistics and gauge actual future retirement expenses, however, it’s clear this cookie-cutter approach isn’t accurate.
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Time in the Market: Not “Timing” the Market
As an investor, you must understand how long you should stay in the stock market based on your long-term goals. Unfortunately, many make the mistake of focusing on short-term rewards, jumping in and out of the market quickly based on the performance of near term events.
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Traditional vs. Roth IRAs: Determining Your Ideal Retirement Account
When evaluating your retirement account options, one of the first things you’ll need to do is decide between a Traditional and a Roth IRA. Each offers its own benefits and has specific requirements. So, which type of IRA is right for you?
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Understanding Your 401(k) Choices: Traditional vs. Roth
You already know that when it comes to employee benefits, you have a choice in your healthcare plan. And now, more employers are giving employees options regarding 401(k)s!
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Using Your Time & Resources for Good: 11 Ways to Donate to Charity
If you’re like our team at Carlson Investments, you have causes close to your heart—and you’re likely seeking regular ways to support these nonprofits with your time, money, and resources. There are many ways to donate to charity depending on your preferences, resources, and the organizations you care about. And there may even be some you haven’t considered!
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What is Asset Allocation? The First Step to Protecting Your Portfolio
You’ve heard of it and have a general idea that it’s something you should be doing. But what is asset allocation, exactly?
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What Is Capital Gains Tax & Why Do You Have to Pay It?
As one of our most famous Founding Fathers, Benjamin Franklin, once said, “Our new Constitution is now established, and has an appearance that promises permanency; but in this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.”
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What to Look for When Selecting a Registered Investment Advisor (RIA)
“How are you compensated?” If you’re in the market for a new registered investment advisor (RIA), this is one of the most important questions you can ask prospects.
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What You Can Learn from Estate Planning Book “In Case You Get Hit by a Bus”
In Case You Get Hit by a Bus: How to Organize Your Life Now for When You're Not Around Later is one of our favorite financial books. In fact, we found it so valuable that our team decided to showcase it.
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Where There’s a Will, There’s a Way: Leaving an Estate
It’s time to talk about a difficult subject. The day will come when you are no longer living. During this time of grief, the last thing your loved ones will want to worry about is money and executing your will. The goal is to have the transfer process be as frictionless as possible—and that’s where effective estate planning comes in.
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Why All Cap Equity? — White Paper
An All Cap Equity Strategy provides core equity exposure in a simple and straightforward portfolio.
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Why Consolidate Your Retirement Plans? 7 Key Questions, Answered
Everyone needs a plan—whether you’re a football coach before the big game, a college student trying to get through finals, or someone striving for a comfortable retirement. And it’s much easier to stay organized and execute a plan when your retirement accounts are consolidated!
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Why Gold Can Be a Wise Investment in Today’s Uncertain Times
For thousands of years, gold has captured the hearts and minds of humans. It is a tangible asset that offers a hedge against inflation and the weakening purchasing power of fiat currencies.
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Why We Consider the Russell 3000 Index the Best Domestic Benchmark
At Carlson Investments, we believe the Russell 3000 index is the best domestic benchmark.
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Why Young Investors Should Be Less Conservative
Thanks to factors like economic uncertainty, market volatility, and political affiliation, young investors tend to be more conservative than they should be.
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