As retirement approaches, the way people think about money often changes. During your working years, growth may have been the primary goal—building assets, maximizing returns, and staying invested for the long term. But as you near retirement or step into it, the focus often shifts from accumulating  wealth to using  it wisely. One of the most important conversations retirees and pre-retirees can have is this: How much of my money should be focused on growth, and how much sho

When it comes to retirement planning, one of the most common questions we hear at Carter Financial  is a simple one: What is an annuity, and should I have one? Annuities are often misunderstood, sometimes oversimplified, and occasionally unfairly criticized. In reality, they are powerful financial tools that—when used appropriately—can provide stability, predictability, and peace of mind in an uncertain world. Like any financial strategy, annuities are not for everyone, but f

Why Having a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA) on Your Team Matters—No Matter How Your Divorce Unfolds Divorce is rarely just a legal event. It’s an emotional, financial, and life-altering transition that raises questions most people never expected to face—often all at once. Questions like: Will I be okay financially? Can I afford to keep the house? How do I protect my future while being fair today? At Carter Financial , we believe no one should have to navigate thos

On the surface, all financial services firms may appear similar. They offer investment guidance, retirement planning, and help make sense of complex financial decisions. But for individuals and families with significant assets, “standard” solutions simply don’t go far enough. The difference between a run-of-the-mill advisor and a high-net-worth-focused firm isn’t just about portfolio size — it’s about perspective, precision, and strategic intent. High-net-worth planning is no