Carson Group has fully acquired Applied Financial Planning, an Irvine, California-based firm overseeing approximately $635 million in advisory and brokerage assets. 

Led by Managing Partners William C. O’Connor and Sean Walker, Applied was founded in 1986 as a tax-focused practice and has evolved into a multigenerational wealth management firm. Today, the business includes seven advisors and an 11-member support team delivering comprehensive financial planning, investment management, retirement and estate planning, and tax strategy. 

“Applied Financial Planning demonstrates what advisors can build through decades of disciplined leadership, deep client relationships and a commitment to serving families across generations,” said Burt White, CEO of Carson Group. 

Applied first connected with Carson decades ago when O’Connor participated in the firm’s coaching program. The RIA formally affiliated with Carson as an independent partner in 2020 before transitioning to full ownership. 

The acquisition marks Carson Wealth’s 39th wholly owned location and strengthens the firm’s California footprint. It follows Carson’s recent full acquisitions of Integrated Wealth Management in Arizona ($430 million in assets) and a Georgia-based Carson Wealth office overseeing $218 million. 

Based in Omaha, Carson manages more than $56 billion in assets across over 165 partner offices, serving more than 60,000 client families nationwide. 

Pictured: William C. O’Connor and Sean Walker