Preparing Your Own Tax Return: Is It Worth It?
Guest Blogger Eric Wahlstrom, CPA. With easy access to online or off-the-shelf software, preparing your own tax return is often appealing as an affordable, logical option.
Analyzing the American Families Plan Tax Proposal
After months of speculation, on September 13th, the House Ways and Means Committee released a proposal for tax reform effective in 2022 (and possibly in 2021 for selected provisions). The proposal contains a number of provisions that were expected, and a few surprises that we did not expect.
2022 Year-End Financial Checklist – Have You Reviewed Your Tax Situation?
Since we are close to flipping the calendar to 2023, this is a great time to sit down and reflect on the past financial year and anticipate what might be ahead.
Permanent Life Insurance Policies Need Reviews Too!
Is your life insurance policy performing as well as it could be? Guest blogger Eryka Morehead explains some factors that could be undermining your policy’s performance.
3 Options to Help Keep Your Ducks in a Row
Proactively working off a budget is challenging, both emotionally and practically. Here are some of the tools members of our team use that have helped them successfully manage their cashflow.
Estate Planning Opportunities in a Low Interest Rate Environment
Many estate planning techniques are based on the Internal Revenue Code Section 7520 interest rate, which is at an all-time low of 0.6% as of June 2020.
A Farming Deduction from an Unexpected Location: The Beach
With farm ground prices near all-time highs, higher borrowing costs, and tight margins, this tax deduction should be considered when purchasing a farm property or inheriting one.
Time to Revisit Your Cash Reserve Fund
Nearly four out of ten Americans lack enough money to cover an unexpected $400 expense? The statistics on this have remained consistent over the years. One of the first steps in building a strong financial foundation is creating an emergency fund. The idea is to prepare for the unexpected expenses of life.
Do Headlines Cause You to Take Action?
Takeaways from a smattering of the headlines across a wide range of news sources in 2022 and early 2023.
The Once a Year Approach to Looking at Investments
Last year was a very up and down year in the market. That’s not abnormal. In fact, it’s what happens most years. December 12 was the only time last year that I looked at the numbers. In not looking at the numbers throughout the year, I not only minimized worry, but also created the opportunity for a happy surprise.
Passing on the Spirit of Generosity in a Tax Smart Manner
If you are giving to charities now or plan to in the future, you may possess the “Spirit of Generosity.” How do you pass that “Spirit of Generosity” on to your children and/or grandchildren?
Retirement: Living Well and Fully Living
Essential do’s and don’ts that could help you enjoy your retirement life to the fullest.
Protect Your Taxes: What You Need to Know About IRS IP PINs
Tax season is already complicated enough, but identity theft can make it significantly worse. To help safeguard taxpayers, the IRS offers the Identity Protection Personal Identification Number (IP PIN). Here’s a breakdown of what an IP PIN is, how to get one, and insights on who should consider using it.
Have You Come to Terms with the Reality of Your Retirement?
People come to terms with the fact they will one day retire. Maybe not in the next year or two but sometime in the next five. Often, it’s a reality they’ve been denying.