Financial Resources & News
The retirement deduction mistake self-employed business owners keep making
If you are self-employed and contributing to a SEP IRA, SIMPLE IRA, or solo 401(k), you may be deducting your retirement contributions in the wrong place on your tax return without even knowing it. This common mistake doesn’t just misplace a number; it can distort your self-employment tax calculation, throw off your allowable contribution amount, and cost you money. Read on to learn where the deduction actually belongs, why the distinction matters more than most people realize, and how choosing the right plan could potentially double your tax-sheltered savings.
Filed an extension? How to use the time between now and October 15th
Filing a tax extension buys you time, but only if you use it wisely. From revisiting your April payment estimate to gathering missing documents and staying on top of current-year obligations, the months between now and October 15th are a valuable planning window. Read on to learn how to make the most of your extension and avoid a costly repeat of the same tax challenges next year.
Financial strategy for early career professionals and young families
The early career and young family years bring a rapid increase in financial complexity, as growing income, expanding responsibilities, and long-term decisions around saving, investing, and taxes all converge at once. Read on to learn how a coordinated financial strategy now can create meaningful wealth-building momentum for years to come.
Why financial strategy must evolve over time
Effective financial planning isn’t a one-time event, it’s an ongoing process that must adapt as your life, income, and goals change over time. From building early savings to navigating tax strategy in peak earning years to preparing a sustainable retirement income, each life stage brings new challenges and opportunities that a static plan simply can’t address. Read on to learn how a lifecycle-based approach to financial planning can help you make smarter, more coordinated decisions at every stage of the journey.
Spring cleaning your finances: eliminating subscription and asset drift
Financial clutter, from forgotten subscriptions to dormant accounts, can quietly drain your cash flow and complicate your financial picture. A periodic review of your recurring charges, overlooked assets, and automated systems can uncover savings and restore clarity. Learn simple steps to ensure your money and financial systems are working as efficiently as possible.
Your HSA isn’t a debit card: building a tax efficient healthcare reserve
Most people use their HSA like a medical debit card, but the account is capable of much more. With a rare triple tax advantage and flexible reimbursement rules, the HSA can serve as a powerful long-term healthcare reserve. Read on to learn how to make the most of it.
Behind the humor: the tax misunderstandings that cost real money
Laugh at the most relatable tax misunderstandings – then learn the real rules on service animals, business travel, multi-state filing, and how the IRS actually detects discrepancies.
A smarter way to manage your taxes: inside the IRS online account
The IRS Individual Online Account gives taxpayers secure, year-round access to tax records, balances, payments, and official notices all in one place. Read on to discover how this powerful tool works and how it can make staying on top of your taxes easier than ever.
Why estate taxes aren’t the only inheritance-related costs to consider
Estate planning discussions often focus on the federal estate tax exemption, but most families face different challenges when transferring wealth. Probate fees, state-level taxes, capital gains exposure, and administrative complexity can all erode inheritances – even for estates well below the federal threshold. A comprehensive estate plan addresses these hidden costs, not just headline tax numbers.