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As we head into a new tax season, I wanted to share a quick guide to help make filing your 2025 taxes a little easier and hopefully a lot less stressful. One of the biggest updates this year is the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). It made some permanent changes that many expected would result in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) expiring.  I’ve included a breakdown that walks through 25 of the most common tax questions for 2025 General Tax Questions 1. How do

How a HELOC can help create liquidity from your home's equity Over the last several years, home values have risen significantly across much of the country. As a result, many homeowners are sitting on far more equity than they were just a few years ago. That equity isn’t just a number on a statement. When used intentionally, it can provide flexibility, liquidity, and optionality in your broader financial plan. One of the most common ways homeowners access that equity is throug

Starting July 5, 2026, a new savings option called Trump Savings Accounts is scheduled to become available for children under age 18. These accounts are designed to help families start saving earlier and give children a financial head start as they enter adulthood. Because this program is still new, there are some rules we understand clearly today and several open questions that still need IRS and Treasury guidance. Here is a breakdown of what we know.

Do you really need a financial advisor? Learn the key reasons people choose to work with an advisor as their finances become more complex and decisions matter more.

Should you pay off your mortgage early or invest extra cash instead? Learn the math, tax considerations, and peace-of-mind factors to make the right decision.

Each year, the IRS adjusts key tax and retirement limits for inflation. These changes can create new planning opportunities or costly mistakes if you ignore them. Here’s a simple breakdown of the most important numbers for 2026 . Retirement Plan Limits (401(k), 403(b), 457) Employee contribution limit: $24,500 (up from $23,500) Catch-up contribution (age 50+): $8,000 catch-up $32,500 total Includes a $500 increase from prior years Catch-up contribution (ages 60–63): $11,250

New years are all about resolutions. Save more. Invest better. Pay less in taxes. But strong financial years don’t happen by accident. They’re built through small, smart decisions made consistently. Here are 26 things we review with clients to help them feel more organized, more confident, and more in control in 2026

Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs) offer one of the most flexible and tax-efficient ways to give to charity, especially at year-end. By donating appreciated assets instead of cash, you can avoid capital gains tax, receive a full fair-market-value deduction, and support your favorite charities on your own timeline. This simple example shows how a DAF can help maximize both your tax benefits and your charitable impact.

Many people assume trusts are only for the ultra-wealthy, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Trusts help everyday families avoid probate, protect assets, and pass wealth on their terms. This guide breaks down what trusts are, how they work, and the differences between revocable and irrevocable trusts so you can decide if one makes sense for your estate plan.

As the year ends, high-income professionals have a valuable opportunity to strengthen their financial plan and reduce taxes. From maxing out your 401(k), HSA, and catch-up contributions to exploring the Super Backdoor Roth, running a tax projection, and using up FSA funds, this checklist covers the most important year-end moves to help W-2 earners finish strong and set up for a more efficient year ahead.

As the year wraps up, retirees have a limited window to make powerful financial moves that can lower taxes and strengthen their retirement plan. From taking RMDs and reviewing Medicare coverage to running tax projections, completing Roth conversions, and using Qualified Charitable Distributions, this article walks through the key steps to finish the year strong and set up a more tax-efficient 2026.

Retiring together can be exciting and a little overwhelming. Beyond how much you’ve saved, couples need to plan for how income will change, how taxes will affect each spouse, and whether both partners share the same vision for retirement. This article walks through three essential questions every couple should ask before leaving work behind to help align goals, manage taxes, and retire with confidence.

If you’ve changed jobs or recently retired, that old 401(k) could be holding more opportunities and risks than you realize. For high-income earners, knowing what to do with an old plan isn’t just about consolidation. It’s about taxes, flexibility, and strategy. This article breaks down your options, the hidden pitfalls of rollovers, and how to make smart moves that preserve your ability to use Roth strategies and avoid unnecessary taxes.

Learn how required minimum distributions work, when they start, how they’re calculated, and smart ways to reduce taxes around them

Retiring before 59½? Learn how to access your retirement savings without paying the 10% IRS penalty. This guide explains key strategies like the Rule of 55 for 401(k)s, Rule 72(t) SEPP withdrawals, and using Roth IRA contributions for flexibility. Discover how to bridge the gap to 59½, manage taxes, and create a smart withdrawal plan so you can retire early, avoid penalties, and enjoy the freedom you’ve worked hard for.

Starting in 2025, retirees age 65 and older will receive a new tax break through the Senior Deduction worth $6,000 per person or $12,000 for married couples. When combined with the standard and age-based deductions, a retired couple could deduct up to $46,700 from their taxable income. This temporary but powerful benefit offers a valuable opportunity to reduce taxes and plan smarter for retirement income.

The "One Big Beautiful Bill" has been signed into law, bringing real benefits for high-income professionals, especially those with families. Here’s a quick breakdown of 7 changes and how they can help you save:

Here’s the truth about retirement: Saving money is only the first step. What determines success is what you do after the paycheck stops. Smart retirees don’t guess on income, taxes, or healthcare. They follow a clear strategy, and that makes all the difference.

Concerns about bear markets have resurfaced recently, both in the headlines and in conversations I’m having with clients. Here’s a breakdown of some common questions and what you should know to navigate market uncertainty confidently.

Uncertainty is part of investing. Here are some strategies to help navigate a potential "Lost Decade"