Real Estate
For many real estate investors, one of the most valuable tax planning opportunities is qualifying for Real Estate Professional (RE Pro) status with the IRS. Achieving this designation can change how your rental activity is treated for tax purposes, potentially allowing you to deduct real estate loss
Budgeting & Debt
How Credit Cards Impact Your Credit Score Credit cards can be valuable financial tools when used wisely. They offer flexibility, rewards, and can help establish or strengthen your credit history. But how you manage your credit cards directly influences your credit score — for better or worse. Unders
Tax Strategies
Each fall, the Social Security Administration (SSA) announces the annual Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA), which determines how much benefits will increase to help keep up with inflation. For 2026, Social Security benefits are set to increase by approximately 2.8%. While this adjustment is automatic
Other
How Liquid Cash Protects Your Long-Term Strategy A sound financial plan isn’t just about growth — it’s also about resilience. Market fluctuations, medical expenses, or household repairs can occur without warning. That’s why maintaining an emergency reserve is a critical part of any financial strateg
Tax Strategies
October 8th is World Financial Planning Day — a global reminder of the value of taking time to review your financial goals and strategy. Whether you’re just getting started or refining a well-established plan, it’s a great opportunity to pause and ask: Is my financial plan still aligned with the lif
Real Estate
Real estate investors often put tremendous energy into finding and financing the right property. Yet many underestimate the importance of the exit strategy. How you leave an investment can be just as impactful as how you enter it. Done thoughtfully, the exit can provide liquidity, unlock higher valu
Tax Strategies
For retirees who give charitably, Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) are one of the most tax-efficient ways to support a cause. Starting in 2025, the IRS is making an important update that simplifies how these charitable IRA distributions are reported—reducing confusion and potential tax erro
Tax Strategies
When it comes to getting behind the wheel of a new vehicle, the decision often comes down to one important question: Should you buy or lease? The right choice depends on your lifestyle, financial goals, and driving habits. Both options have clear advantages and trade-offs—understanding them can help
Tax Strategies
Most retirement savers know that withdrawing from an IRA or 401(k) before age 59½ generally triggers a 10% early withdrawal penalty, in addition to income taxes. In limited cases, however, the IRS allows early access without penalty. One such option is the Substantially Equal Periodic Payments (SEPP
Tax Strategies
Understanding rental property taxes means knowing the difference between cash flow and taxable income. Learn how depreciation, mortgage interest, and principal payments impact your bottom line, and why IRS rules can make taxable income much lower than actual cash flow.
Retirement
When it comes to wealth transfer and estate planning, few numbers are as closely watched as the federal estate tax exemption. This figure determines how much wealth can pass free of federal estate tax at death (or through lifetime gifts). With the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) in
Tax Strategies
When it comes to preparing your tax return, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is selecting the right filing status. Your filing status determines your standard deduction, eligibility for certain credits and deductions, and ultimately how much tax you owe—or how much of a refund you may