What will the tax landscape look like with President Trump back in office? Here are a few highlights of what to expect: Permanent Extension of the Trump Tax Cuts During President Trump’s first term, the standard deduction doubled, child tax credits were expanded, tax brackets were lowered, the individual health coverage mandate was eliminate (although […]
Estate Planning
If You Want More Success Then Know the Difference Between Important vs Urgent
Important vs. urgent. Many people confuse the two, but if you want to be more successful, then you need to be able to discern between them. Important items have great significance or value while urgent items require our attention immediately. Here are some examples: Important: These are items that you need to do, but do […]
Muni Bonds or Taxable Bonds?
Investing in municipal bonds can be a benefit due to the fact that the interest income they provide is generally tax-exempt. In order to realize the full tax benefits of municipal bonds, you have to be careful not to make the following mistakes. Low Interest Rates: Interest income from municipal bonds is usually much lower […]
Municipal Bond Investing Mistakes
Investing in municipal bonds can be a benefit due to the fact that the interest income they provide is generally tax-exempt. In order to realize the full tax benefits of municipal bonds, you have to be careful not to make the following mistakes. Low Interest Rates: Interest income from municipal bonds is usually much lower […]
Don’t Be a Co-Signer Unless You Want to Pay Someone Else’s Debts
Your friend, child, brother, or parent can’t get a mortgage or a car loan so they ask you to be a co-signer. Of course you will be a hero and co-sign for your loved one! But beware of the dangers before doing so. In reality, the lender is assuming that the odds are fairly high […]
Simplify Your Home Office Deduction
The home office deduction is used by both small businesses and employees, which allows a deduction for using part of your home exclusively and regularly for business purposes. This allows a percentage of certain expenses to become tax deductible or at least more tax favorable such as mortgage interest, property taxes, rent, utilities, homeowners insurance, […]
Before You Buy a Business
Businesses are bought and sold each day and some make better investments than others. Before you buy a business, here are a few things to make sure you make the right move: Why is the seller selling? There can be many reasons why a business is for sale, and some reasons are better than others. […]
The Hidden Retirement Asset
Financial advisors frequently mention the three main pillars of retirement, which are social security, pension plans, and personal savings. Yet, you rarely hear them speak about an asset that may prove to be an individual’s largest asset – their business. Many business owners invest their money back into their business over the years, especially during […]
Taxable or Non-Taxable?
Which items do you think are taxable and which are not? The answers are below. Workers compensation Educational assistance Cancelled debt Expense reimbursements Fringe benefits Bartering Hosting a party and receiving payment (such as a candle party) Life insurance proceeds Unemployment benefits Federal income tax refund Taxable: cancelled debt (there are exceptions), fringe benefits, bartering, […]
Estate Planning Basics
No one wants to think of the inevitable, but there are some basic points regarding estate planning we should all know. There are complex trusts and gifting strategies that can be incorporated, but let’s talk about first things first. Do you have a will? How do you own your assets? Are your beneficiaries updated in […]