Avoid Paying the Technology Upgrade Tax
It sometimes feels like technology companies expect us to replace our devices every couple of years while adding another monthly subscription along the way. Fortunately, this isn’t the only path. A few thoughtful habits can help you stay secure, get more life out of the technology you already own, and avoid paying the technology upgrade tax.
Make Banks Compete for Your Business
Banks regularly compete for new customers by offering cash bonuses, higher interest rates, and other perks. By periodically reviewing your options, you may be able to earn extra money while gaining access to better products and services. Here are some ideas to make banks compete for your business.
Small Tax Planning Moves Can Add Up Big
Some of the most effective tax moves are small and can be made year after year, adding up to saving significant money over time. Here are a few tax planning ideas for you to consider
Lifetime Learning Credit & The American Opportunity Tax Credit
Understanding the differences
With the number of tax breaks available to help manage the cost of education, it can quickly become a bit of a maze. Here are some of the more common with information to help make some sense out of which to use.
Mastering Deep Fakes to Protect Your Family
For years, criminals have targeted the unsuspected by pretending to be a loved one in trouble. Artificial intelligence has now made these scams dramatically more convincing. Here's what every family should know about deepfakes and the simple steps you can take to reduce your risk
Your Family's Back-to-School Financial Checklist
Back-to-school season is the perfect time to tackle financial tasks that can save money and keep your family better prepared throughout the school year. Here’s a checklist to help you get started.
Mileage Deduction Gets Boost for Second Half of 2026
Just when many business owners thought they had the mileage rate memorized, the IRS changed it. Effective July 1, 2026, the standard business mileage rate increases, making this one of the rare years you'll need to use two different rates when calculating your deduction
Understand the Tax Details of Life Events
Things to consider
Most life events have tax consequences attached to them. Some of them, though are not obvious. Here are six situations to consider.
The Great Unplugging
One generation's quiet pushback against screen fatigue
A growing number of people are stepping away from their electronic devices and returning to the physical world. Tired of being online all the time, many are rediscovering something that feels surprisingly refreshing: hanging out in real life. Here’s a look at how this is playing out around the country and how you can join The Great Unplugging
Predicting Your Food Bill in an Unpredictable Environment
Inflation. Supply chain issues. The bottomless stomach in each of your kids. Predicting your food bill isn't just about guessing what groceries will cost next month. The challenge is figuring out your future food needs without tracking every bowl of cereal and glass of chocolate milk. Fortunately, a few simple strategies can help you make surprisingly accurate food budget forecasts.
Common Tax Questions
Here are several common tax questions and their answers. But like most things, there can be exceptions, so if in doubt always ask for help
Avoid the Tax Pitfalls of Adding Extra Income
Earning extra income feels great until tax season arrives. A second job, freelance project, or growing side hustle can change how you're taxed in ways many people don't expect. Here are several rules to understand that will help you avoid the tax pitfalls of adding extra income
Your Summer Financial Checklist
Before summer spending melts your budget, use this financial checklist to keep more cash in your pocket and make every dollar work harder during vacation season
One Homeowners' Policy, Two Very Different Types of Coverage
Homeowners insurance policies have many distinct components of coverage. Two of the biggest are the structure of the home and the belongings inside of it.
Here’s a closer look at how these two types of coverage work and how understanding the difference can help you make better-informed coverage decisions.
An IRS Notice. Get Help!
Sleuthing your way through a tax audit by yourself is not the same as fixing a leaky faucet or changing your oil. Here are reasons to seek professional help as soon as you receive a letter from the IRS:
Time for a Tax Planning Review
With all the complexity in the tax code today, it is easy to put off taking a look at your situation. On the other hand, time is on your side to implement some great tax savings ideas.Here are several strategies to consider during a midyear tax review:
The Unexpected Comeback of Slow, Hands-On Hobbies
Life feels faster than ever, with pressure to do everything quickly and stay busy all the time. But a quiet shift is happening. More people are picking up hobbies that slow things down, choosing to take their time as a way to step away from screens. Here’s a look at why more people are drawn to hobbies and what this shift could mean for your own time and attention.
Five Small Business Insurance Review Tips
Changes in your business equipment, real estate holdings, the amount of inventory, and the number of employees are all good reasons to review your business's insurance in addition to your annual review. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
Higher Student Loan Payments on the Near Horizon
The Department of Education recently announced that student loan borrowers who were awaiting loan forgiveness decisions will soon need to select a new repayment plan due to final determinations by the Supreme Court.
Time to Create Your 2026 Tax Plan
Income sources are key
Tax planning combines how much you think you will make, with the source (or how you make it), generating a tax effective result. This could make two clients with the exact same taxable income have entirely different looking tax bills. That's the hard news. The good news – now is the perfect time to review your situation. Here's a simple, but effective approach: