Blog
What’s on our mind? You can read about it in our blog. Whether it’s ideas from the industry or emerging trends, you can read about it here. And once in a while, we may throw in a movie review, a history lesson or some other surprise. Always something relevant. So keep checking in. We’re glad to have you reading along.
NQDCs – Funding and Forfeiture
In our article on March 20th, we discussed Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation (NQDC) plans as a tool to compensate key employees for achieving long-term goals. One component of such plans is the fact that they are frequently unfunded...
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Business Ownership Isn’t What It Used to Be
If you’ve been a business owner for a long time, you’ve lived this shift firsthand.Many Baby Boomer owners started out alone—just an idea, a customer, and a willingness to take a risk. Hiring that first employee was a milestone. Now,...
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Manufacturer Stuck in the “Neutral Zone”
Here is how exit planning helped a business owner out of the Neutral Zone.This manufacturer reached out to an exit planning consultant after receiving a book on planning as a gift from a local professional. He was in no particular...
Read MoreThe Role of Business Valuation In Your Exit Strategy
Accurate business valuation is a cornerstone of a successful exit strategy, as it provides the foundation for setting expectations and achieving a fair sale price. Determining the true worth of your business requires a comprehensive...
Read MoreHelping Adult Children Buy a Home: How to Gift a Down Payment The Smart Way
Key TakeawaysHere are some questions this blog aims to answer:How can parents or grandparents help with a down payment for adult children?What are ways to gift a down payment, and how do the annual gift tax exclusion and lifetime...
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Decisions Made from Fear
“I’m taking the logos off my trucks. It just makes them a target for personal injury lawyers.”“I don’t want to put our newest product innovations on our website. The competitors just copy them.”“We’re creating a human resources LLC so...
Read MoreThe Exit Planning Fallacy – A Business Owner’s Perspective
One of the most common sales pitches you might hear from someone claiming to help you “enhance value” goes something like this:“I’ve reviewed your company and believe it’s worth $4.2 million today. With the right planning, it could be...
Read MoreCreating the Plan to Eventually Depart Your Business
Creating and Editing Your PlanI am now 66 years old. It seems like a strange statement to write here. Where did that time go? I have a grown son and my spouse and I are now empty nesters. It is just us now, but we do get to enjoy some...
Read MoreThe Inexperienced Advisor – An Exit Planning Horror Story for Business Owners
This is a cautionary tale for business owners—one that’s “based on a true story.” The facts are real, although the exact sequence of events might raise questions if the IRS were to take a closer look.A small business owner received a...
Read MoreQuality of Earnings and Technology Costs
When a Quality of Earnings audit identifies deferred technology, the price can be magnified many times. Are you deferring technology costs?A few months ago, a subscriber to our planning tools called with a tech support question. “Your...
Read MoreCreating the Perfect Business Exit Timeline!
When is a good time to start planning the eventual exit from your business?Simply, you will be leaving your business and hopefully, this will happen in a planned and deliberate fashion. This is something every business owner will...
Read MoreThree Numbers Every Woman Should Know
Key TakeawaysHow much wealth are women on track to control in the next decade, and why does that matter?What does the life expectancy gap between women and men mean for how long money needs to last?How common is it for women to be...
Read MoreExiting Your Business Happily, Often Requires a Strong Personal Vision
Some surveys conducted among business owners, find that approximately 75% of owners who exit their business are unhappy with the decision one year after they do so. There are several reasons for this, and some owners struggle with it...
Read MoreHow Much Does the Big Picture Count?
It is currently difficult to have a business conversation without discussing the Big Picture. The voracious 24-hour news cycle needs plenty of fodder to attract eyeballs. It almost seems like the media must pick and choose what will...
Read MoreTax Prep vs. Tax Strategy: The Difference Matters More Than You Think
Key TakeawaysTreat tax strategy as a continuous process, not a once-a-year filing exercise.Coordinate with financial and tax professionals throughout the year to identify opportunities for efficiency.Review contribution limits,...
Read MoreUnderstanding the Emotions Behind Financial Decisions
Key TakeawaysEmotions and biases might influence financial choices more often than most people realize.Behavioral patterns, such as loss aversion, familiarity bias, and herd mentality, can impact long-term results.Recognizing emotional...
Read MoreAI and the New Face of Fraud: How to Protect Your Identity and Finances in 2026
Artificial intelligence (AI) may be the most revolutionary technology of our time, with industries scrambling to embrace its possibilities. AI’s early influence seems similar to the positive disruptions brought about by past...
Read More2025 in Review and What You Should Know
As we begin a new year and consider the opportunities ahead, reflecting on the past year helps put today’s financial landscape into perspective and informs the strategies that can move us closer to our goals.2025 was a year marked by...
Read MoreGoal Setting That Sticks: Simple Ways to Turn January Motivation into Lasting Wins
Key Takeaways and Suggestions for Successful Goal Setting Use SMART Goals for Clarity and FocusSet goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. This proven method helps break big ambitions into manageable...
Read MoreYear-End Giving Strategies: Tax-Smart and Impactful
Key Takeaways A third of annual donations: About one-third of all charitable contributions are made in December. Donating before December 31 may offer tax advantages. New rules starting in 2026 (via the OBBB Act) may affect deductions...
Read MoreThe True Costs of Caring for Aging Parents
Key Takeaways Caring for aging parents is a growing reality for many Americans. The number of family caregivers in the U.S. has jumped to 63 million, a 45 percent increase over the past decade, making 1 in every 4 Americans a...
Read MoreMoney Talks: How to Use Holiday Gatherings to Start Family Financial Conversations
Key Takeaways Year-end holidays may be a good time to initiate a discussion about financial matters that may impact your family. If you have adult children, you may want to discuss your financial situation, estate strategy, and legal...
Read MoreShould You Pay Off Your Mortgage Early?
Receiving a bonus, inheritance, or an increase in income often prompts a key financial question: Should I use this money to pay off my mortgage, or invest it? At first glance, the answer might seem simple. But in reality, it requires...
Read MoreA 2025 Guide to Protecting Seniors from Fraud
If you’ve found yourself stepping into a more active role in your parents’ financial lives, you’re not alone. Some of us are helping aging parents navigate everything from healthcare decisions to bill payments—and increasingly, we’re...
Read MoreSmart Moves to Consider Before Year-End
The final months of the year can sneak up quickly, and with them come deadlines, decisions, and distractions. Before the holiday season takes over your calendar, fall can be a valuable window to revisit your financial strategy and...
Read MoreBreaking Down the One Big Beautiful Bill Act: What You Need to Know
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (TCJA) included lower federal income tax brackets, bigger standard deductions, and higher gift and estate tax exemptions, among other provisions. The law stipulated that some of those tax breaks would...
Read MoreWhy More Families Are Choosing to Gift Wealth Earlier—and How to Do It
Estate management isn’t just about what happens after you’re gone— it’s also about what you can do now to help manage future estate taxes, transfer wealth strategically, and attempt to create a meaningful impact during your lifetime....
Read MoreWhat You Need to Know About the 2025 Changes to Inherited IRA Rules
The rules regarding inherited IRAs have changed in the last five years, and failing to comply with the new requirements may result in IRS penalties. These changes affect people inheriting IRAs and those looking to leave retirement...
Read MoreBeyond Salary: Understanding Your Total Compensation
Compensation is more than just a number on a paycheck. Whether you're exploring new opportunities, preparing for a promotion, or evaluating your current benefits, it’s important to understand the full value of your total...
Read MoreHow Much Do You Really Know About Stock Market Indexes?
While you may follow the various stock indexes on the nightly business news, how much do you know about their histories, how they work, and why they're important? We pulled together some information and interesting facts about some of...
Read MoreHow Do You Turn Retirement Savings into a Reliable Income Strategy?
You’ve likely spent years building your retirement nest egg—saving diligently, investing wisely, and contributing to retirement accounts along the way. But transitioning from earning a paycheck to relying on your savings can feel...
Read More“The Four Most Dangerous Words In Investing Are: ‘This Time It’s Different.’” – Sir John Templeton
Despite those who say the conventional wisdom that has guided investor actions over the years is no longer valid in 2025, remember the famous quote from legendary investor Sir John Templeton: "The four most dangerous words in investing...
Read MoreWhat’s the Job Market Look Like for 2025 Graduates?
It’s graduation season—a time of celebration and new beginnings. For families with college seniors, this time can bring both excitement and uncertainty. While some graduates have jobs lined up, many others still are navigating job...
Read MoreIs It Smarter to Buy or Rent a Second Home?
As summer approaches, your thoughts may drift toward escaping your daily routine. Whether your idea of a perfect vacation is sitting on a pristine beach, fishing in a mountain lake, or playing the back nine between pickleball matches,...
Read MoreWhy DEI Data May Contain Lies
Political correctness has certainly become a big part of our culture in recent years, particularly in academia, politics and corporate America. Some of the largest investment managers in the world, such as BlackRock, State Street and...
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Shares: Dave Ramsey’s Bad Math
I have been watching this debate go on back and forth within the industry for some time. In this blog post I'm going to share a podcast from my alma mater that is very insightful and demonstrates how much getting it wrong can...
Read MoreWhat Is Your Most Valuable Asset?
What would you list as your most valuable asset? Your home? Your business? 401k? Life insurance? While these things can all be very valuable assets, they're not the most valuable. Think about this: ...
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Value of a Fee-Based Advisor
Does fee-based advising make sense? At the end of the day, I believe it boils down to philosophy. Many advisors, like us, have decided that a business model that requires transparency and trust is just the right thing to do. It should...
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It's What Your Advisor DOESN'T Know...
In my prior years of owning and managing two Property & Casualty Insurance agencies, I saw more than one instance of an insurance company declining to insure a home that had peeling paint on the outside. While...
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It's the Planning, Stupid
In 1991, President George H.W. Bush held a 90% war-time approval rating. However, the following year during a mild recession in the midst of an election cycle, Clinton strategist James Carville famously coined the phrase "It's...
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IRS Releases 2024 Tax Brackets, Retirement Contribution Limits
The Internal Revenue Service recently released updated income tax brackets, standard deduction, and retirement contribution limits for the 2024 tax year. While these taxes are not due for some time, it may benefit you to start...
Read MoreWhat's Your Risk Number?
Everyone has a Risk Number whether they know it or not. Your tolerance for market volatility is unique. We use a risk assessment built upon a Nobel Prize-winning framework, and you can do it yourself in just a few minutes. It’s...
Read MoreCongress Set for a Busy January
The Senate and the House have returned to work but are unlikely to get much done before the Christmas break— which means January is going to be busy. To recap, Congress passed a short-term budget package before the Thanksgiving...
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Inflation Math for Today’s Retiree
You may have heard the saying, “inflation hurts savers and benefits borrowers.” The expression suggests that borrowers benefit from inflation because they pay back lenders with dollars worth less than when the money...
Read MoreReasons Not to Write Your Own Will
Ever considered writing your own will? While you can draft a will on your own, there are plenty of reasons why you may not want to go that route. Most people do it to save money, but they may overlook or forget to take care of some...
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Opportunity Cost
Small opportunity costs today can add up to big reductions in your retirement nest egg later in life. If you don't know how to identify and/or calculate opportunity costs in your life, you need to find someone who can help you do it.
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4 Toughest Financial Questions
Many people have never stopped to calculate what it will take to retire. They may be contributing a percentage of their salary to their 401(k) and getting a match, but they still have no idea whether what they're doing will get...
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You Finance Everything You Buy
Are you good at saving money so you can pay cash for the things you need? You've probably never thought about it this way, but did you know that in reality you finance everything you buy, even if you pay cash? Here's a...
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Transfers of Your Wealth
Everyone has transfers of wealth going on their lives. Learning to identify these transfers can enable you to recapture these dollars and bring them back to the table to help solidify your future. This could be one of the...
Read MoreAre you Social Security savvy?
How much do you know about Social Security? Given how layered the topic can be, it’s wise to educate yourself as much as you can about your options. We have a number of resources on our website that can help you take a bite out...
Read MoreSecrets of a Wealth Creator: How to Buy, Borrow, and Pay Smarter
Let’s face it, we all buy things and we will need to buy things our entire life. It’s not necessarily what we buy, but rather the way we choose to pay for them that can have a lasting impact on our financial well being....
Read MoreQualified Plans: The Hidden Truth
For many people, the term 401k is synonymous with retirement preparation, and sometimes represents the full extent of their preparedness. Such accounts are often included as part of a benefits package provided by employers, and chances...
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Mortgages: Spoiled for Choice
It is likely that during your lifetime you will allocate more dollars to the place you are going to sleep than anything else. As such, the potential to transfer your wealth away unknowingly and unnecessarily as a result of decisions...
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The Golf Caddie Analogy
Throughout the years, I’ve found that people tend to have a wide range of expectations that come to mind when they hear the term “Financial Advisor.” And it’s no wonder that sometimes even the advisors...
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Your Personal Economic Model®
One of the tools we are able to utilize when discussing the best course of action to secure your financial future is known as the Personal Economic Model®. Much as a medical doctor would use an anatomical model to convey medical...
Read MoreWhy My Clients Choose to Work With Me
If you have had any previous experience with a financial advisor, chances are the conversation revolved around how much money you have, where it’s located, we can do a better job. It would seem that most investment firms share...
Read MoreRelationships are Fundamental
It’s a funny thing about advice. Everyone seems to have an overabundance of knowing what others should do, and they have no problem telling you about it, especially when monetary gain is a motivating factor. However, there also...
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Trains, Tickets, and Taxes: All Aboard!
Imagine that there are four people in line to purchase tickets at the train station. One after the other, they each purchase one ticket of the same class, on the same train, bound for the same destination. As they board, they take...
Read MoreA Matter of Perspective
There once was a blind man who was miraculously given his eyesight. For his entire life he had accomplished everything he needed to do without the benefit of eyesight. Instead of utilizing his vision, he leaned heavily on the use of...
Read MoreOn the Road to Financial Ruin
Have you ever stopped long enough to notice how many tools we have to assist our road travel these days? From traditional traffic lights and road signs, to programmable electronic billboards, GPS, and a bevy of smart-phone apps for...
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