How to Give More (and Save on Taxes) With Charitable Contributions This Holiday Season
The holiday season brings out something special in people. Between Thanksgiving and New Year's Eve, Americans open their wallets to support causes they care about. Last year, donors gave an estimated $3.6 billion on GivingTuesday alone, and December accounts for roughly 30% of annual charitable donations. The spirit of giving runs strong during these months, but many donors miss opportunities to maximize both their impact and their tax savings. Understanding how...
Year-End Business Planning: 5 Essential Steps to Take Before December 31 (and the Top 3 Mistakes to Avoid in Q4)
The final quarter of the year arrives with a strange mix of urgency and opportunity. For business owners, Q4 represents more than just holiday parties and year-end bonuses. It's the critical window where smart planning can set the foundation for next year's success, while poor decisions can create problems that linger for months. The difference between businesses that thrive and those that merely survive often comes down to how they...
Exit Planning Isn’t Just for Retirement: Why October is the Perfect Month to Start
Your business is thriving. Orders are coming in, employees are happy, and you can't imagine ever wanting to leave this empire you've built. But life rarely follows our perfectly laid plans. Health scares, family emergencies, market downturns, or unexpected opportunities can force business owners to exit long before they plan to retire. The statistics paint a stark picture for unprepared business owners. Only 20-30% of businesses that go to market actually...
Will vs. Trust: Which One Is Right for You?
You've been putting off estate planning for months, maybe years. Then suddenly life throws you a curveball - a health scare, a new grandchild, or maybe just watching the news about celebrity estate battles that turned families against each other. Now you're ready to get your affairs in order, but you're faced with a confusing choice: should you create a will or set up a trust? The decision isn't as straightforward...
