The Hidden Benefits of Starting College Savings During the Holidays
The holidays bring plenty of traditions. You've got the cookie exchanges, the annual family gatherings, and the mountains of toys that end up forgotten by February. But buried under all those wrapping paper scraps is an opportunity most families overlook. While everyone else is buying the season's hottest gadgets and trending toys, you could be setting up something that lasts far beyond the new year. College costs keep climbing. The average...
Your 5-Step Year-End Retirement Checklist
December tends to sneak up on people. One moment you're making summer vacation plans, and the next thing you know, the holiday decorations are out and the year is nearly done. While you're thinking about gifts and gatherings, your retirement accounts might be the furthest thing from your mind. Actually, the end of the year is one of the most important times to pay attention to your retirement planning. Missing key...
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...