Make Banks Compete for Your Business
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
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: Adjust your tax withholding. A big refund isn’t a bonus. It means […]
Lifetime Learning Credit & The American Opportunity Tax Credit
Lifetime Learning Credit & The American Opportunity Tax Credit 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. Understand the differences […]
Reminder: Third Quarter Estimated Taxes are Due
Reminder: Third Quarter Estimated Taxes are Due If you have not already done so, now is the time to review your tax situation and make an estimated quarterly tax payment using Form 1040-ES. 3rd Quarter Due Date: Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026 You are required to withhold at least 90 percent of your 2026 tax […]
Donating to Charities? Do it RIGHT!
Donating to Charities? Do it RIGHT! Donating to charity not only helps others, it can reduce your tax bill — but only if the charity qualifies as a tax-exempt organization. Checking for qualified status If you plan on itemizing your deductions on your tax return, make sure the organization you’re donating to is designated […]
Understanding Tax Terms: AFRs
Understanding Tax Terms: AFRs Your grandson needs a car, but cannot afford the payments. As a favor, you provide the $25,000 to purchase the car. You tell your grandson to pay you back when he can, but there is no loan document. The IRS sees this payment during an audit and asks you where your […]
Missing a Form? Not an Excuse.
Missing a Form? Not an Excuse. If you don’t receive a W-2 or 1099, is this a defense to protect yourself from not reporting the income during an audit? In short, the answer is no. And new this year, you will only receive a 1099-NEC if your payments received from a customer or client total […]
Coping with Small Business Shortages and Delays
Coping with Small Business Shortages and Delays Supplier and delivery disruptions may not dominate the headlines the way they once did during the pandemic, but many small businesses still face delays, higher costs, and unexpected shortages. Taking time to review your suppliers, inventory practices, and backup plans can help your business stay prepared when the […]
Take Charge of Your Credit Card
Take Charge of Your Credit Card The average credit card balance in America continues to climb, reaching $6,730 in 2025 according to Experian – a 3.5% increase from the previous year. At the same time, credit card interest rates remain near historic highs, with the average APR hovering around 22%. Fortunately, with a little planning […]
Your Family’s Back-to-School Financial Checklist
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. Photograph everything you buy. Before receipts disappear, photograph expensive purchases such as laptops, calculators, and musical instruments. Include […]