Most people confuse tax filing with tax planning. They’re not the same—and if you’re only focused on filing, you could be paying more than you should.

Some think that tax season ends in April. If all you're doing is filing, it does. But filing isn’t planning. Filing just records what happened. Planning is how you control what happens next.

However, both are very necessary and should be working hand in hand.

Retirement planning isn’t about hitting some magic number. It’s about building enough flexibility to control your time, income, and choices. At the end of the day, money is just a means to an end, but it's what that money can do for you during your lifetime. This guide gives you the basics—clear and updated for 2025.

Most people struggle with money not because they don’t earn enough.

It really comes down to critical lessons about personal finance, taxes, investing, protection etc. The difference between those who build wealth and those who stay stuck often comes down to a few key principles. These topics are often more complex than needed. It's my job to simplify them and help people take action.

These ten lessons aren’t just theories—they’re practical, time-tested strategies used by financially successful individuals.

The one market tip you need is... downturns are normal.

Market downturns are inevitable, but they aren’t a reason to panic. Historically, declines are a natural part of investing and often present opportunities for those who stay disciplined. Here’s why downturns happen, how they fit into long-term market cycles, and how you can position yourself to benefit.

Believe it or not, I am actually talking about Augusta, GA, and the masters.

The Augusta Rule is a tax strategy that allows homeowners to earn rental income without paying taxes on it. Under IRS Section 280A, you can rent your home for up to 14 days per year and exclude that income from your taxable earnings.

For business owners, this presents a unique opportunity: your business can rent your home for legitimate business purposes, providing you with tax-free income while your business gets a deductible expense. However, to stay compliant, you must follow the rules carefully.

A Roth IRA can be one of the best planning tools as it relates to saving for retirement. It's so good; there are regulations preventing high-income earners from contributing...

in the traditional sense.

A Backdoor Roth IRA is a powerful strategy for high-income earners who want to take advantage of tax-free growth and withdrawals provided by Roth IRAs but exceed the income limits for direct Roth IRA contributions. This guide walks you through the process, tax implications, common pitfalls, and advanced strategies.

Charitable giving is a big part of plans for our clients. It can be a powerful way to support causes you care about while also reducing your tax burden. Win-Win situation.

By using tax-efficient strategies, you can maximize your impact and take full advantage of deductions, exclusions, and exemptions available under U.S. tax law.

Right now, almost 90% of people who give do not get tax credit for the giving they do. This is because of the standard deduction. If all of your deductions total are less than the standard deduction, then, of course, you are going to take the standard deduction. Because of the increase in the standard deduction included in the TCJA, most people do not get above it.

A big topic we discuss with business owners is whether it is practical for them to file as an S-Corp.

"If you move to S Corp, you will save a ton in taxes because of how much less self-employment taxes you pay."

Or on the other side of the argument

“Don’t move to S Corp, you will need to pay yourself a reasonable salary at or above social security wage base so it won’t help much.”

One of the biggest expenses in people's lives is taxes. This is not just from your salary while working but often carries over into retirement. We see a lot of individuals who retire actually be in higher tax brackets than they were while working. [see 2025 brackets here]

Taxes have a big impact on your investment returns. Where you put your money—taxable, tax-deferred, or tax-exempt accounts—determines how much you keep versus what goes to the Government over your lifetime. Understanding these three tax funnels helps you decide the best place for your next investment.

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2017 brought sweeping changes to tax laws. It added and removed a lot of strategies people use related to tax filing. After 8 years of this tax law, it seems like the new normal.

At this point in time (1/27/2025), many of these provisions are set to expire on December 31, 2025. Below, I created an organized breakdown of how this impacts you on the individual level and at the business level.

This is a question with a simple answer, right... But 98% of small business owners didn't know the value of their companies.

At its basics, a business valuation is the process of determining the economic value of a company.

It's a critical step for understanding how your business fits into the market and where opportunities or risks may lie. Valuations aren’t just for when you’re planning to sell. They serve as a roadmap for decision-making, helping you align your strategy with your goals.

Saving for retirement isn’t just a goal—it’s a strategy to secure your financial independence. It's one of the simplest things to do.... The key word is simple, not easy.

Whether you’re contributing to an employer-sponsored 401(k) or maximizing the flexibility of a Solo 401(k) (used by solo business owners), understanding your options can make a huge difference. In 2025, with new rules like super catch-up contributions and strategies like the mega backdoor Roth, there are more ways than ever to grow your savings and reduce taxes. Here’s how to use these powerful tools to build a stronger financial future.

A securities-based line of credit (SBLOC) allows you to borrow money using your investment portfolio as collateral. It provides liquidity without requiring you to sell your stocks, bonds, or other securities, which can help you avoid capital gains taxes or selling investments you intend on holding for longer. This article explains how SBLOCs work, their benefits and risks, and when they might be a suitable option for you.

Raytheon Technologies offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your financial future and health needs. Two of the most powerful tools available are the 401(k) retirement plan and the Health Savings Account (HSA). Together, these benefits provide opportunities to grow your wealth, save on taxes, and prepare for future expenses. Whether you’re building a retirement nest egg or planning for healthcare costs, understanding these benefits is essential to making the most of what’s available to you. Here’s a closer look at its key features, including how Roth contributions and after-tax contributions can help you supercharge your savings.

The Qualified Business Income (QBI) deduction, introduced by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2017, provides significant tax savings for many business owners. If you operate a pass-through entity like a sole proprietorship, partnership, or S corporation, you may qualify to deduct up to 20% of your qualified business income. With the deduction set to expire at the end of 2025, understanding how it works and preparing for potential changes is essential to minimizing your lifetime taxes as a business owner.

Owning a business means juggling multiple priorities while ensuring your financial health and long-term goals stay on track. This guide outlines key planning considerations and actionable strategies to help you optimize your business, protect your wealth, and prepare for the future.

Imagine turning every $19,000 gift into a powerful tax-saving tool for your heirs—year after year. With the updated 2025 gifting rules, you have a unique window to transfer wealth strategically, reduce your taxable estate, and keep more of your hard-earned money in the family.

Whether you’re thinking about helping your children with education, passing on appreciating assets, or funding a legacy for future generations, 2025 is the year to take action. But the clock is ticking—these rules are set to change, and proactive planning is key to securing the best outcomes.

Everyone loves Roth IRAs, but few realize there's a triple tax-free account that's even better: the HSA.

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) are often an underutilized tool for managing healthcare expenses and reducing taxable income. For individuals and business owners, HSAs can be an incredibly effective way to maximize tax savings, grow investments, and strategically plan for their future. With their unique tax advantages and flexibility, HSAs present opportunities that go beyond simply covering medical expenses, making them a vital part of a well-rounded financial strategy.

The thought of receiving an unexpected fortune might feel thrilling, but it also brings its challenges. Sudden wealth—whether from an inheritance, a lottery win, the sale of a business, or another source—can dramatically change your financial landscape. With $84 trillion expected to transfer between generations by 2045, as part of the largest wealth transfer in history, it’s more likely than ever that you or someone you know could face this scenario.

Here’s how to navigate a sudden windfall wisely, avoid common pitfalls, and secure long-term financial stability.

When the media covers presidential terms, especially during significant elections, headlines can lead investors to make hasty decisions (Hint: The media likes to create a “hurricane” of news every day to continue to drive viewership and profits). But if you’re in your 30s, 40s, or 50s and focused on long-term growth, the best strategy is simple…. don’t chase every market reaction to political changes and take advantage of downturns in the market.