As the end of the year approaches, it’s natural to reflect on our financial successes—and to look for smart ways to save on taxes. The clock is ticking, but here are five strategies you may want to consider before year-end. #1… Charitable Giving Opportunities Are Changing The rules around charitable giving are shifting next year.…
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At first glance, this might sound like a rhetorical question — of course things are different! But let me tell you, the answer isn’t as simple as you might think. When I first entered this business back in 2006, retirement planning looked very different. We built every plan by hand — I’m talking budgets, calculators,…
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Let’s be real—everything feels more expensive these days. A few years ago, most of us had at least a little breathing room in the budget. Now? Inflation has eaten that cushion and asked for dessert. You may not be able to control the cost of groceries or gas, but you can control how much of…
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Have you ever listened to an elite pianist who composes their own music? For years, I was blessed to sit in church on Sundays and experience the magic of one such man, who transformed familiar hymns into something extraordinary. If you’ve ever heard a symphony, concert violinist, or pianist like this, you know the feeling.…
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(Probably Not—And Here’s Why) It’s a question most people avoid asking: Do I need life insurance—or more of it? The truth? Nearly 102 million Americans say they’re either uninsured or underinsured. That’s 42% of the country!1 And since that number is based on people self-reporting, the real figure is likely even higher. But here’s the…
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Your account statement might say you earned 10%, but is that really what you get to keep? Not exactly. Once taxes and inflation step onto the scene, the picture changes—sometimes drastically. For example, let’s say your tax rate is 40% and inflation is 3%. That 10% return suddenly shrinks to an after-tax, real return of…
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Last week, we talked about the Top 3 Costly Mistakes in Transitioning Your Business. Notice who didn’t make that list? Uncle Sam. Why? Because if your business can’t even attract a buyer at a strong price, taxes don’t matter yet. (If you missed that article, I’d recommend starting there first.) But let’s assume your business…
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Let’s be blunt: Business owners are slightly emotional about their businesses, especially as time approaches for them to step away from control of their business. A lot of blood, sweat, and tears went into building your business – sleepless nights, times you didn’t know if you would make it, and sacrifices you still wonder if…
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I love starting my day with a little time in the Word, and recently I was listening to a sermon that hit me right between the eyes. The pastor asked a simple but powerful question: Where are you getting your advice? It made me pause. Every day, we let different voices shape our thoughts and…
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Don’t Let These Common Mistakes Derail Your Future So, you’ve finally reached retirement—congratulations! But before you pop the champagne and splurge on a sports car or exotic vacation, take a deep breath. Retirement isn’t just a long vacation—it’s a whole new phase of life that needs a smart game plan. Here are five of the…
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Securities offered through Calton & Associates, Inc. member FINRA and SIPC, a Registered Investment Adviser. SEC registration does not imply a certain level of skill or ability. Investment advisory services offered through Smart Money Group, LLC, a Registered Investment Adviser. Smart Money Group, LLC and Kennedy Financial Services are not owned or controlled by Calton & Associates, Inc.