When it comes to money, everyone seems to have an opinion. Talk to your friends, family, coworkers, or neighbors, and you’ll likely hear ten different answers to the same financial question. One person swears by real estate. Another believes the stock market is the only path to wealth. Someone else insists on paying off every…
Read more
Stress has a sneaky way of multiplying itself. You worry about work, money, family, or the future… then you start stressing about how stressed you are. It’s exhausting. Since it’s Mother’s Day season, maybe it’s worth asking: what would your mom say about all this? “Slow down.” “Take it down a notch.” “You don’t NEED…
Read more
A while back, Money Magazine asked several successful people a simple question: What’s the smartest financial advice you’ve ever received? One response stood out. Richard Branson, billionaire founder of the Virgin Group, admitted that early in his career he simply didn’t know much about finance—and the best thing he learned was to stay humble about…
Read more
A fellow advisor once shared a story that has always stuck with me. He tried to help his grandmother with her financial and life planning, but she refused. “She insisted that John—her advisor and friend for decades—was doing just fine,” he said. “Besides, she couldn’t imagine taking business away from someone she trusted for so…
Read more
Legendary basketball coach John Wooden once said, “It is what we learn after we know it all that counts.” That quote perfectly captures one of the greatest challenges in retirement planning. As human beings, we like to feel respected and knowledgeable—and we really don’t like being wrong. That feeling often grows stronger as we get…
Read more
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.…
Read more
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…
Read more
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…
Read more
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…
Read more
Wow! There is a lot in this bill and no way we are going to cover everything or deep dive into anything specific. So…after reading and reading, here is an extensive glance at some of our notes. Note: It is imperative that you consult with your tax advisor before implementing any strategies. One of the…
Read more
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.