Getting a notice from the IRS can feel overwhelming, but understanding what happens during an audit can ease the anxiety. The process might sound intimidating, but it’s often more routine than most people think.
Donald Hayden | Innovative Finance Leader & Strategic Partner for Business Growth
- Transformative Upgrades to 529 Plans
The One Big Beautiful Bill, signed into law on July 4, 2025, brings sweeping improvements to 529 education savings accounts that benefit families at every stage of learning:
Most everyday investors rely on stocks, bonds, or mutual funds to grow their money. But the wealthy? They use an entirely different playbook—one filled with strategic investments and tax-efficient tools that allow them to build serious wealth while paying little to no taxes on their gains.
Planning an estate isn’t just a financial exercise—it’s about peace of mind and harmony among loved ones. Being upfront with your kids, explaining your decisions, and getting everyone on the same page early can prevent misunderstandings and hurt feelings later.
When CEOs rely solely on historical numbers or outdated budgets, they’re essentially driving with no headlights. Imagine speeding down a mountain road—without bright lights, you’re at risk of missing obstacles until it’s too late. In the business world, the right financial tools are your headlights. They allow you to spot financial challenges early and pivot fast, ensuring you stay ahead of trouble and seize opportunities.
Converting funds from traditional IRAs or 401(k)s into a Roth account can be a smart financial move—but timing is everything. Instead of converting your entire balance at once and risking a heavy tax bill, a phased and well-planned approach can help you save on taxes and boost your retirement strategy.
The House Republicans have recently passed a broad tax and spending package—nicknamed the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act”—which brings major updates to 529 college savings plans. Traditionally used for college tuition and housing costs, these savings accounts could soon cover a much wider range of educational and career-related expenses.
A new shift is taking place in the world of philanthropy—wealthy donors are increasingly turning to donor-advised funds (DAFs), especially as lawmakers propose tighter tax regulations on private foundations. The appeal? A mix of flexibility, tax efficiency, and discretion.
The SALT Deduction and Its Real Estate Connection
The state and local tax (SALT) deduction allows taxpayers to deduct certain state and local taxes—primarily property taxes, income taxes, or sales taxes—from their federal taxable income. For real estate, the property tax component is particularly significant, as it directly affects homeownership costs. The 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) capped the SALT deduction at $10,000 for both single filers and married couples, a move that hit homeowners in high-tax states hard, where property taxes often exceed this limit. The Wall Street Journal reports that the new House Republican tax bill, passed on May 22, 2025, raises this cap to $40,000 for taxpayers with modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) of $400,000 or less, phasing out completely for those earning over $500,000. This change could significantly influence real estate decisions, from buying and selling homes to managing investment properties.
The Rise of Micro-Hustles in Entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurship is about identifying opportunities, taking calculated risks, and creating value that resonates with a target audience. The micro-hustle model, as highlighted in the Entrepreneur article, embodies these principles by enabling individuals to launch small-scale ventures with minimal resources. A micro-hustle is a digital product or service—such as an e-book, template, or online course—that requires a one-time creation effort but can be sold repeatedly with little maintenance. This approach contrasts with traditional entrepreneurship, which often involves managing inventory, employees, or physical spaces, and freelancing, which demands continuous time investment.