Retirement Planning

Real estate professional status is one of the most powerful tax designations in the entire tax code. Most people who think they qualify do not… The IRS requires more than 750 hours per year in real estate activities. And that…

Most real estate investors assume their rental losses are reducing their tax bill. A lot of the time, they are not…. Rental income and losses are reported on Schedule E. But how those losses get classified determines whether you can…

One of the most common and costly S Corp mistakes is something most owners never realize they are making… S Corp owners are required to pay themselves reasonable compensation. Set it too low and you attract IRS scrutiny. Set it…

There are legal strategies that can reduce a family’s estate tax bill by millions. Most families who are eligible to use them have never been told they exist. Federal estate tax applies above certain exemption thresholds. And those thresholds can…

The most underestimated danger in retirement is not the market. It is outliving your money. Life expectancy has increased significantly over the past few decades. Many retirees now live into their 80s and 90s. A lower monthly Social Security benefit,…

Most Social Security advice is too narrow. And narrow advice on a permanent decision can cost you for the rest of your life… Up to 85 percent of your Social Security benefits can become taxable depending on your other income.…

Millions of people claim Social Security the moment they are eligible. For many of them, that single decision permanently costs them tens of thousands of dollars. You can start claiming as early as 62. But claiming early reduces your benefit…

It can take longer to get a real estate license than to become a licensed financial advisor. Let that sit for a second. Many investment licenses require passing a multiple-choice exam. Study periods can be as short as a few…

Your financial advisor probably cannot answer your most important tax questions. And that is not their fault… Investment licenses focus on securities rules. They do not require deep tax law training. CPAs study accounting. Attorneys study legal structure. Each credential…

Most people who pay for financial advice are not sure what they are actually paying for. And honestly, neither are some of their advisors… Are you buying investment picks? Tax strategy? Behavioral coaching during a market downturn? Estate coordination? Most…