Tax season is upon us once again, which means it’s time to start working on compiling all those annual tax documents for clients, such as 1099-Rs, 1099-DIVs, 1099-INTs and others. As you and your clients begin preparing for the 2012 tax filing season, I recommend discussing what I believe is a strategy that is vitally important for all taxpayers to …
A Toll Road as Metaphor for the Fiscal Cliff
On a family trip to Mickey Mouse headquarters (Disney World) last month (a trip I highly recommend for everyone; kids or no kids), we hit the toll road that takes you from Ocala into Orlando, Fla., where the magic makes it all believable. As we pulled up to the toll station, the toll taker cordially stuck her hand out and …
Candy Economics at Halloween and Our Tax System
At our house over the past few weeks, it’s been candy, candy and more candy after a few days of local church-sponsored Fall Festivals and trunk or treat events (or trick or treat – depending on where you live). Like most parents of young children across the country, my wife and I, along with our “University of Alabama squad” – including …
An Advisor (and Client) Wish List for the Next President
My annual “wish list” usually coincides with the coming of Christmas, but this wish list is a little different, and one that I believe to be of dire importance for all Americans. So what do I (and my clients) wish for from our next president (and those elected to Congress) come November? 1. Simplicity We need a president that will …
Playing to Win Still Matters in Football, the Markets and the Economy
Has anyone noticed the fantastic few weeks of college football we’ve had so far this year? If you haven’t, you must not live in the South or have the pleasure of experiencing SEC football, or better yet, Alabama football. With a mounting total of 14 national championships, the University of Alabama’s football history is like no other program, especially in …
Financial Freedom Is Not Free
As I take a summer vacation with my family, I tend to wonder if the multitudes of people on the beaches and at other vacation spots across the U.S. really comprehend the price of that luxury. I’m not talking about the literal cost of the trip, but more about having the personal and financial freedoms to even take a vacation. …
The 6 Elements of Portfolio Construction
Read Andy’s article published by Advisor One discussing “The 6 Elements of Portfolio Construction”. By far, the hardest part of managing other people’s money is not just the research that goes into building a portfolio or picking the specific assets, but the psychology of how a client feels relative to the current marketplace and their specific goals, which are not …
Creating Wealth Isn’t Quick or Easy. So Why Do So Many Think Otherwise?
Read Andy’s article published by Advisor One discussing “Creating Wealth Isn’t Quick of Easy… So Why Do So Many Think Otherwise?” By far, the hardest part of managing other people’s money is not just the research that goes into building a portfolio or picking the specific assets, but the psychology of how a client feels relative to the current marketplace …
Why You Still Shouldn’t Gamble on Gift and Estate Taxes
Read Andy’s article published by Advisor One discussing “Why You Still Shouldn’t Gamble on Gift and Estate Taxes”.
Truth Talking on Taxes: Don’t Believe Everything You Hear
There’s an old saying (based on Scripture) that affirms “the truth will set you free.” Yet I often wonder if our government officials ever heard the saying because, year after year, we seem to hear more evidence pointing to the contrary. For instance, many politicians appear to twist the truth during campaign years as it relates to our tax code …