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When Your Parents Need You to Be the Adult
There is usually no single moment when the roles begin to shift. It may be a confusing medical bill. A missed payment. A scam text they almost clicked. A question about an account they have had for years. A conversation where they...
Read MoreDoes the New Tax Law Impact Your Estate Strategy?
The federal estate tax exemption remains at an all-time high. For some families, that is genuinely good news. But it may also be creating a false sense of security, especially if you live in one of the states that sets its own rules or...
Read MoreThe Retirement Conversation Couples Keep Avoiding
As financial professionals, we spend much of our time helping our clients prepare for retirement. By the time most of our clients are within a few years of retirement, their savings are there, their investment accounts are in order,...
Read MoreWhat Would You Do With a Windfall?
After years of walking clients through inheritances, business sales, bonuses, and liquidity events, we have seen how these moments unfold in remarkably consistent ways. There is almost always a boat, or something like one. A vacation...
Read MoreThree Numbers Every Woman Should Know
Key Takeaways How much wealth are women on track to control in the next decade, and why does that matter? What does the life expectancy gap between women and men mean for how long money needs to last? How common is it for women to be...
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Tax Prep vs. Tax Strategy
Key Takeaways Treat tax strategy as a continuous process, not a once-a-year filing exercise. Coordinate with financial and tax professionals throughout the year to identify opportunities for efficiency. Review contribution limits,...
Read MoreUnderstanding the Emotions Behind Financial Decisions
Key Takeaways Emotions and biases might influence financial choices more often than most people realize. Behavioral patterns, such as loss aversion, familiarity bias, and herd mentality, can impact long-term results. Recognizing...
Read MoreAI and the New Face of Fraud: How to Protect Your Identity and Finances in 2026
Artificial intelligence (AI) may be the most revolutionary technology of our time, with industries scrambling to embrace its possibilities. AI’s early influence seems similar to the positive disruptions brought about by past...
Read More2025 in Review and What You Should Know Heading Into 2026
As we begin a new year and consider the opportunities ahead, reflecting on the past year helps put today’s financial landscape into perspective and informs the strategies that can move us closer to our goals. 2025 was a year marked by...
Read MoreGoal Setting That Sticks: Simple Ways to Turn January Motivation into Lasting Wins
Key Takeaways and Suggestions for Successful Goal Setting Use SMART Goals for Clarity and Focus:Set goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. This proven method helps break big ambitions into manageable...
Read MoreYear-End Giving Strategies: Tax-Smart and Impactful
Key Takeaways A third of annual donations: About one-third of all charitable contributions are made in December. Donating before December 31 may offer tax advantages. New rules starting in 2026 (via the OBBB Act) may affect deductions...
Read MoreOptimizing Your Financial Future
Whether you are already taking advantage of your employer’s retirement plan, still considering it, or have different investment methods in place to save for retirement, I encourage you to think more broadly about your retirement and...
Read MoreThe True Costs Of Caring For Aging Parents
Key Takeaways Caring for aging parents is a growing reality for many Americans. The number of family caregivers in the U.S. has jumped to 63 million, a 45% increase over the past decade, making 1 in every 4 Americans a caregiver. The...
Read MoreThe One Big Beautiful Bill Act and Its Implications for CRE
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), signed into law on July 4, 2025, introduces sweeping tax and economic policy changes that will significantly influence commercial real estate (CRE) investment and development across the United...
Read MoreThe One Big Beautiful Bill And You
On July 4, the One Big Beautiful Bill was signed into law at a White House ceremony. This domestic policy bill extends the 2017 tax cuts set to expire this year, making some of those rules permanent. The bill also creates several new...
Read MoreWhat You Need to Know About the 2025 Changes to Inherited IRA Rules
The rules regarding inherited IRAs have changed in the last five years, and failing to comply with the new requirements may result in IRS penalties. These changes affect people inheriting IRAs and those looking to leave retirement...
Read MoreHow Much Do You Really Know About Stock Market Indexes?
While you may follow the various stock indexes on the nightly business news, how much do you know about their histories, how they work, and why they're important? We pulled together some information and interesting facts about some of...
Read MoreHow Do You Turn Retirement Savings Into A Reliable Income Strategy
You’ve likely spent years building your retirement nest egg—saving diligently, investing wisely, and contributing to retirement accounts along the way. But transitioning from earning a paycheck to relying on your savings can feel...
Read MoreThe Hidden Risks of Passive Investing
It is no secret that investment dollars have been shifting from actively managed investments to passively managed investments (i.e., Index Funds). There’s one number that explains a good portion of this phenomenon: 13.80%. The...
Read MoreGive Me a (Tax) Break: Tax Implications For Charitable Trusts
Balancing philanthropic goals with financial planning can be a complex yet rewarding endeavor. One strategy that has gained popularity among those looking to make a lasting impact, while potentially reaping tax benefits, is the...
Read More10 Things You Can Do Now to Help Simplify Your Estate for Your Heirs
One of the greatest gifts you can give your loved ones is a thoughtful estate strategy that outlines your wishes after you are gone. Discussing estate details with your team of professionals is another way to help manage your legacy...
Read MoreDon’t Leave Money Behind: Finding Your Missing 401(k)s
You've worked hard throughout your life to build assets to support your retirement. As financial professionals, one of the most critical functions we provide is helping clients determine their retirement income needs and structuring a...
Read More10 Facts You May Not Know About Social Security
Social Security is often misunderstood or underestimated in retirement strategy. However, as financial professionals, we've seen how it can play a crucial role in our clients' overall financial strategy, regardless of their income...
Read MoreTurn Tax Stress into Savings: 6 Strategies for Small Businesses
Did the 2023 tax season leave you feeling down? For small business owners who filed in October, the sting of their annual income tax return hasn’t worn off yet. Now is the perfect time to regroup and prepare a strategy for the 2024 tax...
Read More5 Financial Steps to Take at the End of the Year
The end of the year is prime time to reflect on whether you've met your financial goals. Some examples include repaying debt, saving for college, or building an emergency fund. Giving your finances a year-end checkup can help get you...
Read MoreSafeguarding Your Identity: Essential Tips For Financial Security
Statistics show that nearly 33% of Americans have faced some identity theft attempts in their lives, and experts estimate there is a new case of identity theft every 22 seconds. As financial professionals, one of our primary goals is...
Read MoreTen Common Estate Strategy Mistakes You Should Avoid
Legacy preparation can play a key role in any financial strategy. Legacy management lets you consider what happens to everything you’ve accumulated—and may continue to accumulate—throughout your lifetime. But far too often, we’ve seen...
Read MoreThe Impact of Elections on The Markets and Tax Policy
With Labor Day behind us, we're in the final stretch of the 2024 presidential election race. As we follow the news and parse the most recent polls, some may ask, "How might what happens on November 5 impact my finances?” As financial...
Read MoreGet Creative as You Gear Up for College
A four-year college degree is expensive. How expensive? While the numbers vary depending on whether you attend a public or private university, or in-state or out-of-state institution, the data is sobering. The average cost of college...
Read MoreDo You Know About the New Filing Requirements for Small Business Owners?
If you are a small business owner — or plan to be one — you should be aware of a new reporting requirement. The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), passed in 2021, changed beneficial ownership rules, which is expected to impact 32...
Read MoreThe Evolving Correlation Between Stocks and Bonds Explained
Sir John Templeton once said, “The four most expensive words in investing are: ‘This time it’s different.'” Normally, we would agree. But the phrase “This time it’s different” may apply to what's happened in financial markets in recent...
Read MoreHow Much Do You Need to Retire Comfortably?
A few years ago, there were ads from financial services companies asking, “What’s your number?” The number was the money you needed to retire comfortably. This was an effective way for financial services companies to get people...
Read MoreIdentity Protection – The Best Ways to Prevent ID Theft
There isn’t a week that goes by when you don’t read about some data breach, and tens of thousands of people becoming victims of identity theft. Safeguarding your personal and financial information starts with understanding...
Read MoreHow to Protect Your Estate From Inheritance Taxes After 2025
At the end of 2025, portions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) are set to expire. Many changes will come with the sunsetting of many rules, including the possibility that federal estate and gift tax exemption levels will revert to...
Read MoreInvesting in a Presidential Election Year
As the presidential race heats up, there is a common question on investors' minds: "How might the looming White House vote impact the markets?" Some may wonder if they should tweak their portfolio or sit tight with the uncertainty...
Read MoreThe Big Game Indicator and Other Unusual Economic Theories
It’s a fun time of year for football fans. The NFL playoffs are starting, and the Big Game is just around the corner. While football fans will tune in for the match-ups, commercials, and Usher’s Big Game halftime show, you may not...
Read MoreTax Savings Strategies
The next month or so is the time to get your documents in order and make sure you have all the information you and your accountant will need to file taxes for 2023. I want to help you make the most of your opportunities and lower your...
Read MoreBreaking Down the Parts of Medicare
Medicare is the federal health insurance program for everyone age 65 and older in the United States. Generally, the different parts of Medicare exist to cover specific healthcare services. Most beneficiaries choose to receive their...
Read MoreThree Key Questions to Answer Before Taking Social Security
Social Security retirement benefits are often a major source of income for most Americans during retirement, so before you begin taking it, you should consider three important questions: When Should I File for Benefits? Should I...
Read More5 Ways Business Owners Can Reduce Taxes Now
Did the 2022 tax season leave you feeling blue? For many small business owners, the sting of their annual income tax return hasn’t worn off yet. Now is the perfect time to regroup and revamp your strategy for tax year 2023 and beyond....
Read MoreWhat is Your Risk Management Plan?
Most people couldn’t bear the financial hardships resulting from unexpected events, such as a major house fire, a car accident, a disability or the premature death of a family breadwinner, which is why one of the most important...
Read MoreLife Insurance Will Always Matter - With or Without the Estate Taxes
As it does every few years, projections that the estate tax will soon sunset have begun to emerge. But we feel very strongly that even if it were to do so, the need for life insurance within estate planning would still be vital. Life...
Read MoreA Guide for Sending Your Child Off to College
For an 18-year-old, going to college is exciting, a little scary, and an important step towards becoming an independent adult. For a parent, sending their child to college is also exciting and a little bit scary, as well as bittersweet...
Read MoreSECURE 2.0 Act: A Synopsis of its Details and Effects
As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, I believe that staying informed about new legislation is essential to help my clients pursue their financial goals. Recently, the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act was...
Read MoreINFOGRAPHIC: 5 Charitable Giving Ideas That Will Also Reduce Your Taxable Income
‘Tis the season of giving and, as the end of the year approaches, it is also the time to make year-end tax saving moves. Regardless of the tax benefits, giving back to your community, especially after the difficult year we’ve had, can...
Read MoreInfographic: 8 Benefits of Financial Planning
Most Americans never engage in the financial planning process. Especially in today’s world with so many unpredictable events, such as a pandemic or hurricane, it can be hard to think about planning for the future. However, not having a...
Read MoreHow to Lower Your Taxes
Starting your own business is not an easy task. It comes with many challenges and obstacles, preventing many people from even trying it. For those who do set up their own shop and make a go of it alone, there can also be many benefits....
Read MoreMaking Business Expenses Easier to Track
If you are among the fast-growing ranks of people compensated through 1099 income, you are enjoying the many benefits of being your own boss. But with that independence and flexibility comes new responsibilities you probably never had...
Read More15 Ways a Financial Advisor Can Assist a Nonprofit
Most people, wealthy or not, try to support a philanthropic cause, be it big or small. Whether that be through donations, volunteering time, or joining a charity’s board, it is important that the charities individuals choose to support...
Read MoreFinancial Planning for Nonprofits
According to the National Council of Nonprofits, about 21% of all nonprofits have an annual budget of $50,000 or less. With this in mind, maximizing the assets and income of the organization is critical, as every cent counts. This is...
Read MoreInfographic: What to Consider When Buying Long-Term Care Insurance
Long-term care insurance is an important part of retirement planning. Choosing the right option is a difficult decision and can affect your family’s financial future. Here are some things to consider: MORE RESOURCES FOR LONG-TERM CARE...
Read MoreHome Title Theft: What it is and How to Protect Yourself it
Owning a home or business can be one of the great joys in your life. Not only does property ownership provide you with a secure and stable living situation, but it is also provides crucial assets that are helpful for your financial...
Read More7 Mistakes to Avoid in Retirement and How Retirement Planning Can Help
Only 36% of adults think that they are on track to retire. The main barrier to retiring on time is a lack of proper planning and sufficient savings. However, there are 7 common mistakes that people make when they create their...
Read More7 Financial Planning Tips for Your 20s and 30s
Seventy-five percent of Americans have no financial plan. From savings to paying off debt to retirement funds, many are just winging it and hoping for the best. Especially when you’re in your 20s and 30s and just starting out on your...
Read More3 Easy Ways to Improve Your Business Finances
As in your personal life, having a good handle on your business finances can make a world of difference. Good financial standing is beneficial to you professionally and personally as it reduces stress and puts you on the right path...
Read More5 Keys to Being Fit to Retire
How do you know if you’re ready to retire? This is a difficult question, and the answer varies person by person. Before deciding you’re ready for retirement, make sure you evaluate your entire situation including mental, physical, and...
Read More8 Benefits of Financial Planning
Financial Planning is incredibly important for your future. In fact, it can be just as important as eating healthy and exercising. Unfortunately, the average American never even engages in the financial planning process. If you are...
Read More3 Ways to Cope with Sudden Retirement
If you had to retire tomorrow, would you be prepared? Retirement is something you anticipate happening in the distant future; so, most people wouldn’t be prepared if they were forced into retirement out of the blue. If you’ve found...
Read MoreAffording the College Education Your Child Desires
Most parents want to fund their children’s college education as much as they can. In fact, 49% of parents want to pay 75% of their child’s school costs. Yet many parents find that they make too much money to qualify for any substantial...
Read MoreHow to Use Estate Planning for Smaller Estates
What is an Estate Plan? The word estate is most commonly associated with great wealth, but the truth is, that everyone has an estate. Everything you own, from your car and bank accounts to real estate and retirement accounts,...
Read More5 Pillars of a Solid Financial Foundation
By the time you turn 35, you probably have chosen a career, own or rent a home (house, apartment, condo, etc.), and have a better financial situation place than when you were in your mid-twenties. With a steady income you can now set...
Read MoreEasy Ways to Protect Your Personal Assets from Business Risk
When you start your own business you are also taking on some amount of risk. Taking on business risk doesn’t have to mean putting your personal wealth in jeopardy. In this article, we’re going to discuss ways to help you eliminate risk...
Read More8 First-Time Home Buying Expenses to Prepare For
There’s nothing more exciting than buying your first home. Whether it’s a condo, a sprawling mansion, or anything in between, buying your first home makes you feel like you are getting ahead in life. You’ve probably already figured out...
Read More8 Financial Terms You Need to Know
You may have heard several, or all, of the below terms and phrases at some point in your life but never truly understood what they meant. These 8 financial terms are the most important for you to understand as a young adult starting on...
Read More3 Ways for New Business Owners to Build Good Credit
When your business is in its early stages, there are many things that you have to learn as you go. But building your business’ credit should not be one of them. We’ve put together a few simple tips that will help you build good...
Read More5 Tips for Charitable Giving to Reduce Your Taxable Income
‘Tis the season of giving and, as the end of the year approaches, it is also the time to make year-end tax saving moves. Regardless of the tax benefits, giving back to your community, especially after the devastating year we’ve had,...
Read MoreHow Life Expectancy is Changing the Need for Retirement Planning
For much of our history, retirement in America was defined in terms of its relationship to full-time participation in the work force. An individual would work until a certain age and then leave employment to spend time on personal...
Read MoreRetirement Planning Tips for Your 40s and Beyond
When it comes to planning for retirement it's never too late to get started. At JMB Financial Managers we recognize that despite our best efforts, sometimes life gets in the way our retirement planning and savings efforts. No matter...
Read MoreRetirement Planning Tips for Your 20s and 30s
When it comes to planning for retirement it’s never too early and it’s never too late. At JMB Financial Managers we like to encourage our clients to begin saving for retirement as soon as feasibly possible, but we also recognize that...
Read More5 Key Factors to Consider When Buying Long-Term Care Insurance
Buying a long-term care insurance policy can be a complicated process, involving multiple decisions about which features are right for you and what premium you can afford. Among the many choices, there are five key factors to consider:...
Read MoreRecord Retention Guidelines for Business Owners
Tax season is in full swing again and I often get asked how long business owners should retain their tax and business records. Unfortunately, there is no hard and fast answer to this question. How Long Should You Keep Your Records?...
Read MoreWhat Should You Do With Your Old 401(k) Plan?
At some point, whether it's as you retire or after changing jobs, you're going to be faced with a decision. Should you stick with your old employer's 401(k) plan, invest in your new employer's retirement plan, or should you roll it...
Read More10 Signs You’re Ready to Incorporate
Deciding upon whether or not to incorporate your business can be nerve-wracking. Even if you've done your research and understand what it means to incorporate your business, you may still be unsure about moving forward. Take a look at...
Read More5 Tips for Planning Your Retirement
A Few Simple Steps to Help You Get Started For many, preparing for retirement can feel overwhelming, and can even become a barrier that keeps people from focusing on and implementing a retirement plan. If you haven’t started planning...
Read More3 Ways to Avoid the Biggest Estate Planning Mistake Everyone Makes
Everyone who makes time to ponder and plan for the end of this life on earth does some form of estate planning in an effort to spare their family from facing major legal issues, inheritance taxes, and (potentially) bitter disputes....
Read MoreMatching Your Investments to Your Risk Tolerance
The stock market has continued its recent run-up to new highs, and as odd as it may seem, that may be unsettling you. You may be concerned about your portfolio given how high it has risen, what’s going on with oil prices, the real...
Read MoreA Solution to Independent Contractors Biggest Dilemma: To Incorporate or Not?
Perhaps no two questions spark more debate and conflicting answers between accountants, attorneys, and financial planners than, “Should I incorporate?” and “When does it become worth it to incorporate?” As someone who specializes in...
Read More3 Proven Ingredients for Improving Investment Results
It’s really difficult to achieve consistent investment results. Or is it? It turns out you can dramatically improve your investment results by using three proven ingredients in your investment process. In this post, I’m going to show...
Read MoreIncorporating 101 – Everything You Need to Know Before Incorporating
One of the most confusing obstacles you will face when running your own business is deciding whether or not to incorporate. Luckily, my years of working with small business owners has left me with some knowledge and experience that I’m...
Read More3 Simple Steps to Help You Care for Your Retirement Plan
Qualified retirement plans are valuable investment tools. The money you put in them grows tax deferred until it is withdrawn at the time of your retirement and contributions to a 401(k) plan actually reduce your taxable income. But...
Read More6 Steps for a Simple Year-End Financial Review
It’s that time of year again! The days are shorter but that doesn’t mean there is any less to get done. As the end of the year quickly approaches, I wanted to take the time to share with you a bit of advice I give each of my clients...
Read More8 Tips to Help You Make the Most of Your 401(k)
In spite of what you may have heard, employee-funded 401(k) plans will continue to be the main source of retirement savings for many Americans for years to come, despite falling victim to scandal and stock market volatility in the past...
Read More6 Questions to Ask Your CPA at Tax Time
Taxes are confusing enough for individuals, but when it comes to being an independent contractor, another layer of complexity is added. To make things a little easier come tax time, we’ve but together a list of the six questions you...
Read MoreUnderstanding What Affects Your Risk Tolerance While Saving for Retirement
It is no surprise that any type of investing comes with some amount of risk. Understanding what affects your risk tolerance and how to manage it, especially when you’re saving for retirement, can help you be more successful in reaching...
Read More5 of the Easiest Ways to Pay for College and Reduce Your Stress
Both parents and students alike can become stressed out over the cost of paying for college, even if they are somewhat well off. It turns out you can dramatically reduce your stress and fund a college education by adding a few simple...
Read MoreA Guide to College Saving
There is no "magic wand" or one-size-fits-all plan to save for college. As you can imagine, multiple factors impact the type of account you will utilize. You may even want to use a combination of options to maximize the amount you save...
Read MoreThere is More to Retirement Planning Than Being Financially Prepared
Working, whether paid or unpaid, is good for our health and wellbeing. It contributes to our happiness, helps us to build confidence and self-esteem, and rewards us financially. Retirement, which is expected to be a rewarding time in a...
Read MoreThe Need for Asset Protection and Why You Should Be Planning
In our modern, litigious society, there are certain typical problems which, if not properly planned and prepared for, can cause you to lose the entirety of your savings, investments, home and/or business. The result of such a loss...
Read MoreBusiness Reasons for Disability Insurance
Self-motivated people are often the driving force in the success of a business, and nowhere more than in a small business. Frequently, just one or two talented individuals that possess education, knowledge and/or skills that other...
Read MoreStock Market Volatility: Acting vs. Reacting
The volatile market is in the news, in the headlines, and more than likely, in your portfolio. Erratic stock markets can be worrisome for everyone - but it does not have to be. When it comes to investing, I always like to remind my...
Read More5 Remarkable Benefits of Financial Planning
Financial Planning is incredibly important for your future. In fact, it can be just as important as eating healthy and exercising. Unfortunately, the average American never engages in the financial planning process. People are now...
Read MoreComprehensive Financial Planning: What is it Anyway?
When it comes time to create a roadmap for your financial future, you hear the term “comprehensive financial planning” thrown around often, whether it’s during your research of reliable sources or in talking with a Certified Financial...
Read MoreIs It Time to Review Your Life Insurance?
We often say that our clients buy life insurance for one of two reasons – you love somebody or you owe somebody. For most, it will be the first reason. You want to protect a loved one and there is a financial dependence on your income....
Read MoreWhy Life Insurance Matters
Why does life insurance matter? Understandably, no one likes to contemplate the end of his or her life. We work to focus on the moment and live in the present, hopefully enjoying life stages and milestones as they come. While thinking...
Read MoreGetting Legal Assistance in Choosing the Best Business Entity
Authored by: Andy Gale, Guest Author Are you planning to start a business in California? If yes, then there are several decisions and actions that you need to go through with careful attention. There may be many resources available,...
Read MoreEverything You Need to Know About Unclaimed Money
Have you ever received a notice stating you’ve got unclaimed money sitting around? Although your first instinct might be that you’re being scammed, and although you could be, you very well might not be. Throughout the United States,...
Read MoreAdd Value to Employees' Lives with Voluntary Benefits
Employees are the backbone of your organization. If you’re like most employers, you’d love the opportunity to do more for the employees that already do so much for you. Offering a robust benefits plan to your employees is the perfect...
Read MoreThe Importance of Naming Your Beneficiaries
Authored by: Bridget Quijada When filling out your financial paperwork, beneficiaries may be at the bottom of your list of priorities. It is easy to get caught up in what investments to choose from or how much risk you’re willing to...
Read MoreDo You Have a Comprehensive Insurance Plan?
3 Insurance Gaps That Could Be Leaving You Vulnerable Although most individuals have insurance coverage of some kind many don’t realize they are leaving themselves vulnerable to catastrophe by not having the correct type of insurance...
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