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Blog Archive


Love, Money, and Merging Bank Accounts: A (Mostly) Painless Guide to Newlywed Finances
Congratulations! You’ve found The One — the person who laughs at your jokes, tolerates your family, and said yes to marrying you. You’ve conquered the hard part (finding each other) and survived the wedding planning process (which, statistically speaking, is more stressful than assembling IKEA furniture without instructions). Now it’s time for your next great adventure: combining your finances. Cue the dramatic music. Because nothing says “happily ever after” quite like deba


The Hidden Tax Torpedo in the One Big Beautiful Bill—And How to Avoid It
The One Big Beautiful Bill has hit the tax world like a tidal wave. While high-income taxpayers can cheer at the temporary increase in the state and local tax (SALT) deduction, there’s a hidden trap lurking beneath the headlines—a tax “torpedo” that can blow a hole in your bank account if you’re not careful. Think of it as a financial booby trap: you see a treasure chest of deductions, but open it without planning, and—kaboom—your tax bill rockets higher than expected. What


The Starbucks Dilemma: How Small Daily Choices Shape Long-Term Wealth
One of the most common conversations I have with clients revolves around a simple but powerful question: Where does all the money go? We work hard, we earn a good living, but at the end of the month the checking account seems to drain faster than we’d like. Often, the answer lies not in one large purchase, but in hundreds of small ones. This is what I call the “Starbucks dilemma”—spending more than we realize on coffee, meals, and convenience, while missing the opportunity t


The Amazon Prime Problem: How “One-Click” Spending Eats Away at Your Future
For years, financial experts have warned us about the “Starbucks effect”—how small, repeated purchases can quietly drain our finances. But in today’s world, there’s a new culprit that deserves just as much attention: the Amazon Prime problem. Amazon Prime is a marvel of convenience. With free shipping, same-day delivery, and millions of products at our fingertips, it’s no wonder 200+ million people around the world subscribe. But the darker side of this convenience is how eas


How to Start Aggressively Saving for 529 Plans—and Why It Matters
One of the most common questions I hear from parents is: How can we afford college? With tuition costs rising faster than inflation, preparing for higher education has become one of the biggest financial challenges for families today. The good news is that with the right strategy, you can harness the power of tax-free growth through 529 plans—and the earlier and more aggressively you start, the more dramatic the results. What Is a 529 Plan? A 529 plan is a tax-advantaged sav


When the Government Closes Its Doors: What a Shutdown Really Means for Your Investments
Ah, the government shutdown—a phrase that can send shivers down the spine of even the most seasoned investor. It conjures images of furloughed employees, empty offices, and Washington, D.C., in a state of frozen chaos. But before you start envisioning your 401(k) being eaten by a giant bureaucratic monster, take a deep breath. A government shutdown is rarely the financial apocalypse it’s often made out to be. Let’s take a light-hearted stroll through what a shutdown really me


How to Talk to Family About Money (So It’s Not Awkward Later)
Money is one of the last real taboos in our culture. We talk about politics, relationships, and health far more openly than we do about...


Getting Ready to Sell Your Business: What to Do Before You List
Selling a business is often the culmination of years—or decades—of hard work. Whether you’re planning to retire, pivot into a new...


What the New OBBBA Tax Law Means for You
What the New Tax Law Means for You: Key Changes, Limits, and Opportunities Congress has passed a brand-new tax law—officially called the...


Understanding Interest Rates: How the Federal Reserve Makes Its Decision
The Federal Reserve plays a crucial role in shaping the U.S. economy through its monetary policy decisions, particularly when it comes to...


The Art and Science of Naming IRA Beneficiaries
When it comes to retirement accounts—especially Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs)—few decisions are more important yet more...


Retirement Income Planning in a High-Inflation Environment
Retirement planning is always about balance—ensuring your money lasts as long as you do, while still letting you enjoy the life you’ve...


One Big Beautiful Bill: A Summary for Tax Planning
A sweeping new tax bill—officially called the “One Big Beautiful Tax Bill”—has passed, bringing a mix of extensions, updates, and...


Philanthropy and Wealth: How Giving Back Can Benefit Your Financial Plan
As you navigate the complexities of wealth management, philanthropy often emerges as a key component of a comprehensive financial plan....


Social Security Tips, Tricks, and the 2034 Funding Cliff: What You Need to Know
Social Security is a cornerstone of retirement planning in the United States, providing vital income to over 66 million Americans....


Navigating Inherited IRAs: Understanding the New Rules Effective 2025
Inheriting an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) can significantly impact your financial planning. Recent changes introduced by the...


How Much Should You Be Saving From Your Paycheck?
When it comes to personal finance, one of the most common and important questions I hear is: “How much should I be saving from my...


How to Use AI in Budgeting
As a financial advisor, I’ve worked with people from all walks of life—young professionals, retirees, business owners—and one thing...


This Time Isn’t Different: Gaining Perspective on Market Volatility
If you’ve been watching the markets lately, chances are you’ve felt the pull of uncertainty. Volatility is back in the headlines, pundits...


Inflation: A Timeless Concern for Savvy Investors
You’re no stranger to the ebbs and flows of the market. However, one economic phenomenon that has consistently impacted the financial...


Navigating Market Volatility Amid Tariff Uncertainty
Market volatility is an inevitable part of investing, but when tariffs and trade disputes enter the equation, it can lead to heightened...


Turning Market Losses into Gains: Why Stock Downturns Offer Tax Loss Harvesting Opportunities
For many investors, a stock market downturn feels like a punch to the gut. You open your portfolio statement or log into your investment...


The Basics of Business Planning: A Comprehensive Guide for Entrepreneurs
As an entrepreneur, starting a new business can be a daunting task. With so many factors to consider, it's essential to have a solid...


The Value Exercise: Aligning Your Finances With Your Values
Are you tired of following expert retirement guidance and still feel unfulfilled? It’s time to try something else: the value exercise.


Why It Might be a Mistake to Retire Early
The dream of early retirement is enticing—sipping cocktails on the beach, spending carefree days with loved ones, or pursuing hobbies...


Cybersecurity: How to Win Against Cybercriminals
Cybersecurity is a defense strategy against a fast-evolving and increasingly challenging world of cybercrime. Hackers are adapting their...


JDH Employee Spotlight: Ben Turner
Our next JDH Employee Spotlight features Ben Turner, our Associate Wealth Advisor. Ben leverages his adaptability and broad perspective...


Aging Parents and Balancing Independence
Our aging parents often require help managing their affairs. It can be hard to find the right balance between maintaining their autonomy...


JDH Employee Spotlight: Greyson Gibson
Our next JDH Employee Spotlight features Greyson Gibson, our Client Service Specialist. Greyson prides himself on a friendly attitude and...


Why You Should Travel in Your 50s and 60s
The benefits of travel in your 50s and 60s go far beyond checking destinations off a bucket list. Are you curious to know why this stage...


JDH Employee Spotlight: Shannon Carlton
Our first JDH Employee Spotlight features Shannon Carlton, our Head of Office Operations. Here, we get to know Shannon a little better....


Failure to Launch: Getting Your Adult Child to Move Out
Are you struggling with getting your adult child to move out? You're not alone. However, remember to also think about your own financial...


What Makes a Retirement Income Projection Great?
Traditional retirement strategies often focus on calculating future expenses, which seems sensible—after all, financial security is...


Antifragile Retirement: Grabbing Opportunities Even in Uncertainty
Discover the benefits of an antifragile retirement plan that survives market downturns and thrives, turning challenges into opportunities.


The Importance of Diversifying Your Investments
The world is always changing, and relying on one technology, investment, or crop is risky. History gives us many examples of the dangers...


How Do Your Personal Finances Stack Up Against Key Averages?
Personal finances can be challenging to navigate. You have to expertly steer your debt and savings, especially when approaching...


Golden Years Strategy for Keeping Retirement Taxes Low
Retirement taxes can significantly cut into your income, leaving you with less to live on. You can minimize these taxes during the golden...


Why RMDs are a Ticking Time Bomb
What happens when Suzan turns 73 and must start taking the required minimum distributions?


You Earned It, You Keep It
The social security system isn't keeping up with the increasing life expectancy of Americans.


Six Must-Have Personal Accounts
Personal financial accounts are an essential element of savvy money management. There are many types of these accounts, making it...
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