Recent Posts
Cost Segregation Studies: A Smart Tax Move… Sometimes
Cost Segregation Studies: A Smart Tax Move… Sometimes If you are a landlord with rental properties, you’ve probably read an article or listened to a
11 Ways to Reset, Refocus, and Win in 2026
As we wrap up 2025, now is the perfect time to reflect, reset, and plan for next year. These smart financial moves will help you
He Was 96: The Financial Lessons His Life (and Death) Taught Us
He Was 96: The Financial Lessons His Life (and Death) Taught Us My oldest client died last night. He was 96. I received this news
Military Topics
Divide and Conquer – How to Create an Electronic Envelope System
Have you ever felt that no matter how hard you try, sticking to a budget is like trying to hold water in your hands? Do
Blended Retirement System: Evaluate the Lump Sum Option
Unlike some civilian pensions, there is no option to take the full military pension as a lump sum. However, servicemembers retiring under the Blended Retirement
PCS Season: Organize Your Financial Life
PCS Season: Organize Your Financial Life Whether you’re motivated by an upcoming PCS or it’s simply time for a little desk drawer cleaning, the
Tricare for Life – Is It Really Free?
Tricare for Life – Is It Really Free? Military retirees, including reserve retirees over age 60, are familiar with the retiree Tricare drill. And when
State-Level Veterans Benefits
State-Level Veterans Benefits The US Department of Veterans Affairs has many benefits for military veterans. But did you know each state also has their own
Why Should you Care About the Survivor Benefit Plan Open Season in 2023?
Why Should you Care About the Survivor Benefit Plan Open Season in 2023? When a retiree dies, his/her retired pay (and VA disability compensation) also
Financial Planning
Understanding VA Mortgages and IRRRLs
Understanding VA Mortgages and IRRRLs: Save Money with Your VA Benefits Generally, homeownership is viewed as a cornerstone for building wealth. As World War II
Estate Planning Basics For Military Members
Estate Planning Basics for Military Members One of the most common questions I get from military members related to estate planning is along the lines
What Exactly Does A Comprehensive Financial Plan Look Like?
The first step toward long-term financial stability and living the life you’ve always wanted to live is to create a thorough financial plan. But what
The Balance Sheet Deception: Understanding the Liabilities of Assets
Veterans aren’t strangers to the concept of assets and liabilities. One of the first things anyone does when thinking about personal finance is to map
Social Security – The Basics
Social Security – The Basics You pay your payroll taxes every month but unless you’re close to retirement, you probably don’t give Social Security much
Selecting a Financial Advisor
Selecting a Financial Advisor If you’re on this website, there’s a good chance you are looking for someone to help you with a financial question
Taxes
Military Tax Preparation Options
In addition to being an investment advisor, I am also a tax professional. People will sometimes jokingly accuse me of preferring complicated tax laws because
The C-Word(s)
If you really want to upset someone, use the C-Word. Or the other C-Word. If you want to really get them spinning, use the other,
How to Tame Your Tax Dragon: Review Your W-4
It’s just about tax time and almost nothing drives anxiety more than worrying if you might owe a lot at tax time. Or, maybe you’re
Expanded Tax Credits for Energy Efficient Improvements in 2023
Expanded Tax Credits for Energy Efficient Improvements in 2023 Tax credits for making energy efficient improvements to the taxpayer’s home have been around for a
SECURE Act 2.0
Congress passed the Omnibus Spending Bill on December 23, 2022. Included in the monstrous 4,000+ document were numerous changes to retirement savings accounts collectively known
New Year IRA Tips
New Year IRA Tips Still want to save for retirement in 2022? You can! Wait, what? Did you say I can still save for retirement last
College & Education Planning
New Law Changes Handling of VA GI Bill Program Debts
New VA Management of Education Debts The Johnny Isakson and David P Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020 passed into
Getting Your Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) Squared Away
Get Your Student Financial Aid Squared Away What is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid? The Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA,
Investing
Series I Bonds: Is it time for an exit strategy?
Series I Bonds: Is it time for an exit strategy? When it comes to inflation and our financial lives, inflation receding is a good thing.
Veterans Affairs (VA) Loan Assumption, Good Deal for Me?
Veterans Affairs (VA) Loan Assumption, Good Deal for Me? Mortgage interest rates have hit a 20-year high with average new mortgage rates over 6%. Higher
A Military Family’s Guide to Buying a Home
Recently, I’ve had several discussions with clients who are in the middle of a PCS (permanent change of station) or preparing for one. No tears
New Year IRA Tips
New Year IRA Tips Still want to save for retirement in 2022? You can! Wait, what? Did you say I can still save for retirement last
Which is Better—A Roth or a TSP?
Which is Better—A Roth or a TSP? If my math is correct, half of the readers of this article’s title are about ready to blow
I Learned Everything I Needed to Know about Investing in Kindergarten
Investing Lessons from Childhood I had one of those “Aha!” moments recently. You know – the ones where you figure something out after a really