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The One Big Beautiful Bill Act: What It Means for Your Wallet
If you’ve ever stared at your tax return and wondered if it was written in runes, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) won’t fix that, but it does change a lot, starting with the 2025 tax year. Here’s what matters for planning, with the key years and income limits spelled out. Retirees and Near-Retirees Starting in 2025, there’s a new senior deduction of $6,000 per eligible person. It phases out starting at $75,000 of modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) for single filers
stephenbodwell
13 minutes ago4 min read


Retirement Readiness: What to Review Before Your Last Day of Work
Retirement is one of life’s biggest transitions. While it’s tempting to picture it as the day you swap your office chair for a hammock, the reality involves important financial, healthcare, tax, and lifestyle decisions. Careful planning can prevent unpleasant surprises and help you step into this new chapter with confidence. Cash Flow and Income Planning The first priority is understanding how money will flow once the paychecks stop. A clear income and expense plan keeps your
stephenbodwell
Dec 124 min read
A Better Way to Give? When a Donor Advised Fund Makes Sense
Charitable giving is as personal as it is financial. Some people give quietly, others make philanthropy part of their identity, and many want to know their dollars are making a difference. No matter the motivation, there’s usually another factor at play—taxes. If you find yourself giving regularly or in larger amounts, you may have heard about donor-advised funds (DAFs). They’ve become one of the fastest-growing tools for charitable giving, but should you use one? What Is a D
stephenbodwell
Nov 244 min read


Picking the Right Retirement Plan for Your Small Business: 2025 Edition
Running a small business means wearing a lot of hats: CEO, HR, janitor, IT “expert,” and sometimes therapist for your employees when the coffee runs out. With all that, figuring out a retirement plan might not be at the top of your list. But here’s the reality: the right retirement plan not only helps you save for your future but also makes your business more attractive to employees (and keeps the IRS happy). So, let’s break down the common retirement plan options available t
stephenbodwell
Nov 74 min read


Giving Back with Strategy - A Look at Common Charitable Giving Vehicles
Charitable giving can be more than a generous act. It can also be a strategic part of tax planning, estate design, and building a long-term legacy. Whether you're donating appreciated stock, converting a taxable asset into income, or planning for heirs and causes you care about, there’s likely a giving vehicle that fits your goals. Here are five of the most common charitable giving tools in use today. Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) A donor-advised fund is a charitable account you s
stephenbodwell
Oct 274 min read


10 Essential Financial Planning Questions Business Owners and 1099 Workers Should Ask Themselves
Running a business or working as a 1099 independent contractor offers flexibility, opportunity, and autonomy. But it also introduces a layer of complexity that can blur the line between personal and professional finances. Whether you're just starting or have been in business for years, it's worth revisiting how your business activity impacts your long-term financial health. Here are ten key questions to help you evaluate the strength of your financial strategy: 1. Is your per
stephenbodwell
Oct 174 min read


Building a Business on a Solid Financial Foundation: What Every New Entrepreneur Should Know
Starting a business can be one of the most rewarding steps in your financial journey. It offers autonomy, flexibility, and the chance to...
stephenbodwell
Sep 294 min read


When Your Kid Grows up (Sort Of): A Financial Survival Guide for Parents of Emerging Adults
So, your child is technically an adult now—off to college, starting a job, or maybe just relocating from their childhood bedroom to your...
stephenbodwell
Sep 184 min read


Understanding the Importance of Regularly Reviewing Your Property and Casualty Insurance
When was the last time you reviewed your property and casualty insurance? If the answer is “back when flip phones were a thing,” it might...
stephenbodwell
Sep 14 min read


Selling Your Home? What to Consider (Before You Pop the Champagne)
Selling a home can be an emotional roller coaster. It’s like sending your firstborn off to college: a mix of pride, panic, and the sudden...
stephenbodwell
Aug 194 min read


Insurance Check-Up: Protect Your Future and Avoid Financial Surprises
Imagine this: You're sitting down for your annual financial check-up, coffee in hand, expecting to breeze through the process. But then,...
stephenbodwell
Aug 44 min read


When a Parent Passes Away: What to Do (and What Not to Forget)
When a parent passes away, the emotional weight can be overwhelming—but at some point, the practical tasks start piling up. Financial...
stephenbodwell
Jul 224 min read


Navigating Finances After the Loss of a Spouse
Losing a spouse is one of life's most profound transitions—one that brings an overwhelming mix of emotions, responsibilities, and...
stephenbodwell
Jul 114 min read


Financial Planning for Life’s Big Milestones: A Guide to Staying Ahead
Life comes at you fast. One minute, you're learning how to ride a bike, and the next, you're trying to figure out Medicare enrollment...
stephenbodwell
Jun 233 min read


Beyond the S&P 500: The Case for Global Diversification
Investing in the S&P 500 often feels like owning a diversified slice of the American economy. After all, it comprises 500 of the largest...
stephenbodwell
Jun 103 min read


Up Your Personal CyberSecurity Game: Part 2 – Practical Tips
Earlier this year, I wrote an article on essential strategies to “Up Your Personal Cyber Security Game: Safeguarding Your Finances in the...
stephenbodwell
May 263 min read


Understanding Disability Insurance: A Key Component of Financial Security
When it comes to financial planning, many individuals focus on retirement savings, investment strategies, and tax efficiency. However,...
stephenbodwell
May 154 min read


The Great Paper Chase: What Documents Are Worth Keeping (And For How Long)?
Let’s face it: paperwork isn’t anyone’s favorite pastime. You're not alone if you’ve ever wondered whether you need to keep that receipt...
stephenbodwell
Apr 284 min read


Helping Your Parents Age Well—Without Derailing Your Finances
Planning for aging parents is one of the most emotionally and financially complex tasks many of us will face. It involves navigating the...
stephenbodwell
Apr 145 min read


Making the Most of Your Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
RSUs are a valuable form of employee compensation, offering a way to share in your company's success. However, they come with tax...
stephenbodwell
Apr 43 min read
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