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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 27, 20254 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 17, 20254 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 29, 20254 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 18, 20254 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 1, 20254 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 19, 20254 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 4, 20254 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 22, 20254 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 11, 20254 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 23, 20253 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 10, 20253 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 26, 20253 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 15, 20254 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 28, 20254 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 14, 20255 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 4, 20253 min read


Navigating the Intricacies of Updating Beneficiaries in Estate Planning
Estate planning is vital to ensuring financial security and preserving your legacy. However, one commonly overlooked detail is the...
stephenbodwell
Mar 16, 20254 min read


The Basics of Estate Planning: Will-Based vs. Trust-Based Plans
Estate planning, often overlooked, is a crucial aspect of personal finance. Many delay creating a plan, assuming they have ample time or...
stephenbodwell
Feb 28, 20254 min read


Mark Your Calendars! Important Tax Dates for 2025 (And Yes, They Matter)
Let’s face it—taxes may not be the most thrilling topic, but they are as inevitable as your morning coffee addiction. Whether you’re an...
stephenbodwell
Feb 17, 20253 min read


Smart Strategies to Fund Your Child's College Education
Planning for your child’s college education is one of the most significant financial decisions you'll face as a parent. It's crucial to...
stephenbodwell
Feb 1, 20255 min read
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