If you’ve ever considered planning for your future or helped someone plan for theirs, you’ve probably heard the term “power of attorney.” But do you really know what it is and how it works? Read more…
View PostAs a small business owner, you must constantly navigate a complex legal landscape. From federal regulations to local ordinances, it’s hard to keep up with all the laws that affect you, but if you don’t, you could suffer the consequences. Read more…
View PostIn this third installment of our four-part celebrity series, we discuss a topic that no one wants to think about as it may seem to be a fate worse than death: incapacity. Find out what Jay Leno and his family can teach us about the need to be prepared, no matter what happens. Read more…
View PostLast week, we looked at the first 5 of 10 business tax moves to take in the second half of this year. This week, we’re diving into 5 more game-changing tax strategies that will have you looking at your business finances in a whole new light. So pull up your tax-deductible office chair and read on…
View PostSince we love a good celebrity story, this July we’re looking at the lives of 4 celebrities and how they’re preparing for the inevitable (or didn’t!). In this second article of our 4-part celebrity estate planning series, Vanilla Ice chimes in with his estate planning experience, advice, and lessons learned. Let’s just say he has…thoughts. Read more…
View PostAs a small business owner, you know that managing your finances strategically is crucial to your success. With the second half of 2024 underway, now is a great time to focus on the thing no one likes to talk about but can make a huge difference to your bottom line: taxes. Read more…
View PostFor whatever reason, we just can’t resist a good, juicy celebrity story. So for the next few weeks, we’re going to look at the lives of 4 celebrities and how they prepared for the inevitable (or didn’t!). This week we’re turning the spotlight on the King of Pop himself, Michael Jackson. Read more…
View PostYou started your business as a labor of love, nurturing it through those tough early years with grit and personal sacrifice. The last thing you’re probably thinking about is replacing yourself in the event you retire, die or become incapacitated. But when you face these facts, you set your business up for success. Read more…
View PostWhen your child turns 18, they’re legally considered an adult even though they have a lot more growing to do (though they may not think so!). Just like any other adult, their health and financial information is protected by privacy laws. But you can still step in and help them if you and your child plan ahead. Read more…
View PostAs a father, you’ve always strived to provide the best for your family, ensuring their well-being and securing their future. However, even the most well-intentioned plans can fail if you overlook the complexities of estate planning. Read more…
View PostThe path to entrepreneurial success is paved with challenges and triumphs, often born from humble beginnings. One such business is The Nitro Bar. Audrey Finocchiaro and Sam Lancaster are the founders of this thriving company, and all entrepreneurs can learn from their story. Read more…
View PostAs an entrepreneur, you can appreciate how difficult it may be to get outside investment funding for your business. But fret not! It’s possible to turn that “no” into a “yes” with these 8 tips. Read more…
View PostMemorial Day brings with it an opportunity to reflect on the concepts of mortality, remembrance, and legacy. But what is a legacy, really? And how does it apply to you? Read more…
View PostManaging a business comes with its own set of challenges, and one of the biggest is potential lawsuits. Lawsuits can drain your financial resources, consume precious time, and tarnish your company’s reputation. However, strategic planning and support from trusted advisor can significantly mitigate these risks. Read more…
View PostIn the first part of this series last week, we discussed 5 survival strategies for business success, including the importance of partnerships, preparedness, inclusivity, team support, and maintaining a unique business identity. In this second installment, we continue with 5 more strategies that are essential for modern entrepreneurs aiming to thrive in today’s competitive market. Read more…
View PostIn the first part of our series on practical steps to take to ensure a comfortable retirement, we discussed estate planning, passing on legacy, and planning for long-term care. This week, we continue with 5 more steps, from adapting your home for comfort and safety to harnessing technology for independence. Taking these steps will give you comfort in your later years. Read more…
View PostRetirement is more than just an end to the working years; it’s an exciting new phase of life that requires thoughtful preparation and strategic planning. This Older Americans Awareness Month is the perfect opportunity to explore 5 practical steps you can take now to ensure a comfortable and fulfilling retirement. Read more…
View PostAny successful entrepreneur will tell you that starting your own business is a thrilling endeavor that requires creativity, resilience, and strategic thinking. No matter what type of business you own, there are foundational strategies that will help you lay a strong groundwork for success. We discuss 5 of 10 strategies in this week’s article. Read more…
View PostHere’s a Mother’s Day gift that keeps on giving: the peace of mind and power that comes with thoughtful estate planning. Estate planning helps you protect yourself, your children and your financial stability so you’re prepared for anything. That’s the best gift a mom can get. Read more…
View PostThe Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) recent decision to ban non-compete agreements marks a significant shift in how labor markets will operate across the United States, and small businesses need to be ready. Here’s how. Read more…
View PostSadly, online scams and digital attacks are becoming more common. In this week’s article, we discuss 7 practical steps you can take to secure your online data. It’s never been more important than it is now. Read more…
View PostLaunching a new business or expanding an existing one brings the thrill of crafting a unique brand identity. This creative process is exhilarating, yet it’s fraught with hidden dangers, notably the risk of infringing on another company’s established trademark. Learn how to avoid costly mistakes with 4 practical steps. Read more…
View PostOne way to secure business funding is with credit cards. But making an informed decision about business credit can be difficult. So let’s explore what you need to know about using credit cards to fund your business, so you can do so wisely and with as much ease as possible. Read more…
View PostEver wondered what happens to your social media accounts after you pass away? Each social media platform has its own rules, so understanding these options is essential for managing your digital accounts responsibly. Read more…
View PostSo you got a tax refund this year. Hooray! While you may be tempted to spend it on a vacation, or put it away for a rainy day, there’s an even better way to put that refund to work for you: estate planning. Here’s why. Read more…
View PostIn the entrepreneurial world, where innovation and vision drive the future, the importance of effective communication is often overlooked. But the ability to convey your ideas clearly, persuade and inspire action can make or break a business. Luckily, you can learn how to communicate in a way that makes you a great leader and business owner. Read more…
View PostIn an era where digital innovation shapes every aspect of our lives, it’s no surprise that our teenagers are drawn to the allure of cryptocurrency. But before they venture into these waters, parents should be prepared to help them navigate this new world.
View PostWhen starting or expanding a small business, one of the most critical decisions an entrepreneur faces is how to fund the venture. Two popular options are business lines of credit and bank loans, but making the right decision without guidance can be daunting.
View PostDo-it-yourself Wills and Trusts are all over the internet, with promises of saving you money and protecting your loved ones after you’re gone. But don’t be fooled! They’re often way more trouble than they’re worth. Read more…
View PostMost people think “fitness” only relates to physical health. But that’s not the case! Financial fitness is important, too, especially for entrepreneurs. When you have strong financial fitness you can grow your business with confidence. Read more…
View PostThis week we look at a real-life cautionary tale about what can happen in any blended family when the parents leave decisions about their children’s care and inheritance up to their surviving spouse and the state’s laws.
View PostEmbracing an AI future for your business doesn’t require you to become a sci-fi protagonist like Tom Cruise in “Minority Report” or to understand what quantum computing is (though if you do, kudos!). It’s about making smart, pragmatic decisions to ensure your business thrives in an increasingly automated world. Let’s dive into how you can prepare your business for an AI future.
View PostWhether it’s a breakup, divorce, or the death of a loved one, every relationship eventually comes to an end. Whether you have planned for that ending or not will have a real impact on you, your partner, and your assets. Read more…
View PostAre you planning for the future of your company? Make sure to avoid these 3 mistakes when choosing your successor. Read more…
View PostAs your parents navigate their golden years, ensuring their peace of mind (and yours!) becomes a top priority. To make sure your parents can always get the help they need, make sure they have these 3 documents in place right now. Read more…
View PostThis week we explore how infusing your brand with authenticity, empathy, and a commitment to making a difference can elevate your company above the competition. Read more…
View PostYou depend on your employees to learn your business, your systems, and the inner workings that keep your business a step ahead of the competition. But how do you protect your business secrets when an employee leaves? Find out here…
View PostAs a small business owner, there are extra pieces of your tax filing puzzle you need to watch out for to make sure you’re not only following the law but also getting the most tax savings for your business. Read more here…
View PostFebruary is the month of love – but there’s a different kind of love that deserves our attention: the love we show ourselves, our family, and our pocketbook through thoughtful financial planning. Read more…
View PostMany assume that in the event of their untimely passing, their children will automatically be cared for and inherit their assets. However, the reality is far more complex and potentially unsettling.
Let’s unpack why relying on assumptions alone could leave your children’s future in uncertain hands…
In today’s digital age, it’s tempting for entrepreneurs to turn to online legal templates or services in an attempt to streamline their legal processes and cut costs.
However, the allure of convenience can mask a multitude of pitfalls. Relying on generic templates or online services to address your company’s legal needs is akin to navigating treacherous waters without a compass. Here’s why startup businesses need lawyers, not templates, to ensure their success and longevity…
Like most entrepreneurs, your business and your family are your greatest loves. Show them just how much you care for them by making sure there’s a plan in place for their care, and the management of your business, when you’re no longer at the helm. Read more…
View PostThe SECURE 2.0 Act aims to make it easier for people to pay off student loans while also saving for retirement. Want to know if this applies to you? Read this week’s blog to find out…
View PostIn this blog, we’ll explore why adding your partner to your Will and estate plan isn’t just a romantic gesture but the ultimate act of love. Read now…
View PostYour clients are the heartbeat of your business, and establishing a deep sense of trust with them is the cornerstone of growth and success. In a world where skepticism and misinformation prevail, nurturing authenticity and reliability in your brand is essential to building and keeping your client base. Read more…
View PostIn this week’s blog, we take the conversation about money and death to a deeper level with your parents and family to truly understand your family’s financial picture and your plan for the future. Read now…
View PostEmotional intelligence is a key skill needed to attain the business success you desire. Find out why…
View PostLife insurance is an important part of protecting your family, but if you don’t set it up the right way, there’s a good chance it won’t help your loved ones the way you want it to. Here’s what to do instead…
View PostIf you create music, own a business, write stories, or build gadgets in your garage, you almost certainly have intellectual property. However, because intellectual property is intangible, it’s often overlooked in estate planning. Read more…
View PostYou don’t have to own a large company to own intellectual property, but because intellectual property is intangible, it’s often overlooked in your business’s succession plan and your own personal estate plan. Read more…
View PostAs a business owner, it can be easy to see an opportunity to mentor a young professional as a purely charitable experience. But mentorship can play a pivotal role in shaping your legacy when you approach it with the right mindset. Read more…
View PostIn part one of this series, we explored two popular scams that are targeting older adults this year. In this week’s blog, I’m sharing two more scams that you and your parents need to be aware of, plus tips for staying protected. Read more…
View PostAARP and the Red Cross celebrate Make-A-Will Month by encouraging you to make a Will for free online, but what they aren’t sharing could leave your family with a mess. Read more…
View PostThere’s an often unspoken challenge that many entrepreneurs face – the distortion of one’s perception of money. This week, I’m exploring how your mindset around money and abundance can hinder or grow your business. Read more…
View PostIn this two-part series, we’ll explore four of the most recent and insidious financial scams that have surfaced, shed light on their tactics, and provide you with practical steps to shield your aging parents from potential harm. Read more…
View PostTo grow your business and increase efficiency, it’s crucial to acknowledge that not every client is an ideal fit for your business. If any of your clients are exhibiting these red flags, it may be time to consider ending that client relationship. Read more…
View PostGroup legal insurance might seem like a good way to save on your estate planning needs, but will a plan created through legal insurance work for your family when they need it? Read more…
View PostIf you’re looking to turn your side hustle into your full-time career, you might be wondering if you can use your current employer’s group legal insurance to take care of your startup’s legal needs. Read more…
View PostAs summer comes to a close, and back-to-school excitement fills the air, there is one crucial task that is often overlooked: designating legal guardians for your minor children. Read more…
View PostTo make sure your business is compliant with employment laws and that your team members are happy and focused, make sure you aren’t making any of these simple employment mistakes. Read more…
View PostIn this week’s blog, we’ll explain ways your legal agreements may cause you to lose business and how we can set up your contracts to build lasting client relationships that generate consistent revenue. Read more…
View PostLast week, we started to explore 10 life changes that might affect your estate plan. This week, we’re covering five more life events that mean it’s time to review your plan. Read more…
View PostIf you’re wondering how your selected business entity affects your taxes and income, it’s a good idea to consider converting your business to a corporation. In this week’s blog, I’m breaking down the benefits of incorporating your business and considerations for the best time of the year to make the switch. Read more…
View PostCommon life events can drastically affect your estate plan and even cause your plan not to work in the way you intended. If any of these events have happened in your life, it’s time to review your plan. Read more…
View PostWhat exactly is the national debt ceiling and what does it mean for you and your business? This week, we’re covering ways the debt ceiling extension may affect your business operations. Read more…
View PostWhile it may seem like a distant matter, the national debt ceiling extension can have a significant impact on your family’s financial well-being and future planning. Read more…
View PostLast week, we looked at three interview techniques to find the right people for your company. This week, I’m covering more unique hiring methods to help you find and keep the best help. Read more…
View PostJuly is National Family Reunion Month. If you’re getting together with family this month, it’s also a perfect time to talk to your loved ones about estate planning and the legacy you want to leave behind for the next generation.
View PostIf you’re looking to expand your business or free up your time, the best thing you can do is hire help. But hiring the wrong person can be a huge drain on your time, resources, and energy. Make sure you hire the right people the first time with these need-to-know interview techniques. Read more…
View PostDid you forget any of these critical financial steps when you created a Trust? Be sure to read this week’s blog to learn why proper funding of your Trust is essential to making it work! Read more…
View PostThe dream of passing on your business to your children and witnessing the legacy you’ve built continue to flourish is a powerful one. However, inspiring your children to embrace the idea of taking over the family business can present its challenges. Read more…
View PostVacations are a time to relax, unwind, and create beautiful memories with your loved ones. But before you set off on your adventure, it’s essential to ensure that your legal affairs are in order. Read more…
View PostBeginning January 1, 2024, the Corporate Transparency Act will require small businesses to file an annual report on the majority owners of the business, and failing to file the report comes with real consequences. So what exactly does this mean for you and your business? Keep reading to learn more.
View PostIf you have a Trust that is a partial or full owner of a business, the business may be required to disclose certain information about your Trust in an annual report under the new Corporate Transparency Act. So how do you know if the new rule applies to you? Keep reading to find out more.
View PostWhile buying insurance coverage may seem low on your to-do list, making sure you and your business are protected from lawsuits is one of the most important things you can do for your business. Keep reading to learn about two more essential types of insurance you need for your business. Read more…
View PostCookie-cutter plans just don’t cut it for LGBTQIA+ families. This week, we’re exploring two more reasons why it’s essential for LGBTQ+ families to have custom estate planning. Read more…
View PostInsurance is a powerful tool that can provide you with peace of mind and safeguard the hard work you’ve put into your business. In this blog post, we’ll explore five types of insurance that no business owner should go without. Read more…
View PostWhile the legalization of same-gender marriage and increased recognition of LGBTQ+ families has made LGBTQ+ rights more visible than ever before, there is still a large gap in estate planning for LGBTQ+ individuals that could leave your loved ones with a big mess. Read more…
View PostIf left unchecked, minor workplace disputes can escalate into major conflicts that can significantly affect the morale and productivity of your entire company. Therefore, it is essential to have a solid process in place for effectively managing staff conflict. Read more…
View PostMay is Senior Citizen’s Month, a time to reflect and appreciate all the things the seniors in our lives have done for us. Whether they are our parents, grandparents, or elderly friends, our seniors have given us so much over the years. While no one can predict how many more years we’ll have with our elderly loved ones, there is an easy way to capture their stories, wisdom, and love for future generations. Read more…
View PostOwning a business is always a labor of love, and you may naturally be more emotionally invested in your business and work longer days than you would if you worked for someone else. But if you feel like you’re spending all of your time working in your business instead of your business working for you, it’s time to reassess whether your business is aligned with your desired lifestyle so you can get back to loving what you do.
View PostIf you are going to take investment and estate planning advice from anyone, Warren Buffett is likely one you want to consider. At this year’s Berkshire Hathaway annual shareholder meeting, Buffett shared several pieces of financial advice but also provided insights on the importance of personal growth and estate planning when seeking to grow wealth. While many of us may feel overwhelmed by the thought of estate planning or building our wealth, Buffett’s advice reminds us of two key but simple steps we can take to create financial and generational wealth.
View PostFor many entrepreneurs, the idea of taking on debt can feel counterproductive and even taboo. After all, debt means owing someone money rather than saving or pocketing the money yourself. But leveraging debt can be a powerful tool for growing your small business faster than you’d be able to just by saving your funds. Read more…
View PostWhen you think of estate planning, a Will is usually the first thing that comes to mind. In fact, most people who contact me tell me they don’t need anything complicated for their estate- just a Will. But although they are a key part of your estate plan, relying on only a Will leaves huge gaps in your estate and actually guarantees that your family will need to go to court when you die. Read more…
View PostLast week, we explored two real-world ways you can use an AI language model to improve your small business from building efficiency to marketing your brand. This week I’m continuing the discussion to bring you three more ways to use AI to support your business. Plus, I’ll explain when to bring in professional (human) business guidance that a machine can never replace. Read more…
View PostIf you have a blended family, estate planning is critical if you want your loved ones to avoid court and conflict in the event you die or become incapacitated. But planning for your blended family is also a great opportunity to strengthen your family bond through open conversations about your wishes and goals for your family and the love you have for them. Read more here …
View PostAs a small business owner, you wear a lot of hats and probably work a lot of hours to get it all done… and you still have a lot left on your plate. Until you’re ready to hire on more help (let’s talk about that soon!), you can leverage simple-to-use, free online AI tools to take some of that work off of your plate or get it done faster.
I know what you’re probably thinking… Isn’t AI going to take over all of our jobs, overthrow humanity, and plug us all into the Matrix so we can fuel their machines? Fret not. AI is here to provide time-saving benefits that you can use right now. Read more…
View PostAI technology is here, but don’t worry, you don’t need to be a techie to make AI work for you (or fear that it will lead to a revolution of Schwarzenegger-esque cyborgs). This week, I’m exploring 4 ways you can use AI language model software to make your family’s life easier. I’ll share real-world examples of the software in use, so you can free up more time for the things and people you love. Read it here…
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