For Individuals

College Financial Planning

How Can You Pay for Your Kid to go to College, Spend and Save as You Are Now, and Increase the Amount of Money You have for Retirement?

Elder Care Financial Care

Finally… Worry Free Financial Management for Your Aging Parent or Family Member.

Estate Planning Done Right

Make Sure Your Family Transitions Prepare Your Children and Your Family for Financial Freedom.

Three FAFSA Tips to Help Southern California Taxpayers Get Their High School Grads Ready for College

Independence Day is this week. Bombs. Patriotism. Picnics. Barbecue. All those things.I often write about "financial independence" this time of year (yes, I like the puns) ... and when I do, invariably I get contacted by a few clients (or former clients), who...

The Challenge of Allowable Living Expenses for Southern California Taxpayers Who Owe the IRS

According to IRS calculations, the 2021 allowable living expenses for a typical family of four didn’t change a single dime from 2020 .It went from $1,740 per month to… $1,740 per month.The IRS clearly missed the memo regarding pandemic inflation from their colleagues...

Southern California Taxpayers, How to Get 2021 Tax Filing Documents in Order

Before I jump into discussing tax filing documents, I hope it's okay that I spare you all of the "new year, new you" stuff.If you're anything like me, you’re being inundated with rehashed well-wishes and generic, happy-clappy "time to set some goals!!!" talk.And I...

What To Do If You’re Among Those Southern California Taxpayers Who Missed The Tax Deadline

There are two kinds of taxpayers right now.Those who filed their taxes.And, well, those who didn't.There are MANY reasons why you might be in that second group, and there doesn't need to be any shame attached to it.But for those who haven't yet filed (maybe that's...

The Latest Advance Child Tax Credit Payment Info for Southern California Parents

I normally don't send these special bulletins, but I wanted to get this to Southern California parents ASAP.You probably heard on the news that the IRS is sending out "advance payments" of $250 - $300 per month for children.The first advance child tax credit payments...

11 Wealthy Habits You Should Pay Attention To by David Barnes

Maybe it's true that having $1m+ these days isn't as impressive as it used to be. But it's still a measure that we continue to use as a marker of financial "arriving".What's further interesting is that even in the midst of ongoing economic gyrations, the numbers of...

What Southern California Area Taxpayers Should Know About COVID-Related Scams

Anytime (like now) that there is a rollout of government assistance, we, here in Southern California, can count on two things:1)    Bumps in the road (it's hard to manage many millions of people needing help)2)    SCAMSI haven't yet heard...

Five Key Habits of the Wealthy Southern California Clients We Serve

The clock is really ticking now on 2020.But before you celebrate, please -- for the love of Pete -- make SURE that you are getting whatever needs doing done NOW that might affect this year's taxes. I've been banging this drum the last couple weeks, but I know how...

A Trusted Southern California Professional’s Thoughts For Your 2019 Taxes

November is a wonderful start for holiday season with several traditions to match: pumpkin-spiced everything, no-shave November (apologies to those spouses affected), watching football and of course ... Thanksgiving.Sorry to poke my accountant's green shades into all...

Barnes Accountancy Corporation on Last-Minute Tax Moves for 2021

I remember reaching the end of 2020 ... it seemed as if all of us were breathing a huge collective sigh of relief.And then ... more chaos.Is it wrong to hope that 2022 will turn out better? Hard to say ... but I do know that what I DON'T want to do is retreat into...

How You’re Missing Legal Tax Deductions

Here’s a certain truth: the State and Federal Government would love to have more of your hard-earned money in their accounts. Sure, even though it’s painful, none of us begrudge paying our legal and fair share of taxes.
But the problem is that regular taxpayers, like you, are missing out on legal and safe deductions, to the tune of hundreds of millions of dollars in unclaimed refunds every year!