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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...