Bankruptcy is a taboo subject of discussion in our society, despite the fact that it’s a perfectly legitimate tool for flushing debts and starting over financially. When you’re deep in the hole with credit card debt, medical debt, mortgage debt, and the like,...

Fatigue.Lockdowns, election politics, masks -- we THOUGHT we might be done with these things by now ... but nope. And I bet you're tired of it all. Most Southern California people are, aside from the zealots on every side. And I get it.That doesn't mean these things...

Last week marked the one year anniversary of the CARES Act (stimulus round 1). This was such a monstrous piece of legislation, it’s still being unraveled. It made "Obamacare" (ACA) and the "Trump Tax Cuts" (TCJA) seem like junior league tweaks.We had not before seen a...

These days, it seems like everybody and their uncle has a “side hustle.”From delivering for Uber Eats and Instacart to selling crafts on Etsy to teaching English online to renting out your front yard for dog parties on Sniffspot (yes, this is a real thing), there...

5 Next Steps for Tax Return ReviewSoooooo, what now? I'm glad you (ahem) asked.Just because tax season is over, doesn’t mean we’re not still here for you.In fact, with the IRS experiencing a litany of problems right now, we’ll gently recommend a little tax return...

We're all still basking in the World Champion US Women's Soccer Team over here in the Barnes Accountancy Corporation offices. Pretty amazing to see so much excellence, and on behalf of our country. Here's to hoping for continued unification within our culture in the...

Say it with me: four more weeks. Four more weeks until this crazy election cycle is behind us and we can all return to normal here in Southern California.Except, well, if it isn't. With the way that 2020 has been going, we might as well emotionally prepare for that...

Like me, you've probably heard: "Do what you love, and the money will follow!"Hogwash.Personally, I love lying on the beach, but unless I start looking like a supermodel, there's not much chance of me getting paid for it.What we do get paid for is working like expert...

Yes, here I am again -- and yes, I know the W-2's haven't arrived, and you might not have begun to really think about little ol' David Barnes and your taxes yet. But today I want to offer you some reasons why ... well, you should.In fact, there are LOTS of good...

Buying a house in Southern California right now is painful. Very painful. Inventory is at a historic low, and prices are skyrocketing.I have some thoughts -- and while this is admittedly not within my direct "wheelhouse" ... I think it will help as we move through the...