Business · July 10, 2026
You can spend years building a successful business and still leave everything you've earned exposed to a single lawsuit. Asset protection trusts are not about hiding wealth. They are about putting the right legal structure in place before a claim ever exists. The damage rarely comes from the dispute itself. It comes from discovering too late that the assets you thought were protected never really were, when everything you've built is suddenly on the line.
Business · June 22, 2026
Raising the estate tax exemption sounds like good news, and for many business owners, it is. But while everyone celebrates the headline, a quieter tax change is already reshaping some business succession plans. Certain trusts can now face new deduction limits at surprisingly low income levels, changing what ultimately reaches the next generation. The biggest risk may not be the law you know about, but the one you never thought to ask about.
Business · June 05, 2026
Helping your child through college often feels like a personal expense. For some business owners, it may be hiding in the wrong place entirely. A little-known IRS strategy could allow a family business to pay up to $5,250 of an adult child's qualified education expenses tax-free, but only if the structure, employment status, and paperwork are handled correctly. The opportunity is not the benefit itself. It's knowing the rules before an innocent shortcut turns a tax-saving strategy into an expens
Business · May 22, 2026
That moment right before vacation feels like relief. The bags are packed, the calendar is cleared, and for a second, you finally exhale. Then a quieter thought slips in: what happens to the business if you cannot come back next week? Not emails. Not meetings. Real authority. Payroll. Contracts. Client work. Most business owners have an out-of-office message, but no actual business incapacity plan. And the difference between those two things only matters when it suddenly matters most.
Business · May 15, 2026
Business feels good right now. Revenue is moving, summer is coming, and the pressure finally feels lighter. That is usually when business owners stop looking closely. Estimated tax deadlines get missed. Contractors start functioning like employees. Old operating agreements no longer match the company you are actually running. Growth can create a dangerous kind of confidence, because problems rarely show up while things are slowing down. They show up after you assumed everything was fine.
Estate Planning · March 23, 2026
Your retirement accounts may be your largest asset, but they don’t pass the way most people think. What looks like a simple beneficiary decision can quietly trigger forced withdrawals, higher taxes, and lost protection for the people you love. Naming the wrong setup isn’t just a paperwork issue, it can reshape the inheritance itself. And by the time your family feels the impact, the rules are already in motion.
Estate Planning · January 12, 2026
Have retirement savings? The SECURE Act 2.0 quietly changed how your loved ones inherit IRAs and 401(k)s, and how much they may lose to taxes. An outdated estate plan could leave your family with delays, confusion, and avoidable tax bills. This article explains what changed, common mistakes, and how proper estate planning protects your beneficiaries. Read the full article to be sure your retirement savings support the people you love, not the IRS, when it matters most Act now and review plan now
Business · April 08, 2024
Starting or expanding a small business brings critical financial decisions, notably choosing between a business line of credit and a bank loan. Each option serves different needs: lines of credit offer flexibility and repeated access to funds, ideal for managing cash flow or unexpected expenses, but often come with higher interest rates. On the other hand, bank loans provide a lump sum with lower interest rates, suitable for significant, one-time investments but lack borrowing flexibility.
Business · March 22, 2024
Selecting your business successor is more than a choice—it's a future-defining moment. Ensure your legacy flourishes by steering clear of common yet critical mistakes in the process. It's not just about replicating your leadership style but finding someone with the right vision, adaptability, and ability to connect with your team. Dive deeper into how to make this pivotal decision without compromising your business's future. As your trusted LIFTed Business Advisor, let me guide you through a sea
Business · March 15, 2024
As tax season rolls in, it’s crucial for small business owners to navigate the complexities of tax filing with precision. This blog highlights three common tax mistakes to avoid: miscalculating payroll taxes, misclassifying employees as contractors, and improperly deducting personal expenses as business expenses. With detailed examples and solutions, including the importance of clear payment policies and maintaining separate financial accounts, it provides actionable advice to ensure compli