James Brown III - First Financial Group

07/19/2026

Never get stuck with the check again after watching this.

Peer-to-peer payment apps are one of the newest ways to send money.

07/17/2026

December is the busiest month for RMDs.

But waiting until then can mean you miss some chances with charitable giving or with estate ideas.

For anyone age 73 or older, the required minimum distribution is mandatory, and the penalty for missing a deadline can be steep. If taken before age 59½, withdrawals are taxed as ordinary income and may be subject to a 10 percent penalty.

But the timing of the withdrawal and which accounts it comes from can shape the tax bill in ways a December scramble can’t.

A few things worth knowing:

• Multiple IRAs can be aggregated; retirement plans cannot. Each RMD must come from that specific plan.

• In 2026, a Qualified Charitable Distribution may allow up to $111,000 per individual to go directly from an IRA to a qualified charity, satisfying the RMD without adding to taxable income. Check with your tax, legal, or accounting professional if you’re considering this approach.

• A QCD has to be a direct transfer. Once the money lands in a personal account, the option is gone.

• Coordinating across accounts, spouses, and inherited IRAs is where most of the value might sit.

Mid-year is when there is still room to model it.

If RMDs are part of your plan this year, this is a good time to map them.

07/16/2026

M0 is the total of all physical currency worldwide. What’s it look like?

Learn a little about worldwide currency in this fun infographic

07/15/2026

"Let's talk about it in December."

By December, choices can be limited. Mid-year is often the sweet spot for preparation.

The bracket picture is clearer than it was in January.

Roth IRA conversion timing is flexible within the calendar year, but the bracket math can influence the outcome.

Six months of runway means scenarios can be modeled, not rushed.

If the market dips before year-end, the same tax math may change. Those windows rarely give notice. Keep your tax, legal, or accounting professional in the loop if you see an opportunity.

December conversions can be reactive.

Mid-year conversions can be designed.

If you’re wondering about timing, we welcome a discussion.

To qualify for the tax-free and penalty-free withdrawal of earnings, Roth IRA distributions must meet a 5-year holding requirement and occur after age 59½. Tax-free and penalty-free withdrawals can also be taken under certain other circumstances, such as the owner's death. The original Roth IRA owner is not required to take minimum annual withdrawals.

07/14/2026

With great wealth comes even greater questions. Learn more in our article.

Preserve your high net worth with these foundational tips.

07/13/2026

If something happened tomorrow, would your family know where to start?

In most households, one person handles the money. The bills, the logins, the insurance, the auto-pays.

The other believes it's being handled, which is fine until it isn't.

Here’s a suggestion:

• Build one shared document with every account and explain how to access it. Update it periodically.

• Consider having both names on the accounts you say are jointly owned.

• Check out a password manager you both can access.

• Keep a one-page summary in a safe place with what to do, who to call, and where to look.

The couples who do this often say the same thing afterward: “We should have done it sooner.”

07/12/2026

In 2024, the average work bonus was roughly 2.8 percent of the worker’s annual salary, across all industries. What would you do with yours?

This article examines one's options when receiving a work bonus or other financial windfalls.

07/09/2026

Here’s a look at what goes into creating a \$20 bill and what determines when a bill’s lifespan ends.

How long does a $20 bill last?

07/09/2026

"We should just buy a place here."

Almost every client conversation about a second home starts with that sentence, said on the third or fourth morning of a really good trip.

It's rarely about the house.

It's about wanting more of the version of life you experience on vacation.

That's a valid thought, but the house is not always the cleanest path to it.

A few things worth pressure-testing before you buy:

• The sticker price is only the start. Insurance, maintenance, HOA fees, furnishings, and other expenses can add up faster than people expect.

• The rental tax rules are not intuitive. The 14-day rule, passive activity limits, and depreciation may change the math. Be sure to check with your tax, legal, or accounting professional about how the rental tax rules would apply in your situation.

• Paying all cash vs. financing isn't always straightforward. Don’t overlook the opportunity cost if you’re considering paying all cash.

• Will the kids want it? Agree on it?

None of this is a reason not to buy. Plenty of clients have and love it.

It's a reason to do the numbers and have the family conversations before the offer, not after.

07/08/2026

Markets posted solid second-quarter gains as investors responded to upbeat economic reports, continued diplomatic efforts in the Middle East, and strong first-quarter corporate numbers. The S&P 500 rose 14.87%, the Nasdaq gained 21.41%, and the Dow picked up 12.90%, while Canada’s S&P/TSX Composite added 6.37%. Looking ahead, markets may continue to react to Middle East updates, oil prices, inflation trends, and the pace of global commerce through the Strait of Hormuz. From U.S. home price growth to Canadian housing forecasts, this quarter’s by-the-numbers highlights the data behind one of North America’s most closely watched markets.

Quarterly Market Insights | July 2026 U.S. and Canadian Markets Stocks saw solid gains in the second quarter, riding a wave of enthusiasm over upbeat economic reports, ongoing diplomatic efforts in the Middle East, and strong first-quarter corporate numbers. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 14...