Solutions Money Management

07/25/2026

Quick reminder for anyone who writes off business miles: 2026 has TWO mileage rates — 72.5¢ through June 30, 76¢ from July 1 on. So a single yearly total won't work this year; your miles need to be split by date. Not sure how to sort it out? That's what we're here for.

The 2026 IRS business mileage rate is 72.5¢ (Jan–June) and 76¢ (July–Dec). Here's why you have to split your miles by date and how we can help.

12/09/2025

Small-business owners don’t get nearly enough credit for what they’ve built.

Here in SWFL, small businesses like our local shops, restaurants, and family-run service businesses are built on risk, sacrifice, and years of work that never show up on a balance sheet.

Your business is an investment — financially, personally, and generationally.

Most owners don’t realize how much of their true wealth is tied to what they’ve created… or how financial planning should reflect that.

If you’re a business owner, this will probably resonate.

Full article: 👉 https://mysolutionstax.com/business-owners-biggest-asset/

11/21/2025

Grateful to be included in a recent Florida Weekly article on finding joy during the holidays when money feels tight.
It's an important topic this time of year, and I appreciated the chance to share a perspective rooted in supporting local families here in Southwest Florida.
Thank you to Jennifer Thomas for the thoughtful conversation and for including me in the print edition as well.
https://www.floridaweekly.com/articles/fort-myers-ae/help-for-the-holidays-finding-joy-when-money-is-tight/

For many families, the holidays bring both joy and anxiety — a season of giving that can quickly strain already-tight budgets. Between gift lists, grocery bills and holiday décor, the pressure to make the season “merry and bright” can feel overwhelming. But volunteers and local Southwest Flor...

09/10/2025

Michael was Quoted in Yahoo!Life!

09/09/2025

Sometimes the most strategic financial decision isn't about investing in stocks or bonds—it's about investing in what preserves your ability to think clearly and act decisively during life's hardest moments.
Grateful to share insights in Yahoo Life about how successful women navigate the intersection of financial planning and life's unexpected challenges.
Your priorities really do come down to your values. What matters most to you right now?

07/07/2025

Major Tax Changes Are Here! What Families, Retirees, and Local Businesses Need to Know 🚨

Congress just passed the “Big Beautiful Bill,” and it’s bringing some of the most significant tax and financial changes in years. Here are the highlights:

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 For Families:

Higher standard deduction = lower taxes for most!

State & local tax deduction cap jumps to $40,000 (2025–2029).

NEW: Deduct up to $25,000 in tips & overtime pay (thru 2028).

Charitable giving is easier—deduct donations even if you don’t itemize.

529 plans now cover more K-12 expenses.

Tax credits for electric vehicles & home energy improvements end after 2025.

👵 For Retirees:

New $6,000 deduction ($12,000 for couples 65+), reducing taxes on Social Security & retirement income.

Estate & gift tax exemption rises to $15 million per person.
🏪 For Small Businesses:

Permanent lower tax rates for small & pass-through businesses.

More deductions for family-owned & self-employed businesses.

Some changes are temporary, and certain programs like Medicaid have new requirements. Now’s a great time to review your financial plan!

Message me or comment below—I’m here to help you make sense of it all!

Call now to connect with business.

06/28/2025

https://youtu.be/O5m8gY3WEBo?si=Ftif-BWsqvSC0wGT

Episode 30: Financial Fear? Get Prepped & Prepared For Your Financial DivorceOur Guest For This Episode:Michael Conticelli Michael Conticelli, CFS, CDFA®, i...

06/28/2025

I was recently quoted in Investopedia about why "paying yourself first" is so crucial for financial security.
The reality? Less than half of Americans could handle a $2,000 emergency. That's why I tell clients: treat savings like your most important bill - pay it first.
What's your biggest challenge with consistent saving? 💬


Full article:https://www.investopedia.com/are-you-paying-yourself-first-11729093

06/13/2025

🚨 The Hidden Cost of "Free" Financial Advice Online

57% of Americans have made financial decisions based on bad online advice and now regret it.

*Source: CFP Board Survey, June 2025

Here's what that's actually costing people:
• 39% have lost at least $250
• 18% have lost $1,000 or MORE
• 33% delayed major financial decisions due to misinformation
• 21% report increased financial stress

The most concerning finding? Younger adults are getting burned at nearly twice the rate of older generations - with 64% regretting decisions based on online advice.

Here's the reality:
While TikTok and AI chatbots are entertaining, they don't know YOUR situation. They can't factor in your goals, risk tolerance, tax situation, or timeline.

The good news? 74% of people say they feel confident following their financial advisor's advice without needing to second-guess it.

Why? Because we provide:
✅ Personalized guidance for YOUR unique situation
✅ Professional training and ongoing education
✅ Comprehensive planning across taxes, insurance, and major life events
✅ Accountability for the advice we give

Your financial future is too important to leave to viral trends and algorithms.

Ready for advice you can actually trust? Let's talk about your real financial goals - not what's trending this week.

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Data source: CFP Board national survey of 1,044 Americans, April 2025

*For investment advice and fiduciary services, we work with our sister firm Solutions Advisory Services, LLC, founded by Michael Conticelli, CFS, CDFA.*

04/10/2025

It's Financial Literacy Month!
What are your financial questions?