HJP Lakes Financial Solutions

07/17/2026

Providing a gift of stock can make sense if handled properly. Read more.

Providing a gift of stock (or other property) to a friend or loved one can be a powerful tax planning tool. However, it is not without its complications.

07/16/2026

One thing Iʼve learned working with families over the years: during difficult
moments, the stress often comes from not knowing where things are, what needs
to be done, or who has access to important information.
That's why I'm excited to share that Transamerica and Empathy are now
working together to better serve clients.
Certain plans have access to some really valuable benefits designed to help
families:
✓ organize important documents
✓ plan ahead
✓ securely store key
information
✓ make future moments a little easier on loved ones
Send me a message if you'd like to learn more.

Send a message to learn more

07/14/2026

A few years ago, I met someone who proudly told me, "I have over $700,000 saved for retirement."

I congratulated them and then asked one simple question:

"That's wonderful. How much monthly income will that provide for the rest of your life?"

They paused.

"I... honestly don't know."

That conversation reminded me that many people spend decades building their retirement savings, but never discover what those savings can actually do for them.

Your retirement isn't funded by an account balance.

It's funded by the income that account can generate month after month, year after year.

A retirement strategy should answer questions like:
✔️ Will my income last as long as I do?
✔️ How will inflation affect my lifestyle?
✔️ What impact will taxes have on my retirement?
✔️ Can I leave something behind for my family?

Don't wait until retirement to ask these questions.

Know your retirement income number before you need it.

📅 If you'd like a complimentary Retirement Income Analysis, send me a message or comment "RETIRE" below.

Rita Lakes, CLTC®, RSSA®, CFEd®
Helping individuals and families build retirement income strategies with confidence.

07/10/2026

Pass-through entities such as S corporations and certain partnerships offer legal protections and avoid double taxation. Does it make sense for your business?

Given the popularity of this business format, it continues to drive tax policy. Here is what you need to know.

07/09/2026

A Retirement Miracle

07/07/2026

Employer-Provided Childcare Tax Credit – Did You Know?

Businesses that offer childcare benefits to employees may qualify for the Employer-Provided Childcare Tax Credit for some of the expenses involved. Eligible costs may include acquiring, constructing, or improving a childcare facility, operating an on-site childcare program, contracting with a qualified childcare provider, or paying for childcare resource and referral services.

Beginning in 2026, the credit generally equals 40% of qualified childcare expenditures (or 50% for eligible small businesses) plus 10% of qualified childcare resource and referral expenses. The maximum annual credit has also increased to $500,000, or $600,000 for eligible small businesses.

07/07/2026

💰 Did You Know Your Social Security Benefits Could Be Taxable?

Many retirees are surprised to learn that Social Security benefits aren't always tax-free.

Depending on your total retirement income, up to 85% of your Social Security benefits may be taxable. The IRS considers your income from sources such as:
✅ Traditional IRA withdrawals
✅ 401(k) distributions
✅ Pension income
✅ Other taxable income

The good news? With proactive retirement income planning, you may be able to reduce taxes, better coordinate your withdrawals, and potentially keep more of your retirement income.

Retirement isn't just about saving money—it's about creating a tax-efficient income strategy.

If you're approaching retirement or already receiving Social Security, let's discuss how your benefits fit into your overall retirement plan.

📞 Rita Lakes
Licensed Financial Professional | RSSA® | Accountant & Tax Professional
404-667-6946

Send a message to learn more

07/06/2026

💼 Money is Your Employee.

What job is your money doing today?

Too often, we work hard for our paycheck, but our paycheck isn't working for us.

Every dollar should have a purpose:
✅ Build an emergency fund
✅ Grow your retirement savings
✅ Reduce taxes when possible
✅ Protect your family
✅ Create future income

The difference between simply earning money and building wealth often comes down to one thing—your money habits.

💡 Remember: Money is your employee. Give every dollar a job.

If you're wondering whether your current financial strategy is helping you reach your goals, let's have a conversation.

📩 Send me a message to schedule a complimentary financial strategy session.

Send a message to learn more

07/03/2026

Earning the CAS (Advisory Services) credential

07/03/2026

The ensure you're ready for an audit, tax returns should be kept indefinitely and supporting documents should be kept a minimum of three years.

After filing your tax return, do not close the book on your taxes until you have set up next year's files, purged unneeded old records, and prepared your records in case of an audit. Here are some tips.