JJ Burns & Company

06/03/2026

Looking to sell your home in the next year? Set yourself up for success with these 10 home improvements that may help increase value—most you can DIY.

Consider using some of the funds to invest in other properties or boost your retirement savings. 💰

(Source: Investopedia)

06/02/2026

Real estate investing sparking your interest?

You’re not alone. >10 million Americans are real estate investors—“mom and pop investors” who individually own 1-5 single family rentals, vacation homes, and small multi-family units. (Gallup)

If you’re looking to generate income, real estate investing may offer the potential for attractive returns, tax advantages, and portfolio diversification in the face of a challenging economy.

But, it doesn't come without risk. Like all investments, real estate has its pros and cons.

Advantages:
⬆️ Potential long-term appreciation while you live in a property
⬆️ Potential hedge against inflation
⬆️ Passive income from rents or REITs
⬆️ Interest deductions and depreciation write-off
⬆️ Fixed long-term financing

Disadvantages:
⬇️ Appreciation is not guaranteed
⬇️ Property prices may fall with higher interest rates
⬇️ May require substantial time and money to manage and maintain
⬇️ You owe a mortgage payment every month, even if a tenant doesn’t pay
⬇️ Lower liquidity for real property

Maybe you want to build equity with your own home, purchase a rental property and become a landlord, flip houses, or buy a real estate investment trust. Consult your financial advisor and real estate experts before putting any money down: https://bit.ly/jjinvestments

06/01/2026

Co-buying a home with friends or family members—brilliant or bust?

Housing trends show that some buyers are turning to shared ownership with friends, family, and non-spousal partners to afford homes.

Co-buying can mean shared responsibility, lower costs, and greater buying power, but it also comes with risks.

(Source: Investopedia)

05/29/2026

Did you know: Soldiers can receive special tax benefits that aren't available to civilians, from additional deductions to capped interest rates.

Nothing can make up for the hardship of serving in the armed forces. But the government does offer some tax breaks so that soldiers don’t have to add income taxes to their list of worries:

If you're serving in the military, you may be able to take advantage of military tax benefits to reduce your tax liability. Soldiers can receive special tax benefits that aren't available to civilians, from additional deductions to capped interest rates. If you're a military member, learn more about...

05/28/2026

Military members often face a slew of unique challenges. And while they can't mitigate all risks in their line of work, there are a few money moves to help protect the family finances.

Here are 10 of the best financial benefits available to service members:

🪖 Tax-Free Roth Deposits: For service members receiving tax-free combat-zone pay, your money goes into the Roth tax-free + contributions and earnings come out tax-free.

🪖 State Tax Breaks: If your legal residence is a state that has no income tax, you can be shielded from taxes if you move to another state while on active duty.

🪖 VA Loans: Let you get a house with no money down, comparatively low interest rates, limited closing costs, and no private mortgage insurance.

🪖 Tax-free housing allowance: Monthly subsidy covering all or part of your monthly rent or mortgage payment as long as you’re in the military. Amount varies by rank, location, and number of dependents.

🪖 Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance: Costs about $420/yr for the maximum $500,000 in benefits — regardless of age, health or likelihood of deployment.

🪖 Post-9/11 GI Bill: Covers the full cost of in-state tuition and fees at public colleges for up to 36 months, or up to a certain amount per year for private colleges and foreign schools.

🪖 Servicemembers Civil Relief Act: Provides an interest-rate cap of 6%/yr on any loans you took out before being called to active duty. Also gives you the right to terminate an apartment lease if you have a permanent change of station or are deployed for 90 days or more.

🪖 Savings Deposit Program: Invest up to $10,000 each time you're deployed. 10% annual interest, compounded monthly and paid quarterly. The program lasts for up to 3 months after you return.

🪖 Thrift Savings Plan: A very low-cost retirement savings vehicle. Contribute up to $24,500 (or up to $69,000 while serving in a combat zone). Those age 50+ get a catch-up contribution of $8,000, while ages 60-63 get a catch-up of $11,250 in 2026.

🪖 Each branch of the military has an emergency-relief fund that offers small, interest-free loans for emergencies.

(Source: Kiplinger)

05/27/2026

Military members don't have access to 401(k) plans the way private sector employees might, but they still have several options to save and invest for retirement.

For a more in-depth look at your investment possibilities, a trusted financial advisor from JJ Burns & Co. can help you navigate your nest egg. We'd be honored to serve you: https://bit.ly/jjinvestments

(Source: Investopedia)

05/26/2026

As a service member, you may experience personal finance challenges related to mandatory moves—from moving expenses to child care, and insurance to taxes.

If you're able to arm yourself with knowledge upfront, you may be able to help limit financial stress.

Your unique lifestyle will likely require a tailor-made financial plan. JJ Burns & Co can help you chart a course to your financial goals—one that covers all financial gaps, so you can move forward with more confidence: https://bit.ly/jjburnsfinancialplanning

(Source: Synchrony)

05/25/2026

Today and together, we proudly honor and remember all those who gave their lives to protect our freedom.

05/22/2026

Since Social Security has a “maximum family benefit,” how does that work for married folks?

Married couples may actually have more options than singles because each partner can claim benefits at a different time, while still being eligible for spousal benefits.

Here are four ways Social Security benefits may be optimized for married couples:

Both spouses can collect Social Security based on their individual earnings records and the age at which they claim benefits.

05/21/2026

If couples don't examine financial compatibility while dating, once they combine finances later, differences of opinion surface, tempers can flare, and spending habits may be shocking.

In fact, one in three couples don't discuss financial topics until *after* they are married.

Sidestep surprises by avoiding these financial mistakes.

And learn the 6-step process we created here at JJ Burns & Co. to help you plan + build the life you want together: https://bit.ly/jjfinancialplanningprocess

(Source: CNBC)