Julian Grubbs, Certified Retirement Planning Counselor

07/24/2026

These 6 things might make your next return a prime target for an IRS audit.

Here are six flags that may make your tax return prime for an IRS audit.

07/23/2026

Summer with kids is not cheap.

And camp is often one of the biggest line items!

But did you know you may be able to use a Dependent Care FSA for day camp costs?

What qualifies:

✅ Day camps, including specialty camps for sports, coding, or arts

✅ Care that allows the parent (and spouse, if married) to work or look for work

✅ Children under age 13 at the time of care

What doesn’t count:

❌ Overnight or sleepaway camps, even if the daytime hours are separated out

❌ Tutoring, music lessons, or other primarily educational programs

❌ Camps attended while one parent is at home and available to provide care

If your child has a booked summer and you meet any of the conditions above, it's worth considering. If you have specific questions, consult with your HR team.

07/23/2026

Do your kids have the right stuff for college?

Preparing for college means setting goals, staying focused, and tackling a few key milestones along the way.

07/22/2026

⚠️ A 10 percent position in a single stock is sometimes called a concentrated position.

Most people don't realize it when they have one.

It's usually not a conscious decision.

Ten years go by, and one company’s stock is a large percentage of the portfolio.

That isn't loyalty. It's exposure.

🔍 A few questions you might consider:

🛑 If the stock dropped tomorrow, what would change for your family?

🛑 Is the position there because selling always felt premature?

🛑 Has the embedded capital gain quietly become the reason nothing has been done?

There are several ways to unwind a concentrated position without writing a large check to the IRS.

The correct path depends on the situation.

If this sounds familiar, we’d welcome a conversation to share ideas that may help. Before any action is taken, however, it’s important to consult your tax, legal, and accounting professionals so you understand the tax consequences of any decision.

07/22/2026

A million dollars is a common milestone—but what does it actually take to get there? Enter your numbers and see how contributions and time work together.

See what it takes in monthly contributions and time to reach a million-dollar savings goal.

07/21/2026

Value. Growth. Cycles. Underperform. Outperform. Confusing? When was your last Investment IQ test?

Among stock-market investors there’s long been a debate between those who favor value and those who favor growth.

07/20/2026

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.

07/20/2026

Thinking about a prepaid debit card? Consider the pros and cons.

It's important to understand the pros and cons when considering a prepaid debit card.

07/20/2026

One of the most common things people say when it comes to financial planning is that they wish they had started sooner. But the truth is, the best time to start is now. No matter where you are in your financial journey, taking one step forward today puts you ahead of where you were yesterday. Our team can help you build a plan that works for your timeline.

07/19/2026

Retirement may change your perception of investment risk.

A change in your mindset during retirement may drive changes to your portfolio.