Money Matters Tax and Financial Services

07/23/2026

Doing a Backdoor Roth IRA each year is great — but a few common mistakes can throw it off. Here are the big ones:

1️⃣ Pro Rata Rule — Having pre-tax IRA money elsewhere can make your conversion taxable.
2️⃣ Contributing but not converting — Don’t forget step two!
3️⃣ Skipping Form 8606 — This tracks your basis and prevents double taxation.
4️⃣ Reporting the conversion as taxable — Easy to misreport if you’re not careful.
5️⃣ Not investing after the conversion — Money sitting in cash doesn’t grow.

A Backdoor Roth is powerful—just make sure you do each step right. Reach out if you want to talk through a simple walkthrough!

07/21/2026

A new week is a reminder that building wealth isn’t about guessing what happens next — it’s about having a strategy that supports your goals and following it with consistency.

Whether you’re saving for retirement, planning for future milestones, or investing for long-term growth, the key is staying engaged with your financial plan. Small, steady steps compound into real progress.

Start this week with intention. Review your goals, track your progress, and make sure your money is aligned with the life you’re building. ✨

07/18/2026

Using your vehicle for business?

07/16/2026

A lot of people assume their 401(k) is completely off-limits until age 59½…
but there’s a little-known rule that can make early retirement actually possible: The Rule of 55.

Here’s the gist:
If you leave your job — whether you retire, get laid off, or simply move on — in or after the year you turn 55, you can take withdrawals from that employer’s 401(k) without the 10% early-withdrawal penalty.

A few key points to keep in mind:
💙 Only applies to the 401(k) from your most recent employer
💙 You’ll still owe regular income tax
💙 No need to roll it to an IRA — you must keep it in the plan

Used correctly, the Rule of 55 can help bridge the gap between early retirement and Social Security — but only if your plan is structured the right way.

If early retirement is on your radar, make sure you understand this rule before moving any accounts around.

07/15/2026

This just in: the standard mileage rate is going up from 7/01 through the end of 2026! If you track your miles, go to your car and write them down ASAP!!

Higher fuel prices prompted the IRS to raise the business, medical, and qualified moving rates for mileage on or after July 1, 2026.

07/14/2026

A quick reminder as we kick off the week: Markets are always moving — but your long-term strategy shouldn’t. Short-term noise can feel overwhelming, yet the real power comes from staying invested, staying diversified, and staying focused on the financial plan built around your goals.

If you haven’t reviewed your portfolio lately, this is a great time to check in and make sure your investments match the current environment and your long-term objectives.

One smart week at a time — that’s how wealth is built. 💼💡

07/11/2026

Tax planning isn't just for tax season.

07/09/2026

Thank you to The Ville - Smithville Living for supporting small business owners!

07/09/2026

As a financial planner, one of the most rewarding parts of my job is giving clients the green light:
✅ You don’t have to work anymore.
✅ You can buy that house.
✅ You can move abroad.

And when they’re not quite there yet, my role is to create the roadmap that gets them there.

There’s nothing better than helping people turn their financial goals into real-life freedom. 🌎💰

07/07/2026

Good news: the 2026 401(k) contribution limit is going up — you’ll be able to put in $24,500, a $1,000 boost from 2025.

But here’s the kicker: only 14% of people maxed out their 401(k) in 2024.

💡 Why this matters

Contributing to your 401(k) remains one of the most reliable ways to build long-term wealth.

Shockingly, some folks don’t even contribute up to their company match — that’s free money on the table.

When you get a raise, it's a smart move to increase your contribution: you won’t “feel” that extra money as much, but your retirement savings will thank you later.

What to learn more? Read here.--> https://www.cnbc.com/2025/11/13/401-k-contribution-limits-2026.html

The IRS has announced higher 401(k) contribution limits for 2026. Here’s what savers need to know.