Michael R. Craggett Jr. RICP - Financial Strategies Group

09/23/2026

Selling an asset? Before you do, get a sense of what the federal capital gains tax could look like. Enter your numbers and see a quick estimate.

09/23/2026

📱 More and more people are now using AI for financial questions.

And with tools like ChatGPT adding bank account integrations, personalized financial guidance is starting to feel more accessible than ever.

So yes, AI can help organize information, model scenarios, and answer technical questions faster than most people could on their own.

BUT… financial insight isn’t just a math problem.

AI cannot talk to you about the pros and cons of making a portfolio adjustment when stock prices are falling. It might struggle to fully weigh your family dynamics, health concerns, risk tolerance, competing goals, or what will actually help you feel confident in your decisions.

🧠 That is where human guidance still matters.

Vanguard’s long-running Advisor’s Alpha research highlights behavioral coaching as one of the most valuable aspects of a relationship.

Not stock picking. Not market timing.

Helping people manage emotion when the stakes are high.

🤝 The future is not AI vs. financial professionals.

The future is for those who use better tools while still bringing judgment, context, and a real understanding of the person behind the strategy.

09/21/2026

To make money harder to copy, there have been continual changes to the artwork, paper and ink.

Combating counterfeiting remains core to preserving the integrity of the nation’s money.

09/21/2026

Did you know your Medicare plan can change for next year even if you don't touch a thing?

📬 Each fall, Medicare Advantage and Part D plans send a letter called the Annual Notice of Change.

It arrives by September 30 and outlines what's different starting January 1: premiums, copays, network doctors, and covered medications.

Most people never open it. A large share of Medicare beneficiaries never compare their options.

Open Enrollment runs October 15 through December 7. Take the time to note what is changing for the coming year.

09/18/2026

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.

09/18/2026

Yom Kippur is a sacred time of reflection, atonement, and renewal.

For those observing, it is a time to pause, look inward, make amends, and consider how to move forward with greater intention.

In a world that often moves quickly, moments of reflection can remind us of what matters most: our relationships, our values, our responsibilities, and the kind of life we want to build.

Wishing all who observe a meaningful Yom Kippur and an easy fast.

09/17/2026

Google co-founder Sergey Brin recently bought a $42 million mansion on Lake Tahoe.

But the most interesting part of the transaction isn’t the private beach. It's the exact state line where the property sits.

The estate is on the Nevada side, in Crystal Bay. The purchase was part of a strategy to shift his permanent residency and corporate holdings out of California ahead of a proposed 5 percent billionaire wealth tax.

Let's be realistic: there probably aren't many billionaires reading this post.

But we have seen clients:

▪️ Move in advance of a major liquidity event to a lower-tax state

▪️ Shift their permanent residence to help manage their taxes

▪️ Evaluate how state-imposed estate and inheritance rules may impact where they live in their later years

Tax strategy is a year-round discipline, not an annual scramble.

Whether you are preparing for a business exit or mapping out your retirement years, we’re here to help.

Any companies mentioned are for illustrative purposes only. It should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of the securities. Consult your tax, legal, and accounting professional if you are considering a decision in order to manage your tax situation.

09/16/2026

U.S. Service Members should consider taking advantage of programs that are available.

Military families face unique challenges, making personal finance even more critical.

09/15/2026

Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua all celebrate independence on September 15, the same day Hispanic Heritage Month begins. Mexico follows on the 16th.

There’s a lot of pride behind the celebration: in heritage, in family, in what's been built, and in generations of hard work that made it possible.

To all of us keeping that tradition alive: Happy Hispanic Heritage Month.

09/14/2026

How much life insurance is enough? Use this calculator to get a better sense of the coverage that may make sense for your family and financial situation.