McCullough and Associates, LLC

10/26/2026

Who you gonna call? This week, CIO Gene Goldman is joined by two very special guests as he suits up for Halloween with his baby twins in a Ghostbusters-inspired edition of .
Beyond the costumes, Gene breaks down the biggest event on investors’ radar: the upcoming Fed meeting. Will policymakers hold rates steady, signal a December hike, or surprise markets? Tune in as he explores inflation trends, Fed messaging, and the key signals investors should be watching this week.

“Cetera Financial Group” refers to the network of independent retail firms encompassing, among others, Cetera Advisors LLC, Cetera Advisor Networks LLC, Cetera Investment Services LLC (marketed as Cetera Financial Institutions or Cetera Investors), and Cetera Financial Specialists LLC. All firms...

10/26/2026

Estate tax laws are complex, and failing to plan could mean leaving your loved ones with less than what you’d expected. Now is the time to take action by reviewing your estate plan, updating beneficiary designations, and exploring strategies such as gifting or establishing trusts that may help minimize tax exposure. Every situation is unique, and the right approach depends on your family’s needs, assets and long-term goals. Contact us at (417) 883-1212 for assistance structuring your estate in a tax-efficient way.

10/23/2026

The AI trade isn't ending. It's expanding. Cetera's latest commentary examines what's driving the recent selloff, where they see opportunities emerging, and why staying invested still matters.

The AI trade isn't ending. It's expanding. Our latest commentary examines what's driving the recent selloff, where we see opportunities emerging, and why…

10/22/2026

If you want to sell your business, receiving the purchase price over time in an installment sale may allow you to spread your gain — and the related tax — over several years. The buyer typically makes a down payment and issues a note for the balance. Each principal payment generally includes a tax-free return of basis and taxable gain; interest on the note is taxed separately as ordinary income. This arrangement may also expand the pool of buyers or help you obtain a higher price. But depreciation recapture may be taxable upfront, and you assume the risk that the buyer won’t pay. Contact us at (417) 883-1212 to discuss the pros and cons and determine the optimal deal structure for your situation.

10/21/2026

If you disagree with an IRS decision, you may have more options than you realize. The Taxpayer Bill of Rights entitles taxpayers to a “fair and impartial administrative appeal” of most IRS decisions, including many penalties. The IRS Independent Office of Appeals is separate from the office that made the original determination and provides an impartial review of your case. You have the right to a written response explaining the Appeals decision. You may also have the right to take your case to court. Appeal deadlines can be strict, so act promptly. If you receive an IRS notice or disagree with a decision, call us at (417) 883-1212 to discuss your next steps.

10/20/2026

Looking for investments with valuable tax advantages? Stock in certain domestic C corporations can offer substantial tax savings when you sell, and the benefits have been enhanced. Investors in qualified small business (QSB) stock acquired after July 4, 2025, may be eligible for a 50% capital gains exclusion after holding the stock for three years and a 75% exclusion after four years. The previous 100% exclusion after five years is still available. The maximum exclusion also increased from $10 million to the greater of $15 million (inflation-adjusted after 2026) or 10 times the aggregate adjusted basis of stock sold during the tax year. The rules are complex, so contact us at (417) 883-1212 to learn more.

10/19/2026

Read the latest issue of Financial Watch here:

You can do everything right online and still end up on a spreadsheet you never agreed to be part of. In this month's Financial Watch, learn how to respond…

10/19/2026

Earnings season takes center stage this week. Brian Klimke breaks down what investors should watch, including corporate guidance, earnings revisions, market breadth, and the latest signals from Cetera's weekly chartbook.

“Cetera Financial Group” refers to the network of independent retail firms encompassing, among others, Cetera Advisors LLC, Cetera Advisor Networks LLC, Cetera Investment Services LLC (marketed as Cetera Financial Institutions or Cetera Investors), and Cetera Financial Specialists LLC. All firms...

10/19/2026

Giving away assets during your life can reduce the size of your taxable estate. One option is to pay someone’s tuition or medical expenses. Such payments can be gift-tax-free — but only if you make them directly to a qualifying educational institution or medical provider. (Advancing the funds to a loved one or reimbursing previously paid expenses doesn’t count.) Unlike making gifts under the gift tax annual exclusion ($19,000 per recipient for 2026), there’s no limit on the amount of tuition or medical expenses you can pay tax-free. Call us at (417) 883-1212 to learn more about lifetime gifts.

10/15/2026

Limited partner status in a business generally offers valuable benefits, including liability protection and self-employment tax advantages. But it may also limit your ability to deduct partnership losses under the passive activity loss rules. Passive losses are usually deductible only against passive income unless you materially participate in the business. Limited partners face a tougher standard than general partners. Certain work, such as investor activities or tasks not customarily performed by owners, may not count toward material participation. Other limitations may also apply. Before investing in a limited partnership or claiming losses, contact us at (417) 883-1212 to discuss the tax implications.