by Julie Long | Sep 10, 2026 | Financial Planning, General, Small Business, Stocks, Tax, Tax Planning
What is qualified small business stock? Qualified small business stock is a type of tax-favored investment in certain small businesses. Section 1202 of the Internal Revenue Code allows a taxpayer other than a corporation to exclude some or all of the gain from...
by Julie Long | Sep 3, 2026 | 401k, 401K Planning, Financial Planning, General, Retirement
Each year following Labor Day, the Plan Sponsor Council of America (PSCA) observes 401(k) Day to remind workers of the benefits of saving and investing through a 401(k) plan and to provide employers with related educational resources. This year marks the 30th...
by Julie Long | Aug 27, 2026 | 401k, Financial Planning, General, Retirement, Roth, Roth IRA, Tax Planning
The Roth five-year rule states that a distribution from a Roth IRA or Roth 401(k) is tax and penalty free only if the account has been held for five years and a qualifying event has occurred. Qualifying events include reaching age 59½, becoming disabled, and...
by Julie Long | Aug 20, 2026 | College Cost, College Planning, General, Higher Education
The world of higher education is constantly evolving. Here are some key updates for 2026. Rising costs and operational headwinds Over the past 20 years, average costs for college tuition, fees, housing, and food have outpaced general inflation by 30% at public...
by Julie Long | Aug 13, 2026 | Business Succession, Family Business, General, Gift Tax Planning, Investment
What is lifetime gifting of your stock or business interest? Lifetime gifting refers to transferring business interest to a younger generation Lifetime gifting of your stock or other business interest (such as a partnership interest, if your business is...
Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams (2025 & 2026) 