The Blog

Is the holiday season indeed “the most wonderful time of the year”? One could make a strong argument. However, for every gift we receive there are 10 or so emails asking us to give to a cause. Whether online or via snail mail, charitable organizations capitalize on the season’s tax-reducing giving benefits. No one can blame these organizations — it’s … Read More

November is a wonderful start for holiday season with several traditions to match: pumpkin-spiced everything, no-shave November (apologies to those spouses affected), watching football and of course … Thanksgiving. Sorry to poke my accountant’s green shades into all those festivities, but it also happens to be a perfect time to strategize. (Add that to your new November “traditions” list.) We’re … Read More

Do you remember that old Visa commercial? It had quite a run during sporting events about a decade ago … everything in the restaurant/market is running smoothly — chefs are shipping up meals, customers are moving in an orderly fashion, credit card payments are keeping the line short, and then… …the main character pulls out his wallet, thumbs for some CASH … Read More

The World Series is here, football seasons are in full swing, school is deep in session, and the weather is shifting for sure. Fall has a way of running along faster than we realize. It's kind of like our financial picture: things can change REAL fast, and before you know it, we're buried under a pile of something that we'd … Read More

Autumn is here, and in some parts of the country, apparently that already means snow… Weather is a close second to "life" in terms of unpredictability. So I think that means two things: You should always carry an umbrella. Your life insurance policy should be clear and up-to-date. Today, we're going to focus on that second item and how life … Read More

Yes, there is chaos in the political world. Since it's not related to our vocation around here, I'll withhold comment, and let's move on to a happier conversation. Paying for college. (Yes, that was sarcasm.) So much ink (and an abundance of pixels) has been spilled over the past decade about rising tuition costs, that sometimes parents overlook the fact … Read More

When it comes to your money, you're either spending, saving, giving or investing. I know that many of my Mobile, AL clients are doing all four, which is always wonderful to see. The last one, investing, is the one I want to focus on today. I talk a great deal about climbing out of financial holes, but sometimes one of … Read More

Technology has certainly shifted our society over the last 15 to 20 years — you can see it right here in the Mobile, AL area. So much so, that it's time we discuss estate planning with a technological twist. Before we get there though, may I offer you this important reminder: the only "magic" we can do on a tax … Read More

The stock market has caused some alarm as of late. Will investors wake up panicked or encouraged tomorrow? It's hard to say. But one thing is clear: basing your peace of mind on market signals is no way to live. That said, I'd love to see my Mobile, AL clients be wise about how they are approaching their savings and … Read More

Unfortunately, this is a follow-up piece to some advice I shared in the spring — March to be exact. When tornadoes ravaged Lee County, Alabama, the country rushed to its aid. Although nature is beautiful in various forms, it's also equally unpredictable. And that unpredictability sometimes leads to loss of life and communities. If you've turned on the news anytime … Read More