High State Income Taxes: How to Plan Smarter and Retire Wealthier

New York state highlighted on a U.S. map with a “HIGH” label, representing high state income taxes impacting retirement planning

Understanding Why Some States Have Higher Income Taxes You might wonder why income taxes vary so much from state to state. The answer usually lies in how states balance their budgets. Some states, like California and New York, fund extensive public services with higher income taxes. Others, like Texas or Florida, skip income taxes but…

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How to Save More Without Sacrificing Enjoyment

Person smiling at a café while managing finances, symbolizing saving money without sacrificing enjoyment

Saving money should not feel like punishment. You deserve to enjoy your life today while building financial security for the future. With the right strategies, you can save more without cutting out what makes life meaningful. Here’s how you can make smart financial moves — and still have fun along the way. How to Save…

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Reduce Home Insurance Premiums Without Compromising Protection

Stick figure pointing at a home insurance shield with stacked coins and a downward arrow symbolizing reduced premiums.

Home insurance protects your biggest investment—your home. But that doesn’t mean you need to overpay for it. Here’s how you can lower your premiums while keeping solid coverage in place. Raise Your Deductible A higher deductible usually means lower monthly premiums. Consider increasing your deductible to $1,000 or more Make sure you have enough saved…

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What to Do with Your RMDs (and What to Avoid)

Retired couple reviewing required minimum distributions and tax planning documents on a laptop at home

Once you reach age 73, the IRS requires you to begin taking Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) from your tax-deferred retirement accounts.If you were born in 1960 or later, your RMD start age is 75. RMDs apply to: Traditional IRAs SEP IRAs and SIMPLE IRAs (after retirement) 401(k)s, 403(b)s, and 457(b)s (unless you’re still working and…

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1099 Contractors: Your Guide to Managing Income, Taxes, and Deductions

1099 contractor at home office managing taxes and maximizing deductions

Knowing how 1099 contractors can manage taxes and maximize deductions is essential to keeping more of what you earn. As a contractor, you’re in control of your income—but also responsible for every tax detail. 1. Know What It Means to Be a 1099 Contractor You’re not an employee. You’re self-employed. That means: No tax is…

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Don’t Fear Market Losses—Learn from Them

Man reviewing financial documents with a laptop showing a market downturn, symbolizing investment loss analysis and tax planning strategy.

Market losses are part of investing. They’re frustrating—but also useful. Every investor experiences them. What matters is how you respond. Don’t freeze. Reflect. Seeing your portfolio drop can lead to panic. But reacting emotionally often makes things worse. Ask yourself: Was your risk tolerance overestimated? Did you follow a plan—or invest based on hype? Is…

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How Physicians Are Boosting Their Income Outside of Medicine

Illustration of a smiling doctor in a lab coat podcasting with a microphone and laptop, representing non-clinical income ideas for physicians

You worked hard for your medical degree. But more physicians are realizing that relying solely on clinical income may not be the most sustainable long-term path. You don’t have to trade all your time for money. Let’s look at how physicians across the country are building wealth outside the exam room—without giving up their identity…

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Should You Restructure Your Medical Practice? A Guide to Tax-Smart Business Decisions

Doctor reviewing tax planning documents and business structure options in an office setting

The evolving tax landscape in 2025 presents both challenges and opportunities for your medical practice. Choosing the best tax structure for doctors under new tax laws is more important than ever. Understanding these changes is crucial to making informed decisions about restructuring. Key Tax Changes Affecting Medical Practices in 2025 Expiration of Tax Cuts and…

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Avoid These Costly Tax Mistakes When Selling a Medical Practice

Avoid These Costly Tax Mistakes When Selling a Medical Practice Selling a medical practice is a major financial transaction, and without proper tax planning, you could end up paying more in taxes than necessary. Fortunately, with the right strategies, you can significantly reduce your tax liability and maximize the proceeds from your sale. This guide…

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