Blog
Monthly Market Recap - December 2021
Here is a recap of market performance for the month of December and 2021 overall: After a down month in November, investment returns rebounded in December. International stocks performed best, while US large cap and small cap stocks also had strong months. Bonds slightly declined. In 2021, investors were rewarded for owning stocks. All three stock categories increased by double digits. Bonds had a rather uneventful year and detracted from returns. But overall, for most investors with a diversified portfolio, 2021 was a positive year.
Quarterly Statements Walkthrough
Ryan Gilmer walks through our new statement layout with information created for a sample client. (Sample client is not real, all information was sample information created for this purpose.)
Common Tax Mistakes When Selling a Home
With home sales booming throughout much of the country, you may decide that now's the right time to put your abode on the market. If you do put your primary residence up for sale, try to steer clear of the following mistakes.
Manage Your Business's Unemployment Taxes
As a business owner, you’re required to pay three different types of payroll taxes.
Small Business IRS Audit Mistakes
In late 2020, the IRS announced that it will increase tax audits of small businesses by 50 percent in 2021. Here are several mistakes to avoid if you do get audited by Uncle Sam.
Good Debt Versus Bad Debt
How to tell the difference --Not all debt is created equal. Knowing the difference can change the way you look at your spending.
W&H Team News - Summer '21
This April, our newest Investment Advisor Representative, Matthew Lefelhoc, passed the FINRA Series 65 exam. In June, we sharpened our skills and had some fun at our annual Team Retreat.
Getting the Most Out of Your QBO Subscription
In today’s fast-paced tech world, we have seen an explosion in online accounting software options. The major market share winner has remained with the Intuit giant and QuickBooks Online (QBO). The various subscription levels offered by Intuit &
2nd Quarter Market Recap
We’re officially halfway through 2021, which has been very positive for stock market returns. The chart below shows the path of the S&P 500 over the last six months.
3 Reasons to Give Away Appreciated Stock
As the stock market continues to recover, perhaps you’ve seen significant gains in your portfolio, or maybe you invested in a stock that skyrocketed and now your portfolio is out of balance. If you have a heart for non-profits, we have some goo
Estate Planning for Business Owners
We are continuing our series on estate planning, this time focusing on business owners. While there are common elements that anyone would need to have, there are unique documents and planning that need to be considered for different situations.
Common Misunderstanding of the Advanced Child Tax Credit
The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) passed in early March of this year, included over $1 trillion in programs to stimulate the US economy after the COVID-19 shut down. Included in the package was a provision to increase the child tax credit and send advanced payments of the credit to families all over the country starting in July of 2021.
Ideas to Lower Your 2021 Tax Bill
Now is the time to begin tax planning for your 2021 return. Here are some ideas:
Ideas to Identify and Manage Problem Accounts
As a small business, once you decide to extend credit to a customer, you now have a financial stake in continuing that relationship even if you suspect there might be trouble brewing. While you don’t want to crack down on a good customer too ha
How to Roll with a Continuous 12-Month Forecast
Tax and financial planning is a year-round proposition. In fact, you can benefit personally from a continuous, 12-month rolling forecast, much like a business does.
Hire Your Kids for Tax Savings
Summer’s almost here, and soon most children will be on their long-awaited summer vacation. If you own or manage a business, have you thought of hiring your children, nieces, or nephews for a summer job?
Know This Number!
Knowing your net worth and understanding how it is changing over time is one of the most important financial concepts that everyone needs to understand. This number is used by banks, mortgage companies, insurance companies and you! Your net worth imp
Building a Fortress Balance Sheet
The best way to weather a storm is often by being prepared before the storm hits. In the case of small businesses, this means building a fortress balance sheet. Like a frontier outpost or an ancient walled city, businesses that prepare for a siege—in the form of a recession, natural disaster, pandemic, or adverse regulatory change—can often hold out until the crisis passes or the cavalry arrives.
How to Protect Your Kids Online
Do you know what your kids are doing online? That question may seem like it has a simple yes or no answer, but that’s hardly the case. With so many streaming platforms, social media outlets and new gaming options popping up every day, it’
Helping Your Fellow Business Owner
Your firm survived 2020. Now you may be asking yourself, when will the economy return to pre-pandemic levels? Will it be this fall? A year from now? Longer?
The Art of Bill Paying
Paying bills is an inevitable part of everyday life, but that doesn’t mean it has to be stressful. Here are some ways to get control of your budget and perfect the art of stress-free bill paying.
Taxes: These Basics are for Everyone
Understanding how our tax system works can be tricky for anyone. Whether you're an adult who never paid much attention to the taxes being withheld from your paycheck or a kid who just got his or her first job, understanding the basics can help refine
Tax History Trivia!
With the IRS moving tax day back for all U.S. filers for the second time in as many years, it’s time once again for a fun diversion by looking back at tax history! Test your tax knowledge using these questions to stump your friends and family.
April Market Recap - Is It Time to "Sell High"?
Here is a recap of market performance for the month of April and year-to-date: Stocks appreciated in April, with US large cap up over 5%, international stocks following close behind, and US small cap behind both. During this timeframe, bonds have rebounded and posted positive returns. Year to date, all stock categories are positive, and small cap stocks leading the way. Bonds are still negative on the year.
Don't Overlook Renters Insurance
Do you rent an apartment or condo? If so, do you have renters insurance to protect your belongings and to cover you against liability claims? A surprising number of renters don’t bother with insurance.
Cross-Training: Essential for Small Business Survival
Have you considered cross-training your employees to ensure more than one person knows all key functions? Cross-training can be a win-win situation for you and your employees. Large companies often use it to prepare managers for future promotions. Bu
Businesses Get More Time to Apply For PPP Loans
Legislation provides other business relief provisions -- Here's what you need to know about the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans and other business relief provisions of the recently-passed American Rescue Plan Act.
April Mid-Month Update
Yesterday marked the typical annual observance of tax day. Even though this year the tax deadline has been extended to May, we are still celebrating.
The Gift of Grace
After living under the weight of the pandemic for more than a year and listening every day to the bad news around us, why not look for ways to change the conversation by doing something nice and unexpected for someone else.
New Tax Breaks Benefit Millions
The recently-passed American Rescue Plan Act contains several tax breaks for you and your family. Here are the major provisions of the bill that could mean more money in your pocket during the 2021 tax year.
2022 Archive
2021 Archive
