Edition 125

Two veteran clients with seemingly similar financial profiles can end up with very different outcomes, simply based on where they live and how informed they are. Much of that difference comes down to smaller, state-specific benefits that tend to sit just outside the typical planning checklist. But when layered alongside federal veteran benefits, they can reshape major decisions like where to buy a home or settle long-term. For advisors working with military families, recognizing how these state benefits show up in real life can go a long way in helping veteran clients feel seen, understood and better supported in the decisions ahead.

One of my obsessions is about what we can do for somebody who has high earnings and not much else. When I review multiple collections of year-end tax tips, there is not much for HENRY (high earnings not rich yet) other than a couple of Captain Obvious things like maximizing 401(k) contributions. Henry doesn’t have losses to harvest and is not about to set up a private foundation or a donor advised fund. Charity begins at home. So I got excited when I saw ads about cash balance plans. Was this the great white whale that I have been seeking that is a good answer for Henry? Or is it some sort of scam? As we will see it turns out to be neither, but it is probably something you should consider for some high earners.

Through every stage, childhood, audit room, controller’s office, or C-suite, the pattern was clear: growth is always a team effort. No single person, not even the owner, can do it all. The firms that thrive are the ones where everyone shares the mission, takes ownership, and trusts each other to play their part.

The one unvarying constant of Tax Court is variety: even long-established principles solve new problems. March saw a new look at Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) and the Empowerment Zone Employment Credit (EZEC) and a first look at the BBA reset of the partnership-partner relationship. Bitcoin, specifically hard-forked coins, are in view. The usual suspects like discovery jousts, SOL, and equitable tolling continue to show up. Take a look.