The Executive Financial Group

The added busyness of the holiday season can leave all of us frustrated with our lack of time and organization. One of these tools might be just what you need? Hope it's helpful!

How to Organize Your Life With the Help of Technology Make your days more manageable and your goals more achievable with these tools.

Ever heard of SALT? It's tax pro speak for "Don't forget to plan for state and local taxes." When we look ahead with you at your tax plan, the federal government's tax code isn't all we'll pay attention to. If a tax advisor tries to plan your bill without talking about state taxes, they're giving you the short end of the stick.

This may burst some bubbles, but it must be said: there is no minimum amount for income that makes it reportable on your taxes. Yes, you owe on every dollar you make. While it may be tempting to let that small side-gig slip under the rug, don't do it. It's not worth the heavy conscience or the back-tax bill (plus interest) you very well may get hit with later.

Here are 6 essential business components for any small business owner, new freelancer, or participant in the growing "gig economy" to make sure they have covered:

1 - Disability and Workers' Comp

2 - Property and Liability Coverage

3 - Unemployment Coverage

4 - Healthcare Plans

5 - Retirement Plans (401(k)s, etc)

6 - Retirement Income Plan (Social Security and beyond)

Ever wonder what those "taxes and fees" are that get tacked on to your holiday flight bill? Flying domestically with no layovers will garner the least amount of those extra taxes and fees that you have to pay.

Understanding the Price of Your Plane Ticket The holiday season is approaching and millions of Americans are booking their flights to see family over Thanksgiving or Christmas.

If you come across a charity that you know is a scam, the IRS recommends the following:

1) Don't reply.

2) Don't open attachments. They might carry malware that will affect your computer or phone.

3) Don't click any links.

4) Forward the scam email, preferably with its full headers (to, from, subject, etc.), to the IRS at [email protected].

5) Delete the original email.

Do you get a knot in your gut when your spouse asks you how the finances are looking? Do you practice a financial policy of "Don't ask, Don't tell"?

One of the best tools we've seen to keep your spouse or business partner in the loop about your finances is the simple concept of the monthly financial report. Here are some of the major benefits...

Do you AGREE or DISAGREE?

The IRS is taxing me a fair amount in order to fund necessary public service programs.

Q&A Friday: What questions do you have for us today?

Business owners, here's a way you can help your employees get a better result on their 2019 tax return.

Invite them to take a quick look at their tax withholding *before year-end* and make last-minute adjustments up or down, based on any income and other life changes that may have occurred this year. This is one positive step they can take toward affecting their 2019 tax burden.

On this Giving Tuesday, be aware that fake charities abound in this country. Many individuals set up nonprofits for the sake of financial gain -- and some are really good at the disguise. Charity Navigator is a simple online tool to look up the validity of various charities (or lack thereof).

Charity Navigator - Your Guide To Intelligent Giving | Home Charity Navigator is the largest and most-utilized evaluator of charities in the United States providing data on 1.8 million nonprofits and ratings for close to 10,000 charities.