McCullough and Associates, LLC

10/09/2026

Stocks finished the third quarter mixed. The S&P 500 gained 2.03%, and the Nasdaq Composite rose 2.47%, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 2.70%. Halloween is next on the calendar, with U.S. consumers expected to spend \$13.5 billion USD this year and 6.26 million Canadian children in their trick-or-treating years.

Quarterly Market Insights | October 2026 U.S. and Canadian Markets Stocks were mixed in the third quarter as economic, geopolitical, and corporate earnings news pushed the broad market higher while weighing on the Dow Industrials. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index gained 2.03 percent, while the Nasd...

10/08/2026

Are you thinking of launching a new business as a C corporation? Beware of double taxation. First, the company will pay tax at the entity level. Then the individual shareholders may owe additional tax when they receive dividends and other taxable distributions or sell their shares. Reducing corporate taxable income can lessen the impact. For example, the company can generally deduct reasonable salaries, bonuses and eligible fringe benefits provided to shareholder-employees. This strategy also has potential downsides. Choosing your business entity requires careful consideration. Contact us at (417) 883-1212 to compare your options and determine whether a C corporation is the right structure for your start-up.

10/07/2026

Tax problems can leave you tied in knots. Whether you’re dealing with an IRS notice, penalty or another tax issue, you don’t have to sort through the complexities alone. We can help untangle the issues, explain your options and determine your next steps. Contact us at (417) 883-1212 to discuss your situation.

10/06/2026

Are you paid to care for a family member? Don’t overlook the tax implications. Depending on the arrangement, a family caregiver may be considered a household employee, which can create employment tax and Form W-2 obligations for the person receiving care. In other situations, the caregiver may not be an employee but still must report the payments as income. Self-employment tax may also apply if the caregiver operates a trade or business providing care services. But employment tax or self-employment tax exceptions may apply when caring for a spouse, parent, child or other relative. Contact us at (417) 883-1212 to discuss your family’s situation.

10/05/2026

Yields have surged to multi-decade highs, raising questions about inflation, interest rates, and what's next for investors. Join CIO Gene Goldman on this week's episode of as he unpacks what's driving the move in bond yields, why higher rates aren't all bad news, and the key catalysts that could bring relief in the weeks ahead.

“Cetera Financial Group” refers to the network of independent retail firms encompassing, among others, Cetera Advisors LLC, Cetera Advisor Networks LLC, Cetera Investment Services LLC (marketed as Cetera Financial Institutions or Cetera Investors), and Cetera Financial Specialists LLC. All firms...

10/05/2026

We’re more than just tax and accounting professionals. We’re your partners in business growth. Beyond preparing your tax returns and keeping your books in order, we can help you improve cash flow, safely plan for expansion and make smarter financial decisions. Let’s talk about how our advisory services can strengthen your strategic planning, streamline operations, and uncover new opportunities for long-term growth and success. Call us today at (417) 883-1212 to schedule a consultation.

10/01/2026

This Quarterly Recap summarizes market performance, major events and news from Q3 2026. Read more here:

Markets carried their momentum into the third quarter, with the S&P 500 finishing near record highs. However, the Dow Jones Industrial Average ended 5.1% below…

10/01/2026

Does your business hold intangible assets? Intangibles are nonphysical, long-term resources that can add significant value to a business. Examples include copyrights, licenses and customer lists. The tax implications can be complex. IRS regulations require the capitalization of costs to 1) acquire or create intangibles; 2) create or enhance a separate, distinct intangible; 3) create or enhance a future benefit identified in IRS guidance as capitalizable; or 4) facilitate the acquisition or creation of intangibles. Capitalized costs can’t be fully deducted in the year paid or incurred. They generally must be ratably deducted over the asset’s life. Questions? We’re here to help. Call us at (417) 883-1212.

09/30/2026

There are several benefits to having an estate plan. It can protect your wealth while giving you peace of mind that your assets will be distributed according to your intentions. In addition, it can save taxes, minimize legal complications and family disputes, and reduce expenses for your heirs. Do you have young children? An estate plan is a must so you can name guardians for them in the event of your untimely death. If you’re ready to begin your estate planning journey, or if you’d like us to review your current plan, contact us at (417) 883-1212.

09/29/2026

In Cetera's latest commentary, they explore how higher rates, geopolitical uncertainty, and shifting market expectations are shaping today’s investment landscape. Discover what’s driving the recent volatility and how investors can navigate an increasingly temperamental market environment.

In our latest commentary, we explore how higher rates, geopolitical uncertainty, and shifting market expectations are shaping today’s investment landscape.…