The Blog

Do you remember that old Visa commercial? It had quite a run during sporting events about a decade ago … everything in the restaurant/market is running smoothly — chefs are shipping up meals, customers are moving in an orderly fashion, credit card payments are keeping the line short, and then… …the main character pulls out his wallet, thumbs for some CASH … Read More

Family can take so many different forms these days, whether it’s biological or otherwise, but for a certain segment of my Birmingham clientele, there is a particular privilege that might kick in this week: The parent tax. If you have children, what better way to teach them about the realities of our taxation system than by skimming 25% of their … Read More

Autumn is here, and in some parts of the country, apparently that already means snow… Weather is a close second to “life” in terms of unpredictability. So I think that means two things: You should always carry an umbrella. Your life insurance policy should be clear and up-to-date. Today, we’re going to focus on that second item and how life … Read More

Yes, there is chaos in the political world. Since it’s not related to our vocation around here, I’ll withhold comment, and let’s move on to a happier conversation. Paying for college. (Yes, that was sarcasm.) So much ink (and an abundance of pixels) has been spilled over the past decade about rising tuition costs, that sometimes parents overlook the fact … Read More

When it comes to your money, you’re either spending, saving, giving or investing. I know that many of my Birmingham clients are doing all four, which is always wonderful to see. The last one, investing, is the one I want to focus on today. I talk a great deal about climbing out of financial holes, but sometimes one of the … Read More

Technology has certainly shifted our society over the last 15 to 20 years — you can see it right here in the Birmingham area. So much so, that it’s time we discuss estate planning with a technological twist. Before we get there though, may I offer you this important reminder: the only “magic” we can do on a tax return … Read More

The stock market has caused some alarm as of late. Will investors wake up panicked or encouraged tomorrow? It’s hard to say. But one thing is clear: basing your peace of mind on market signals is no way to live. That said, I’d love to see my Birmingham clients be wise about how they are approaching their savings and investment … Read More

Unfortunately, this is a follow-up piece to some advice I shared in the spring — March to be exact. When tornadoes ravaged Lee County, Alabama, the country rushed to its aid. Although nature is beautiful in various forms, it’s also equally unpredictable. And that unpredictability sometimes leads to loss of life and communities. If you’ve turned on the news anytime … Read More

With Labor Day behind us, fall is just around the corner. (And a quick tax note: so are estimated taxes, if that applies to you. Due the 16th of this month. Consider yourself reminded. Though I will probably remind you once more.) Now … fall. This can be a happy transition (as it is for many), though I do know … Read More

Many of our Birmingham clients are married. What I have to say today is still relevant, conceptually (and even in some of the details). So don’t skip on by. As I have talked about before, estate planning is something that many families continue to neglect. I’m not here to toot that horn again today. But there is actually more to … Read More