It’s the time of year when we think about things that go bump in the night. Test your A-lister aptitude by identifying the most notorious dramatis personae in the motion picture horror genre—we dare you!

International Coffee Day, celebrated every year on October 1, is a glorious global tribute to one of humanity’s most cherished beverages and the rich traditions that surround it. Officially established in 2015 by the International Coffee Organization, the day not only honors the love of coffee but also raises awareness about the entire coffee journey.

Running a small business is rewarding, exciting, and, of course, often overwhelming. But sometimes, the scariest threats aren’t competitors or economic downturn; they’re the hidden costs lurking in your books.

Every October, National Cybersecurity Awareness Month reminds us that digital safety is no longer optional. With thoughtful planning, consistent staff training, and a disaster recovery strategy, even the leanest organizations can build strong defenses.

October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month—the perfect time to give your business a digital checkup. A few simple habits can make a huge difference.

One of the most important foundations for entrepreneurial success is building a business aligned with your skills and personal passion. When your interests and talents intersect with a viable business idea, you’ll find motivation to sustain you through the inevitable ups and downs.

We’re turning the corner into fall and running down the clock on the third quarter. That means making plans to finish strong. Following on the heels of last month’s feature on project management, our main story this month takes a step back and talks about techniques for big-picture strategic planning. Then our team brings you an update on variables that have presented a unique challenge to planning this year—President Trump’s evolving trade policy and tariffs that impact pricing and supply chain strategies. On the lighter side, we explore the flavors of September’s early fall harvest, and we send your brain back to the classroom with a Fact Funhouse quiz all about back-to-school customs around the world.

There’s something timely in the air, and no, we’re not talking about pumpkin spice—it’s fall tax deadlines. While many associate April with taxes, the fall months come with their own set of important deadlines that individuals and businesses can’t afford to overlook.

Bid adieu to summer, September is here, and with it comes a change in fare at local markets.

In August 2025, President Donald Trump launched a sweeping expansion of tariffs aimed at rebalancing the trade deficit and boosting U.S. manufacturing.

Fall is here, and that marks the return of football, a game we admire not just because we love the strategy and action, but because, as financial professionals, any game where play is divided into quarters strikes a chord with us! Yes, we’re converging on the end of a fiscal quarter, and it’s time to look at the monetary scoreboard to see how your business’s game plan is panning out.

Sound the bell—we’ve got a pop quiz to test your knowledge about back-to-school traditions around the world.

How smart businesses use strategic planning to stay ahead.

The dog days of summer are here, but we’ve got some cool content to chill with this month. We begin with our main feature on how to be a pro project wrangler, and then our team explores when business owners should pull the trigger on tech investments. And when it’s time for some serious leisure on the links, check out our picks for America’s greatest golf experiences for late summer and fall. Finally, a delicious August distinction—it’s National Sandwich Month. Test your “Sammy” savvy with a Fact Funhouse quiz all about the greatest things between sliced bread.

There’s magic on the links as summer fades and autumn’s hues begin to highlight the breathtaking landscapes of America’s great golf courses. These courses promise unforgettable rounds during this seasonal sweet spot.

Summer is winding down, and that means parents everywhere are bracing for the annual ritual of back-to-school spending. From supplies and school fees to extracurricular activities, costs can add up quickly and stress family budgets. But with careful planning—and by taking advantage of available tax benefits—families can ease the financial impact of the new academic year.

Staying current with technology is essential for the life of your business, from customer experience to data security.

Project management is more than just ticking boxes on a checklist or updating Gantt charts. It’s the art of turning ideas into reality—on time, within budget, and to the satisfaction of all stakeholders.

Seasonal and summer-based businesses—whether beachside ice cream stands, landscaping companies, outdoor adventure operators, or summer camps—face unique accounting challenges. Income and expenses are concentrated in a few peak months, requiring savvy financial planning to avoid off-season hardships and seize opportunities for growth.

It’s National Sandwich Month! We salute the sumptuous staple of cuisines the world over with this sweet stack of brain appetizers, revealing whether your sandwich smarts make you a hero or a zero. Bon appétit!

This July 4th, we celebrate Independence Day while starting the countdown to our country’s 250th anniversary a year from now. (For the record, the 250th is known as the semiquincentennial…try saying that with a fresh-grilled hot dog in your mouth!) In this month’s issue of SmartTips, we join in the spirit of the season, with a feature story on the American dream—your home and summer improvement projects to enhance its value. Try your hand at a revolutionary Fact Funhouse trivia quiz and peruse a planning guide for your Great American Vacation. Plus, our team has compiled a list of tax strategies for real estate investors. Read all about it!

There’s something magical about getting your hands in the earth and watching new life spring from the soil. Gardening isn’t just a rewarding hobby; it’s also a great way to connect with nature, boost your mood, and even grow your own fresh, unprocessed food.

Summer is the perfect season for home improvement. Longer days, warmer weather, and the urge to refresh and renew our spaces provide natural inspiration to tackle projects that not only enhance your daily life but also add significant value to your home, from painting and landscaping to roof replacements and deck installations.

July is when we celebrate Independence Day with a bang. But the American Revolution wasn’t the only occasion people fought against the establishment. From the streets to the stage and screen, test your knowledge of revolutionary events and characters in this month’s Fact Funhouse quiz!