It’s early spring, the time of year when severe storms and hazardous weather can develop across large regions of the country. But spring isn’t the only time when catastrophe can strike. Whether it’s a hurricane, tornado, flood, or severe thunderstorm, natural disasters can be a year-round threat and leave businesses vulnerable to significant operational disruptions and financial losses.

While businesses are by and large more naturally focused on increasing revenue through growth, optimizing costs can be just as impactful in improving the bottom line. A thorough, unvarnished cost analysis helps business owners identify inefficiencies, eliminate waste, streamline operations, and allocate resources to produce the best results.

The month of March is here, and we hope it finds you in clover—wrapping up the first quarter, wrangling your 2024 tax returns, and maybe even finding time for some spring break R&R to offset all that work. Speaking of work, in this month’s edition of SmartTips, we take a special look at how Americans are working, from the future of remote and hybrid offices to tax tips for the self-employed and gig workers. Good info, no blarney!

The U.S. and world economies are standing precariously at a crossroads, marked by both significant potential and risk. Consumer spending and technological advancements have been drivers for growth, but persistent inflation, geopolitical tensions, and drastic trade policy shifts have created an economic landscape fraught with uncertainty.

It’s March, the month when everyone claims to be Irish, if only for a day. But how well do you really know the Emerald Isle and its celebrated people? See if you can conjure the luck o’ the Irish with this month’s Fact Funhouse quiz!

As 2025 unfolds, the debate over whether employers should allow remote work, implement hybrid models, or require in-office attendance continues to evolve. This business decision about remote work policy is not just about where employees work but also about how they work, impacting productivity, collaborative synergies, talent retention, and organizational culture.

The gig economy is growing. Since the pandemic-era surge, more professionals have embraced freelance and contract work out of sheer necessity in the wake of layoffs or for flexibility and autonomy. However, with that freedom comes added responsibility—generating a steady stream of revenue, managing contracts and subcontracts, and, not the least, planning and managing tax obligations.

Spring break is the perfect opportunity for families to bond, explore new places, and create lasting memories. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach getaway, an educational city escape, or an adventurous outdoor trip, there are countless family-friendly destinations to consider

Welcome to the February edition of SmartTips, our free online magazine. It’s February—time for romance, maybe six more weeks of winter, and (sigh) tax returns. But we’ve got much more than this in store for you. In addition to insights on cryptocurrency basics and inventory management, we’re sharing our favorite global destinations to escape winter’s doldrums and chase the sun and surf. And in honor of the shortest month of the year, we’ve got a fun trivia quiz on brevity in various forms. So dig in and enjoy your February and the newest edition of SmartTips!

Cryptocurrency has taken a front-and-center position on the financial stage. With the potential to reshape how transactions take place, cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and others are being increasingly discussed in boardrooms, homes, and tax planning sessions.

February is here—don’t blink or you might miss it! In honor of the shortest month of the year, this month’s Fact Funhouse quiz is about all things short-lived, short-statured, short-tempered, short-sighted and otherwise abbreviated. See if you can make short work of it!

As temperatures sag and the doldrums set in, thoughts naturally turn to getting away for some sun-soaked relief. Pack your shades and sunscreen—we’ve compiled our list of favorite warm-weather spots to break up your deep freeze.

Sales and revenue are the lifeblood of any for-profit business, and the ability to predict them is critical to making strategic and management decisions with eyes wide open. As the new year gets into full swing, our team has assembled a comprehensive guide to help you understand and implement effective sales forecasting methods.

A company’s success can rise or fall on its marketing strategies. A well-thought-out marketing plan is essential, but it’s about far more than just populating a calendar with campaigns and pushing the autopilot button.

Effective inventory management is critical for manufacturers, retailers, and other businesses whose revenue hinges on the sale of physical products. Insights into inventory levels can significantly impact financial health and operational efficiency of these businesses.

Ready, set, go! It’s time for new beginnings. We’ll help you stay on track with those resolutions with this month’s lifestyle feature, with tips and tricks to keep those promises to yourself on track and make them lasting habits. And we’re also at the starting line of tax season (yes, we can actually hear you groaning right now). It’s time to begin preparing to file your annual return, and our main article this month will guide you through the process of organizing your documentation to save time and tee you up for better results. Speaking of beginnings, how well do you think you know the opening lines to some of the classics of literature, music and film? Find out in this month’s Fact Funhouse trivia quiz! All this and more in the January issue of SmartTips!

Tax season can feel like an excruciating sprint, but having a well-organized system for your financial records can turn a stressful process into a manageable one. Whether you’re a wage earner with a straightforward tax return or a self-employed individual juggling business income, expenses, and deductions, knowing how to gather and organize your documents is key.

Happy new year! A new year is a time for new beginnings. But first, can you identify these famous beginnings in literature, music and movies?

After celebrating the arrival of the new year, it’s time to start thinking about tax preparation. Being organized and proactive can save you headaches and possibly even money when the filing deadline arrives in April. Whether you’re an individual filer or a business owner, having a checklist can streamline the process and ensure that you don’t miss any crucial details.

Best wishes from our team for a joyful and prosperous 2025! There’s a lot tend to in January, from wrapping up 2024 financial statements and filing tax returns to trying your best to make those new year’s resolutions stick as new habits.

As the calendar flips to a new year, it brings with it a sense of renewal, hope, and the promise of a fresh start. Millions of people around the world make New Year’s resolutions, aiming to improve themselves, adopt healthier habits, or achieve long-desired goals.

The IRS regularly updates rules and guidance that impact individuals and businesses, especially regarding taxes and retirement savings. Key updates were announced in November of 2023 for tax year 2024, and it’s time to start filing those returns.

As 2024 draws to a close, now is the time to assess your tax and financial plans. With potential changes on the horizon, including the sunset of several provisions from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), it’s essential to prepare for the year ahead.

And just like that, 2024 comes to a close. This month, we’ve assembled a year-end guide for tax-saving strategies for both businesses and households. And, to at least keep things festive during the sprint to the finish line, we’ve got fun features on Christmas tree decorating ideas, elf trivia and a couple of knockout recipes for European-inspired Christmas cookies that will make a splash at your yuletide parties. From all of us at our firm, we wish you and your loved ones a joyful, merry Christmas and happy holiday season.