Author: SpieglerBlevins

It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

With the holiday season in full swing and the financial year sprinting to a close, we want to pause, catch our breath and take a moment to reflect on this joyful time before it passes us by. We value our relationship with our clients, and we wish them and their families peace and happiness now and in the coming new year.

The Gifts that Give Back

The Gifts that Give Back

Charitable giving is a powerful way to make a difference for causes that matter most to you. But beyond the feel-good factor, charitable donations can also provide significant tax benefits when handled correctly. As we head toward the final days of the calendar year, individual taxpayers and business owners are well-served to understand how to maximize deductions or credits for charitable contributions.

Oh, Christmas Tree!

Oh, Christmas Tree!

The Christmas tree is the heart of holiday decor, a symbol of festive cheer and family traditions. But within this tradition, there’s room for broad creative license. One glance inside modern homes at yuletide, and it becomes clear: This ain’t your grandma’s Christmas tree.

Sprint to the Finish Line

Sprint to the Finish Line

As the calendar year draws to a close, it’s a critical time for both businesses and households to minimize tax liabilities. Strategic planning before December 31 can yield significant savings and set you up for a better return when it’s time to file.

Elfin Magic!

Elfin Magic!

It’s the season when Santa’s hard-working helpers get some of the attention they deserve. But how well do you really know your elf culture and facts? Take this month’s quiz and find out!

An Attitude of Gratitude

An Attitude of Gratitude

Welcome to the November edition of SmartTips online magazine. This month, we’re serving up a healthy helping of content all about the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday, from saving money at the supermarket checkout to travel tips to our favorite recipes, all framed with an attitude of gratitude for the many blessings we can count this time of year. And for dessert, indulge in a sweet round of Thanksgiving trivia in our monthly Fact Funhouse quiz. From all of us at our firm, we wish you and your loved ones a joyful, healthy Thanksgiving!

Saving at the Supermarket this Season

Saving at the Supermarket this Season

Thanksgiving and year-end holidays bring the joys of gathering with loved ones, sharing festive meals, and creating lasting memories. This month, we offer some practical and effective strategies that can help you fight inflation at the supermarket without sacrificing the quality and abundance of your holiday feast.

Much to be Thankful For

Much to be Thankful For

The month of November is when we turn our thoughts to gratitude. From our basic freedoms to good health, wealth, family and friendships, there’s a lot to be thankful for.

Estate Planning Basics

Estate Planning Basics

Estate planning is a critical step in ensuring your assets are distributed according to your wishes following your death, reducing the tax burden on your heirs, and providing peace of mind for you and your family. Learn the fundamental components of estate planning, highlighting the key steps involved and how working with an experienced team can simplify and improve your plan.

Arrive Revived

Arrive Revived

The year-end holiday season is a time for family, friends, and festivities, but it’s also one of the busiest travel periods of the year. Here are some practical tips to help you travel smartly this holiday season, so you can focus on what really matters: enjoying quality time with loved ones.

Let’s Talk Turkey

Let’s Talk Turkey

Let’s talk turkey about trivia! Before you sharpen your carving knife and dig into your fall feast, sharpen your wit and test your noodle with these November nuggets:

An Attitude of Gratitude

An Attitude of Gratitude

As Thanksgiving approaches, many of us are naturally drawn to reflect on the year with a sense of thankfulness and gratitude. It’s a time to recognize the blessings, large and small, that contribute to our personal lives, our professional growth, and our communities.

Autumn Adventures and Cyber Savvy

Autumn Adventures and Cyber Savvy

Welcome to the latest issue of SmartTips, your ultimate guide to living smarter. As the leaves change color and the air grows crisp, we’re excited to bring you an edition packed with essentials to make this season unforgettable. From fortifying your digital defenses with our “Cybersecurity Survival Guide” to discovering picturesque fall wine country destinations, we’ve got you covered. Dive into the beauty of autumn with “We’ve Fallen for Autumn” and get ready for some spooky fun with “Spooktoberfest!” Let’s embrace the season together with smart, delightful insights.

Exploring Fall Wine Country Destinations: A Perfect Autumn Getaway

Exploring Fall Wine Country Destinations: A Perfect Autumn Getaway

Fall is a magical time for wine enthusiasts, as harvest season breathes life into some of the most beautiful wine regions in the world. The crisp air, vibrant foliage, and bustling vineyards make autumn the perfect season to explore wine country.

Spooktoberfest!

Spooktoberfest!

The month of October brings all kinds of delights—autumn leaves, good food and drink, and ghouls and goblins. But, as they say, the devil is in the details! How well do you know your October facts? Take this month’s quiz and find out!

The Presidential Election, The Economy and You: What to Expect the Day After

The Presidential Election, The Economy and You: What to Expect the Day After

Historically, presidential elections have always carried significant economic implications, influencing everything from stock market performance to consumer confidence and business investment decisions. While the full extent of these effects is often unpredictable, examining past trends and key economic factors can provide insights into what we might expect this election season, and what you should—and shouldn’t—consider when making financial decisions.

A Cybersecurity Survival Guide: Staying a Step Ahead of the Bad Guys

A Cybersecurity Survival Guide: Staying a Step Ahead of the Bad Guys

October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, a time dedicated to understanding online threats and learning how to protect ourselves in the digital age. With today’s reliance on pervasive networked technology in both personal and professional spheres, cybersecurity is more crucial than ever.

We’ve Fallen for Autumn

We’ve Fallen for Autumn

There’s a lot to love about fall, even for folks who don’t live in parts of the country where the air turns crisp and the leaves paint the landscape in vibrant hues of orange, red, and yellow. The month of October is the perfect time to revel in fall harvest-themed tourism activities—from apple picking and savoring fresh cider at orchards and festivals to pumpkin carving and costume design.

Tax Deductions and Tax Credits: Understanding the Difference

Tax Deductions and Tax Credits: Understanding the Difference

It’s important to have a clear understanding of the various strategies that can lower your tax bill. Two of the most common and often misunderstood tools at your disposal are tax deductions and tax credits. Both offer savings, but they work in very different ways.