Yes, it is that time of year again. It is the start of the endless holiday parties, shopping, overeating, football games, and of course being with family. Scott and I will indulge as well, but as business owners, it is also a time to reflect on the past year and to plan for next year.

Once again, 2014 was a great year. For us, it was great because we got to do what we are passionate about, and that is helping our clients not only retire comfortably but stay comfortably retired. We also helped minimize taxes for a number of our clients and helped others create estate and elder care plans.

I wrote a book this year about taxes, "Bad Luck or Bad Business, 13 Most Common Tax Mistakes Made by Business Owners", and co-wrote a tax book called "Why Didn't My CPA Tell me That?" That made Amazon's best seller list! I have a third book that will be published in January called, "It Wasn't on My Calendar". It is a book about my personal experience of being the primary caregiver for my dad who had Alzheimer's and how to manage the planning issues that came with it. I never thought I would be a writer but it helps me get my thoughts out about things that I am passionate about.

We loved hearing about all the great vacation spots you went to this year. So we started a new article in our monthly newsletter called, Daily Life, which spotlights some of the places you have been to. We figured since so many of our clients like to travel, learning about where others are going may inspire some of us to visit places we wouldn't have previously considered.

Scott has been a great addition to our team and has brought a lot of experience and technical knowledge. He and I continue to evaluate new technology platforms, perform due diligence on the money managers we use, and stay abreast on the latest planning techniques by investing our time in attending financial educational forums around the country. At these forums, we're learning how to adapt our planning techniques to the ever-changing financial environment. Scott and I will continue to be leaders in our industry by volunteering to speak at these conferences as well. By sharing our knowledge, we help other advisors as well.

From our family to yours, have a safe and Merry Christmas and a Happy Hanukkah.  

"Why Didn't My CPA Tell Me That?" 

 

 

Understanding the difference between tax prep & tax planning could save you thousands! America's Top Certified Tax Coaches, including Bill Cummings, share dozens of write-offs you've never heard of. 

Daily Life

by Kimberli Cummings  

One of the greatest gifts of my retirement comes while traveling.  I never traveled as a child, even though I dreamed of all the exotic places I wished I could visit.  It wasn't until I saw a memo posted on my freshman history teacher's bulletin board.  It was a chance to earn college credit by traveling through Mexico.  I took $80 from my savings, yes, $80, not kidding, that was the required deposit, and I paid the following day.  I had the most incredible travel experience in Mexico City, Guadalajara, Tehotican, and a week later ending with a quick flight to Acapulco, seeing the finest sunset I'd ever seen in my life.  I was only 18, old enough to love it and remember it, but not financially stable enough to travel for two weeks every year thereafter.

Much later, when I had worked for decades, raised my children, and saved yearly for travel expenses, I planned two major getaways yearly.  We always made sure that at least one trip provided warm weather and sand and the other either history and architecture or a once in a lifetime experience.  The greatest part of my recent retirement is that for the first time in my life I have no need to rush.  Ask my kids and husband, they'll tell you it was my middle name.  When we travel these days, I love to wake up early and suck the life out of each day.  Vacations are no longer a place for me to sleep in.  I can sleep in any day I want now, ha.  I love saying that.

I really am the luckiest person I know that we get to see places like Ireland, Spain, Greece, Croatia, Italy, Turkey, St. Bart's, Puerto Rico, Canada, Hawaii, France, England, Switzerland, and these United States.

San Juan, Puerto Rico

I appreciate the food, gardens, history, language, customs, art, and music.  I am severely influenced by my travels when I design a new room or produce a new clay platter.  I tend to conjure up the best of each little town, valley, and sunset I can recall.  For the new year, we're planning to see the greatest American 'must-see' list, including the Grand Canyon and the Grand Tetons. 

Life is so precious.  I'm grateful that I learned that early.  May you travel safely, but travel.  May you plan today what you put off yesterday.  May you gather new stories and memories along your way.  Happy end to your year.