ESPPs vs. ESOPs: Understanding Two Powerful Ways to Own a Piece of Your Company
For many employees, company stock programs offer a direct way to share in their employer’s success. Two of the most common forms of employee ownership—Employee Stock Purchase Plans (ESPPs) and Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs)—sound similar but work very differently. Both can be valuable, yet their structures, tax implications, and benefits serve distinct purposes.
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Perspectives: Inflation Angst
Our economy is large and complex. Assessing its health and likely path requires examining many different measures, all of which are interconnected to some degree. One of the most relevant variables is the rate of inflation. In its most basic form, rising prices stem from too many dollars (i.e. demand) chasing too few goods and services (supply). Other factors, such as tariffs, can also have a significant impact. There are currently differing schools of thought about the outlook for inflation among both economists and investors, creating heightened uncertainty.
A Practical Overview of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act
After months of speculation and political back-and-forth, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) was signed into law on July 4, 2025. It’s the most comprehensive tax legislation since the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, It’s the most comprehensive tax legislation since the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, permanently extending many familiar provisions, such as the 10%, 12%, and 22% tax brackets, the enhanced standard deduction ($15,750 single, $31,500 married filing jointly), and the 20% Qualified Business Income (QBI) deduction.
Perspectives: Trade War
Attempting to revitalize our manufacturing economy and make the United States less dependent on foreign trade, President Trump unveiled his list of global tariffs April 2nd on “Liberation Day.” The scale and scope of the shockingly high tariff levels initially slapped on our trading partners could have significant negative implications for both the U.S. and global economies.
The World of Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs)
Many clients, whether they are just getting started in their careers, self-employed, running a small business, or preparing to retire, have come to us with questions about retirement planning. The topic is as broad as it is complex, but the discussion usually begins with the question “how?”
Traditional & Contributory IRAs
A Traditional Individual Retirement Account (IRA) has seemingly lost favor in recent years, but still remains a powerful retirement vehicle. Contributions to a Traditional IRA may be fully or partially tax-deductible depending on your income, tax filing status, and whether you or your spouse are covered by a workplace…
All Things Roth IRA
Roth Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) have become increasingly popular, and widely discussed over the past two decades for all the right reasons. A Roth IRA provides the opportunity for tax-free growth and tax-free withdrawals in retirement, making it a powerful tool for future tax planning and estate considerations.
SEP IRAs
Simplified Employee Pension (SEP) IRAs are a popular retirement savings option for self-employed individuals and small business owners. They offer high contribution limits, straightforward administration, and the potential for meaningful…
SIMPLE IRAs
The Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees (SIMPLE) IRA is a tax-advantaged retirement plan designed specifically for small businesses with 100 or fewer employees. It offers an easy and cost-effective way for employers to help their teams…
Kids – How Should I Gift Them Property?
Gifting property to a child is a meaningful way to transfer wealth, but it requires careful planning to avoid unnecessary tax burdens and legal complications. There are several ways to accomplish this, each with its own benefits…
What’s in a Trust—and What Else You Need for a Complete Estate Plan
For many families, thinking about estate planning can feel overwhelming—or easy to put off. But the truth is, planning ahead isn’t just about preparing for the unexpected…
Perspectives: The Next Four Years
Most investors would agree that financial markets can be highly unpredictable, generally more so in the near-term than the long run. Many factors influence the prices of securities, some on an individual basis, others at a macro…
Perspectives: America’s Underappreciated Economic Strength
The Federal Reserve recently concluded its most aggressive interest rate hikes in 40 years, moving the Fed Funds rate to a 23-year high…
Perspectives: Lower Interest Rates Have (Finally) Arrived
Seeking to lower inflation, the Federal Reserve began raising borrowing costs in March 2022 and held them at the highest level in more than two decades over the past year. Recent data…
Perspectives: Sticky Inflation
Having raised interest rates sharply between 2022 and the middle of last year to curb inflation, Federal Reserve officials entered this year expecting to reduce borrowing costs. Unfortunately, a resurgence of inflation above expectations early this year upended that plan…
Perspectives: Economic Resiliency
The U.S. economy continues to outperform expectations. Aggressive interest rate increases by the Federal Reserve to slow the economy and combat a spike in inflation following the pandemic were widely predicted…