WATCH: Tax Optimization of Charitable Giving

Make a bigger impact with your charitable giving with smarter planning, not just giving more. Discover how to get the most out of your donations for the causes you care about and your long-term tax plan. Ideal for those who want to balance generosity with financial planning.

Balancing Saving and Giving

Most of our clients aspire to be financially self-sufficient.  As those clients age, we notice some amount of transition into wanting to benefit others with accumulated resources.  This giving can range from donations to charities of interest to paying for a grandchild’s education to helping a friend in need.   We have been fortunate since the […]

Balancing Saving and Giving

Most of our clients aspire to be financially self-sufficient.  As those clients age, we notice some amount of transition into wanting to benefit others with accumulated resources.  This giving can range from donations to charities of interest to paying for a grandchild’s education to helping a friend in need.   We have been fortunate since the […]

Giving Strategy for Charity Gala Season

Fewer than 15% of taxpayers itemize deductions since 2018 tax reform. Timing the donations you already plan to make can maximize tax deductions. Your charities can still receive stable monthly income via a Donor Advised Fund. This week marks the first official week of summer and, at least for my family, this change of season […]

Guest Commentary: Stefan Hendrickson on OBBBA & Taxes

An interview with Stefan Hendrickson, CPA/ABV, Tax Associate Director, Dean Dorton.   In your view, what are the most important provisions of the OBBBA that individuals and families should know about? The big headline for the OBBBA for the majority of taxpayers is the extension of many of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act […]

Case Study: Building a Legacy

The Power of a Multi-Generational Family Financial Plan In today’s complex and fast-paced financial environment, families with substantial assets face a critical question: How can we ensure that our wealth not only endures, but also empowers future generations? The answer lies in the thoughtful design and disciplined execution of a multi-generational financial plan. For high-net-worth […]

Summer Market Update -Stability & Strategy

Despite bouts of heavy volatility in recent months, financial markets continue to exhibit a cautiously optimistic outlook, based on resilient economic fundamentals and strategic policy support. Economic Growth & Corporate Earnings After a sluggish start to the year, the U.S. economy is showing signs of steady, albeit moderate, growth. Consumer spending has shown resilience leading […]

The Most Impactful Tax Changes from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act

As we flip our calendars to August, many of us find ourselves savoring the final stretch of summer by balancing travel, barbecues, and last-minute adventures with family and friends. At our house, we are tackling the remaining items on our summer bucket list and doing our best to squeeze them into an already full calendar. […]

The Hidden Benefits of Saving Early in Life

We’re all aware that saving for retirement is not a strong suit for many Americans.  There is no end to the alarming statistics regarding our lack of preparedness for when it’s finally time to call it a day.  The most recent head-scratcher I came across was a survey conducted by J.P. Morgan Asset Management and […]

Magazine & Webinars

The Team Plan for tomorrow. Live for today. We’re here to help. Meet Ballast The Magazine Read the Second Issue. Released quarterly. Read Now The Webinar Personal Budgeting for Business Owners on Tues., Nov. 18 at 4:00 pm. Register for Free The Quiz Find out if you’re on track with our Financial IQ quiz. Take […]

Positive Thoughts = Positive Results

If you enjoy the deep-dive economic analysis and financial planning strategies, I suggest passing over my more sentimental commentary this week.  I sat down to write Sunday after an unprecedented week of family togetherness centered around Thanksgiving, filled with gratitude and positivity.  It was a nice reprieve from the generally more negative outlook we receive […]

Directed Corporate Trustees – An Option for Trust Beneficiaries

As pensions have largely been eliminated within the private sector, generational wealth accumulation continues to be a phenomenon impacting more and more families.  Whether it be an accumulation of retirement assets, a business sale, or family generational wealth, a large amount of assets has been passed from one generation to the next.  Over the next […]