Budgeting
Joshua Escalante Troesh, CFP
Build a Budget in 15 Minutes

The importance of budgeting is undeniable, but many don’t do it because it is time consuming and difficult. Learn how to build a basic budget in 15 minutes which meets both your financial needs and goals.

Build a Budget in 15 Minutes
Budgeting
Joshua Escalante Troesh, CFP
Your Budget Shouldn’t Control Your Spending

The debate about whether a budget is a necessity or a waste of time often centers on a fundamentally flawed definition of budgeting. The exercise of budgeting shouldn’t be designed to limit you, but to give you the freedom to spend money in the manner you wish to spend it.

Your Budget Shouldn’t Control Your Spending
Budgeting
Joshua Escalante Troesh, CFP
How to Automate Your Finances

There is a lot of talk in the financial media about the benefits of automating your finances. But what exactly does that mean? And how do you go about doing it? Here’s one simple method of automating your finances which ties your budget in with your pay.

How to Automate Your Finances
Budgeting
Joshua Escalante Troesh, CFP
The 15-Minute Basic Budget

The importance of budgeting is undeniable, but many don’t do it because it is time consuming and difficult. Learn how to build a basic budget in 15 minutes which meets both your financial needs and goals.

The 15-Minute Basic Budget
Budgeting
Joshua Escalante Troesh, CFP
The Hidden Risks of Bill Payment Automation

You hear a lot about automating your bills and putting your finances on auto pilot. But not doing it correctly can cause significant problems in your finances and your life. Here's how to automate with care and protect yourself.

The Hidden Risks of Bill Payment Automation

Tax Refund

Itemized Deductions - Meet the Walking Dead

Itemized Deductions - Meet the Walking Dead

Don't assume this year's taxes and tax deductions will be similar to last year's taxes. The tax reform bill, which passed in December 2017, gutted most of the deductions and maimed many of the rest. Just like characters in . . . .

7 Ways to Turn Your Tax Refund Into Thousands More

7 Ways to Turn Your Tax Refund Into Thousands More

 If you're excited about getting a tax refund, imagine how excited you would be if you could double ot triple the value of the refund. Here are a few smart ideas to use your tax refund for that will amplify the boost to your cash flow.

Plan to Hit Bigger Tax Deductions Next Year

Plan to Hit Bigger Tax Deductions Next Year

Financially savvy people know the best time to start on next year’s taxes is the beginning of this year. Your tax return is a historical document about what happened last year, so there is very little you can plan and change. Next year, however, hasn’t happened giving you control over the tax planning environment.

Why File Income Taxes Early If You Aren’t Getting a Refund

Why File Income Taxes Early If You Aren’t Getting a Refund

Waiting until April to do your taxes could cost you more than you think. Submitting your taxes early isn’t just for those expecting a big refund. Advantages of early filing include easier money management if you owe additional taxes, opportunities for greater deductions, and reducing the risk of identity theft and fraud.

Tax Reform: New 2018 Tax Tables, Deductions, & Exemptions

Tax Reform: New 2018 Tax Tables, Deductions, & Exemptions

After lots of argument and fighting, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act has been passed. Whether you like the tax reform bill or hate it, the reality is we have a new tax code for the foreseeable future. Here are key components of the new tax code which impact most taxpayers.

The Hidden Danger of Freezing Your Credit

The Hidden Danger of Freezing Your Credit

If you are wondering "should I freeze my credit?", give careful thought to the pros and cons of a credit freeze. Make sure you understand the hidden consequences of freezing your credit before making this decision.

Stop Overpaying Your Taxes

Stop Overpaying Your Taxes

Your goal in filing your taxes should not be to get to a big tax refund so you can use the money all year long. You can use your tax return to help you estimate next year's taxes and withhold only what you need to pay your taxes. Withholding less will increase your take home pay each pay period. 

Maximize Your Tax Deductions

Maximize Your Tax Deductions

Your tax planning options are based on understanding and substantiating the expenses which may qualify for a tax deduction. Keeping records and documents of any expenses related to the categories in this article will help your tax preparer to maximize your deductions each year.

Four Questions to Ask Before Donating Property to Charity

Four Questions to Ask Before Donating Property to Charity

The benefits of giving to others are many, including health, happiness, and tax deductions. The complexities of the tax code, however, can cause unhappy surprises for those who donate without proper planning. Make sure you understand the answers to these questions before donating any property, including cars, personal items, stocks, or real estate.