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

Taxes

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IRS Signals 1031 Exchange Threat

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IRS Signals 1031 Exchange Threat

The IRS is trying to put the scare into real estate investors looking to push the timelines for 1031 exchanges. If you own investment real estate, a 1031 exchange can save you significant taxes, but the IRS is signalling it will aggressively enforce the rules.

Trump Tax Plan: The Good, The Bad, And What it Means for You

Trump Tax Plan: The Good, The Bad, And What it Means for You

The President's proposed tax revision may be interesting water-cooler talk, but you shouldn't spend much time on it. As the proposed individual income tax reforms are far from being law, there is nothing you can do to adjust your tax strategy in preparation. Still, it is fun to dissect the good and bad of the President's plan.

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.