Posts by Marissa Barnhill
Tax Planning Review: When “Set It and Forget It” Stops Working
“Set it and forget it” works for appliances. It does not work for tax planning. Most tax structures were put in place during an earlier stage of life, when income was…
Read MoreTax Planning Mistakes You May Be Making Without Realizing It
When people think about tax planning mistakes, they usually picture something obvious, such as a missed deduction or a filing error. In reality, most tax planning mistakes are much quieter. They are…
Read MoreInsurance and Charitable Planning: Understanding How Protection and Giving Fit Together
Some parts of a financial plan receive regular attention. Investments are monitored, income is reviewed, and tax questions tend to resurface every year. Other areas are easier to set aside within…
Read MoreCash Flow and Savings Planning: Rethinking Priorities at the Start of the Year
At the start of the year, spending and saving often feel more flexible. Financial planning priorities are still visible, and decisions feel easier to adjust before routines take hold. As…
Read MoreFinancial Planning Checklist: A Simple Way to Get Started Without Overwhelm
Most people don’t avoid financial planning because they don’t care. They avoid it because it feels complex, time-consuming, and tightly interconnected. One decision seems to affect five others. Every topic feels important. And without a clear starting…
Read MoreEarly-Year Financial Planning: Five Areas Worth Reviewing Now
Many people treat financial planning like spring cleaning. They wait until something feels overdue. By then, important financial decisions are often shaped by momentum rather than intention. The early part…
Read MoreHow to Keep Your Financial Resolutions on Track All Year Long
Every January, financial goals feel clear and achievable. This may be the year you get organized, reduce future tax exposure, or feel more confident about retirement financial planning. The motivation…
Read MoreYour January Financial Checklist: Simple Steps to Start the Year Strong
January is one of the few times a year when your financial picture is still flexible. Income has not fully settled, contribution limits have reset, and key decisions are not yet locked…
Read More2026 RMD Planning: What Retirees Should Consider Early in the Year
For many retirees, required minimum distributions often feel like a December issue, something to address once the year is nearly finished. In reality, RMD decisions shape your financial picture throughout the entire year. The timing…
Read MoreRoth Conversion Planning in 2026: What to Review Early in the Year
The start of a new tax year brings updated numbers that quietly reshape the planning landscape for Roth conversions. Changes to tax brackets, income thresholds, and contribution limits for 2026…
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