Articles by Jess C.

A side hustle can feel like extra spending money. Then tax season hits and the bill feels bigger than expected. That surprise is common, especially for high-income earners with business income on top of a salary. Side hustle income is usually subject to income tax and self-employment tax. The IRS may expect payments during the year, [...]

After a spouse passes away, a retirement account can come with decisions that feel overwhelming. One choice can affect taxes, access to cash, and when required withdrawals begin. A spousal rollover lets a surviving spouse move eligible inherited retirement funds into an account in their own name. After the rollover, the account is generally treated as [...]

Many high earners reach the regular 401k employee limit and still want more room for tax-advantaged retirement savings. Roth accounts may feel appealing because withdrawals in retirement are generally tax-free, yet income limits and plan rules often make direct Roth contributions unlikely. That is why strategies like the backdoor Roth IRA and the Mega Backdoor [...]

Paying off a Solo 401k loan early may seem appealing. It can reduce interest and remove a financial obligation sooner. Many owners consider early payoff in 2026 as they revisit cash flow or prepare for retirement.  Early payoff is possible, yet each plan sets its own rules in the written loan agreement. Some plans accept extra [...]

Your workday is a blur of emergency leaks, clogged drains, and late night calls, but the biggest mess may be hiding in your tax bill. Many plumbers leave thousands of dollars in potential savings on the table every year because they skip easy write offs or delay saving for retirement.  In 2026, your vehicle, tools, supplies, [...]

Tax planning can feel unpredictable when your income rises and falls throughout the year. A busy stretch of freelance work, seasonal commissions, or a growing side business may leave you unsure about how much to send in quarterly payments. Guess too low and you may face penalties. Send in too much and you tie up [...]