The 529 Isn’t Just a College Bet. It’s a Tax Break You’re Taking This Year.
Updated July 2026: Key update since this was written: the SECURE 2.0 Act provision allowing unused 529 funds to roll into a Roth IRA (up to $35,000 lifetime, subject to…
The Retirement Account Most Freelancers Don’t Know They’re Ignoring
Updated July 2026: Contribution limit note: the $69,000 Solo 401(k) limit referenced in this post reflects 2024 figures. The 2025 limit increased to $70,000, and the 2026 limit will be…
The 5% HYSA Window Has Closed. Here’s Where Your Money Still Works.
Updated July 2026: The rate landscape has shifted significantly since publication. The Fed held rates at 3.50–3.75% through mid-2026 but HYSA rates fell further than the 4.25–4.85% range described below.…
The Roth vs. Traditional Debate Is Already Settled for Most High Earners
Updated July 2026: Significant change since this was written: the OBBBA (signed July 4, 2025) made TCJA income tax brackets permanent. The anticipated 2026 bracket increases — including the top…
The Remote Work Tax Deduction Most People Get Wrong
Note on 1099-K reporting (July 2026): The 1099-K reporting threshold for third-party payment platforms has been modified by the OBBBA. The situation remains complex and has continued to evolve. If…
The IRS Knows About the Backdoor Roth. They’ve Never Tried to Stop It.
The thing that makes high earners hesitate when they first hear about this strategy: It sounds like a workaround. Something that technically works but might get flagged, might get challenged,…
A Tax Break Designed for Retirees Is Being Claimed by Almost None of Them
I’ve been paying attention to the tax changes that came out of the One Big Beautiful Bill — the legislation Congress passed on July 4th, 2025 — and most of…
The Interest Rate That Made You Feel Smart Is Disappearing
Updated July 2026: The rate decline predicted here has arrived and stabilized. The Federal Reserve settled at 3.50–3.75% and has held there through four consecutive 2026 meetings. Most HYSAs are…
The Business Checking Account Decision Most Freelancers Make Too Late
Note on 1099-K thresholds (July 2026): The 1099-K reporting threshold has changed under the OBBBA. If this post references the $600 threshold or earlier transition figures, the current 2026 rules…
The IRS Spent Three Years Refusing to Enforce a Law. Congress Finally Killed It.
Updated July 2026: The 1099-K threshold story has continued to evolve since this was written. The OBBBA (signed July 4, 2025) addressed the threshold, though the final structure differs from…
