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Celebrating National Credit Awareness Month
March is the start of spring, which means the chilly weather is subsiding, the days are getting longer, and you might even begin planning your summer plans. But March is also National Credit Awareness Month. While cleaning out your gutters or planting seeds might be on your to-do list, this month serves as a vital reminder to perform a different [...]
A History of the Sales Tax
Before we take a peek into the past to see how sales tax became a part of our lives, let’s define our terms. Sales tax is a tax on the sale or exchange of an item or service and is usually paid by the consumer or purchaser. It is a source of revenue for state and local governments to fund [...]
How Home Sales Are Taxed: What Every Homeowner Should Know
Selling a home is a significant financial event, and understanding the tax implications can help homeowners protect their profit and avoid unexpected liabilities. When you sell your residence, the gain you realize may be subject to capital gains tax, but in many cases, favorable tax rules can help reduce that tax burden. Let’s take a look at how the tax [...]
Income Tax vs. Capital Gains Tax: What’s the Difference?
Understanding the difference between income tax and capital gains tax is a key part of smart financial planning. While both are ways the government collects revenue, they apply to very different types of money you receive. Here are the questions you most likely have, and the answers that can help you understand the basics of these two tax categories. Q: [...]
Tax Updates for 2026: Key Things to Know This Year
Thanks to the permanent changes made by the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” (OBBBA) and the annual inflation adjustments from the IRS, the 2026 tax year brings some changes you might want to make note of. Getting a handle on these updates can help you plan out your financial moves throughout this year, so let’s take a look at some [...]
Linda Jensen: Empowering Entrepreneurs and Families Through Financial Clarity
Published in Enterprise Wired: Transforming the financial services landscape with purpose and precision, Linda Jensen, Founder & CEO of Heart Financial Group, has guided the firm to become synonymous with innovation, trust, and legacy. From pioneering strategies that protect entrepreneurial wealth to creating collaborative ecosystems connecting clients with fiduciary advisors and tax specialists, the company has reshaped how families and [...]
Follow the Bond Market to Better Understand Your Finances
On May 16, 2025, Moody's downgraded the U.S. sovereign credit rating from Aaa to Aa1, citing concerns over the nation's rising debt and interest payment burdens. This move follows similar downgrades by S&P in 2011 and Fitch in 2023, marking the first time all three major credit agencies have rated U.S. debt below their top tier. Understanding Bond Ratings Bond [...]
Hidden Retirement Costs—What You Don’t Plan for Can Impact Your Finances
What exactly are “hidden costs” in retirement? Hidden costs are the expenses that don’t make it into your retirement spreadsheet—but still show up in real life. They include things like rising healthcare bills, inflation, home repairs, and financial support for family. While not necessarily “surprise” expenses, they’re often underestimated or completely forgotten in retirement planning. How much can hidden costs [...]
