Due to the confidential nature of ghostwriting, I’m unable to share direct links to published articles. However, I’ve written extensively for accounting firms and financial advisors on topics ranging from retirement planning and small business growth to tax strategy and cash flow management. My work spans several niches within the business and finance space—including healthcare, construction, veterinary, retail, and professional services—all written from a small business perspective.

Anonymized samples are below.

How to Grow Your Money When Savings and CD Rates Drop After Rate Cuts

When the Federal Reserve cuts interest rates, it’s good news for borrowers and consumers, but not so much for savers. The Fed’s recent quarter-point rate cut is a reminder that the annual percentage yields (APYs) on savings accounts and certificates of deposit (CDs) tend to fall soon after. This means you may need to adjust your savings strategy. Here’s how to keep your money growing when rates start dropping.

Why Savings and CD Rates Fall After a Rate Cut

When the Fed lowers interest rates, it becomes cheaper for banks to borrow money. As a result, they don’t need to be as competitive to attract deposits, so they tend to lower the interest they pay on savings accounts and CDs. That’s why you’ll often see your APY drop soon after the Fed makes a rate cut. In short, banks follow the tone set by the Fed.

Stick with a High-Yield Savings Account

Even when rates fall, high-yield savings accounts still offer better returns than traditional savings accounts. And if you want quicker access without the early withdrawal fees of CDs, a high-yield savings account is the way to go. Though these accounts have variable interest rates, you’ll want to look for one that earns at least 4% APY, has no monthly fees or minimum balance, and allows quick transfers between checking and savings.

The Fed is expected to make further cuts, so your earnings could dip slightly, but high-yield savings accounts are still safe and flexible accounts for emergency funds and short-term savings.

Lock in a CD Before Rates Drop Further

Assuming you have a robust and easily-accessible emergency fund and you’re wanting to set aside some separate funds that you don’t intend to touch for a while, consider locking in a CD now. CDs offer fixed interest rates, so if the Fed does make more rate cuts, you won’t be affected.

If you’re new to CDs, here are a few tips:

·       Start small and short-term. If you’ve never used a CD, try one with a shorter maturity, like three or six months, to see how it fits your budget. A CD maturity is the date when it reaches the end of its fixed term. You have a grace period to decide if you want to renew it, withdraw the funds, or transfer them to another account without penalty.

·       Watch for early withdrawal penalties. The longer the CD term, the bigger the penalty if you withdraw early. A five-year CD, for example, might cost you six months to a year of interest if you break it early.

·       Avoid auto-renewals. Many banks automatically renew CDs when they mature. Set a reminder sometime before the end date so you can decide whether to reinvest or move your money elsewhere.

·       Prioritize your goals first. CDs aren’t made for quick access, so they make the most sense once you’ve built a solid emergency fund.

When the Fed cuts rates, it’s natural for savings and CD earnings to slip, but you can keep your money moving in the right direction by staying flexible and adjusting your savings strategy as rates change.

Trump’s Pfizer Deal Signals Relief for Drug Makers Facing Tariff Threats

A recent deal between the Trump administration and Pfizer is signaling hope to the pharmaceutical industry. Under this agreement, Pfizer gets an exemption from pharmaceutical-specific tariffs if the company invests in domestic manufacturing. This key deal is expected to pave the way for other drug companies to negotiate similar agreements. Here’s what this deal means for the healthcare industry and American drug consumers.

A Deal to Dodge Tariffs

The Trump administration has been threatening tariffs under Section 232, a trade law that allows the president to add import taxes if a product is deemed important to national security. Historically, tariffs have been imposed on materials such as steel, aluminum, lumber, and certain copper products.

Trump’s agreement with Pfizer gives the company a three-year grace period without new import taxes, provided it follows through on its commitment to invest more money in U.S. manufacturing.

Key Terms

Here are the main points that drugmakers should keep in mind:

·       Domestic manufacturing requirement: During the three-year grace period, Pfizer will invest $70 billion in research and development and domestic manufacturing.

·       Most-Favored Nation (MFN) Pricing: Pfizer will offer prescription medication at MFN pricing: the lowest price offered to any comparably developed foreign country that pays for the same drugs.

·       Direct-to-Consumer website: Slated to begin next year, the government-run website TrumpRx will allow patients to purchase Pfizer drugs at a discount (50% on average) by eliminating insurance middlemen.

·       Industry-wide deals: The Trump administration is open to negotiating similar agreements with other drugmakers before imposing tariffs.

What This Means for Healthcare Businesses

The Pfizer agreement signals a shift in how government policy might affect drug pricing and supply chains in the years ahead. If other drug makers negotiate similar deals, the U.S. could see more stability in drug pricing, which would help private practices and pharmacies better manage inventory costs and insurance reimbursements.

Domestic manufacturing, which is stipulated in the agreement, could reduce supply-chain delays and shortages that often hit hospitals, clinics, and local pharmacies first. More U.S. production means less dependence on foreign suppliers.

On the other hand, if drug manufacturers raise their prices to cover the cost of meeting government requirements, such as new factory investments, pharmacies and smaller suppliers like independent wholesalers could see tighter profit margins.

Pfizer’s deal with the Trump administration points to a changing environment for the healthcare industry, where domestic production, pricing transparency, and a proactive approach to negotiating with lawmakers can shape costs and competitiveness.

Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Makes C Corporations More Attractive for Startups

President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) includes a new business tax provision that could affect how entrepreneurs organize their startups. The change is making C corporations more appealing than they’ve been in years. For founders, early employees, and investors, the update to the Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS) exemption is a big deal. It raises the potential tax-free gains from company stock and gives startup owners more control over when and how to realize those gains. Here’s what’s changing and why it matters.

A Bigger Tax Break for Startup Entrepreneurs and Investors

The OBBB expands the QSBS capital gains tax exclusion from $10 million to $15 million for stock acquired after July 4, 2025. So, if you own qualifying stock in a C corporation and then sell it after meeting the holding period and other requirements (e.g. your C corp must be U.S.-based and have less than $75 million in total assets when it issues the stock), you could exclude up to $15 million in gains from federal income tax.

Simply put: if the company is successful, you get to keep more of your profit.

This is a significant advantage for founders and early employees who hold stock in their own startups, especially when emerging industries like AI and biotech are driving company values to rise quickly.

Why This Matters for New Businesses

The QSBS change gives small startups another reason to consider that route instead of an LLC or S corp. With the higher exemption, founders of C corporations can protect more of their future profits from taxes when they eventually sell their stock. Investors get the same tax break if they keep their shares for at least five years.

It's also a boost for early employees who receive equity as part of their compensation. Depending on how much the company appreciates, their potential payout for company growth could be partly or fully tax-free.

More Flexibility

The OBBB also gives business owners more control over when they pay taxes on their gains. Instead of selling all your shares at once, you can sell some shares now and hold the rest for later. The timing can help you manage income level, avoid higher tax brackets, and plan for future rate changes.

The new $15 million cap also makes it easier for founders to include their business stock in long-term wealth and estate plans. They can transfer QSBS shares to trusts or family members while keeping the tax break. So, they can pass on more of the company’s value without losing money to taxes.

For new entrepreneurs, especially in tech and AI sectors, this change could mean keeping millions more in long-term wealth. Before deciding how to structure your business, talk with a tax professional who can help you navigate the ever-changing federal tax code.

 

 

Tax Changes Under Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill: What’s New in 2025 and Beyond

President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) implements tax changes designed to simplify filing and keep more earnings in Americans’ pockets. The law adjusts how the IRS treats certain types of income, updates annual gift limits, raises the estate tax exemption, and adds fresh deductions for tip earnings and overtime pay. Here’s what’s changing.

Broader Definition of Taxable Income

The bill expands what counts as nontaxable income, meaning certain types of income will now be excluded from federal income tax. Traditionally, nontaxable income included things like child support, alimony, workers’ compensation, and Roth IRA contributions.

Now, under the OBBB, certain tips and overtime pay also qualify for deductions that reduce taxable income. That doesn’t mean they’re completely tax-free (Social Security and Medicare taxes still apply), but it does mean a lower federal tax bill overall.

Overtime Deduction

Overtime pay has always been taxed just like regular earnings, but the OBBB changes that by introducing a new deduction: up to $12,500 for single filers and $25,000 for joint filers can be subtracted from taxable income each year.

This deduction applies to tax years 2025 through 2028. It begins to phase out for taxpayers earning more than $150,000 (single) or $300,000 (joint) in modified adjusted gross income (MAGI).

For workers who rely on overtime pay to make ends meet, this deduction could mean a significant amount in savings each year.

Deductions for Qualified Tip Income

The OBBB also introduces a new rule for qualified tips. Eligible employees can now deduct up to $25,000 per year of tip income from their taxable earnings. To qualify, tips must be voluntarily given and received through cash, card, check, or digital payment apps. However, automatic gratuities (like restaurant service charges for large parties) don’t qualify because they’re not considered voluntary. Like the overtime deduction, this deduction is also valid from tax years 2025 through 2028.

Higher Gift Tax Limits

The annual federal gift tax exclusion has increased from $18,000 to $19,000 per recipient. That means you can gift up to $19,000 to as many people you want each year without filing a gift tax return or paying any tax on it. It’s a small increase, but for families assisting loved ones with major expenses like college tuition or a first home, it’s a helpful move.

Estate Tax Exemption

The federal estate tax exemption is the amount of wealth you can pass to heirs without activating the estate tax. At the end of this year, the exemption was set to revert to the pre-2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) levels of $5 million per person. However, starting in 2026, the threshold rises from $13.99 million to $15 million per person ($30 million for married couples). This limit is permanent (barring any amendment or repeal in future legislation) and indexed for inflation starting in 2027, ensuring that it continues to rise over time.

This update means fewer wealthy families will face the estate tax, and gives these households more predictability for long-term planning.

The OBBB implements a handful of new, targeted tax breaks. Consult a tax professional to understand how these changes could apply to your situation and make the most of any tax breaks you qualify for.

How Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Could Impact Social Security Taxes for Seniors

The newly passed One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) has stirred considerable interest, especially regarding Social Security, and there has been some confusion about whether the bill eliminates taxes on Social Security. While President Trump himself has said that it does, the truth is more nuanced. Rather than abolishing these taxes outright, the legislation introduces a new tax deduction that could potentially reduce or remove the federal tax burden on Social Security income. Read on for clarification.

The $6,000 Senior Tax Deduction

The $6,000 tax deduction for seniors is meant to help older Americans—especially those living on fixed or moderate incomes—pay less in federal taxes on their Social Security benefits.

If you’re 65 or older, this deduction could reduce the amount of your income the IRS taxes. It doesn’t completely remove taxes on Social Security, but it does give you a larger standard deduction, which lowers your taxable income. That means you may owe less in taxes—or nothing at all—on your benefits.

For couples where both spouses are 65 or older, the deduction is doubled to $12,000. This could be a big help for seniors who rely on Social Security, small pensions, or part-time work to make ends meet.

How the Deduction Could Lower Taxable Income

The IRS uses a formula called "combined income" to determine whether your Social Security is taxable. This includes your regular income, tax-free interest, and 50% of your Social Security payments. If an individual’s combined income exceeds $25,000, or $32,000 for married couples filing jointly, up to 85% of their benefits can be subject to federal income tax.

While the deduction doesn’t fully eliminate Social Security taxes, it can lower your reportable income enough to keep you under the tax threshold, helping you avoid or reduce what you owe.

Key Advantage of the $6,000 Deduction

By reducing taxable income, the new deduction could result in the following benefits:

·       Lower or potentially eliminate federal tax on Social Security income

·       Possibly increase take-home retirement income

·       Provide significant tax relief without changing benefit amounts

Tax experts suggest that middle-income seniors, especially those who are on the cusp of having their Social Security taxed, are likely to see the biggest benefit.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the $6,000 senior tax deduction, individuals must meet specific qualifications. First, you must be at least 65 years old by the close of the tax year. Additionally, eligible filers must file as single, head of household, or married filing jointly.

Another important rule is that your income must be high enough for your Social Security benefits to normally be taxed. The purpose of this deduction is to help lower or even eliminate those taxes for people in that income range.

Keep in mind, this is a federal deduction only—it does not influence how Social Security benefits are taxed at the state level. Some states continue to tax Social Security independently. However, in states like Indiana, benefits remain untaxed at the state level.

Effective Dates

The new deduction takes effect for tax year 2025 and will remain available through 2028. However, like most legislation, it could be extended or amended in the coming years.

Who Stands to Gain the Most?

Middle-income seniors are expected to benefit the most from this tax break. By lowering taxable income, the new deduction could increase the number of retirees who don’t need to pay taxes on their Social Security benefits—from about 64% to nearly 88%. However, the deduction begins to phase out for individuals earning more than $75,000, or $150,000 for couples filing jointly. It does not apply to low-income seniors who already pay no Social Security taxes, or to higher earners who exceed the income limits.

 

Tax Pitfalls of Venmo, PayPal, and CashApp: What the IRS Wants You to Know in 2025

If you use Venmo, PayPal, or CashApp to accept payments for freelance work, side gigs, or online sales, you’ll want to pay close attention to this year’s tax changes. New tax rules are making it harder to fly under the radar, even if you only earn a few thousand dollars on the side. Here’s what you need to know to stay compliant and avoid costly surprises next year.

Why the IRS Changed the Rules

In recent years, the rise of freelance and gig work and online selling has presented challenges for the IRS in tracking taxable income. To close this gap and improve transparency, the IRS lowered the reporting threshold for third-party payment platforms.

Previously, platforms like PayPal only had to issue Form 1099-K if you earned over $20,000 and had more than 200 transactions in a calendar year. Originally, the IRS planned a $600 threshold in total payments for goods or services to trigger the reporting requirement, but revisions to the new rules now include a phase-in period as follows:

·       2024: If you received $5,000 or more in business-related payments, payment platforms automatically sent a 1099-K.

·       2025: You will only need to earn $2,500 to receive a 1099-K.

·       2026: The originally planned $600 in total payments—regardless of the number of transactions— will take effect.

This change is part of a broader effort to ensure platforms and users have time to adjust, but by 2026, even small side gigs could trigger a tax form.

What Types of Payments Are Taxable?

The IRS is not interested in your birthday gifts or splitting brunch with friends. However, earned income for goods or services paid through PayPal, Venmo, or CashApp is taxable and must be reported. Examples include:

  • Freelance services or contract work

  • Tutoring

  • Online product sales

  • Crafts or handmade items

  • Side jobs like dog walking or delivery driving

Not taxable:

  • Personal gifts

  • Reimbursements (e.g., a friend paying you back for concert tickets)

  • Payments for shared expenses

To help avoid confusion, label your transactions clearly within the app whenever possible.

Who Needs to Pay Attention

This change affects more people than you might expect. If you:

  • Earn just a few thousand dollars freelancing

  • Resell items online as a hobby or side hustle

  • Pick up occasional gigs on platforms like TaskRabbit or Fiverr

…you could now receive a 1099-K and be expected to report that income.

Keep Business and Personal Transactions Separate

One of the best ways to stay organized and avoid a potential IRS headache is to use separate payment apps or accounts for personal and business use. For example, use one Venmo account for freelance payments and another for splitting rent or reimbursing friends. Mixing business and personal transactions can lead to confusion and inaccurate tax reporting.

What to Know About Form 1099-K

If you receive a 1099-K, it shows the gross amount you were paid—not your actual income after expenses. That means it doesn’t subtract your platform fees, it doesn’t account for refunds or chargebacks, and it doesn’t reflect your net profit. To report your income accurately, you must keep records of how much you actually earned, what you spent on business-related costs, and any fees charged by the platform. Use spreadsheets or accounting software to track income and expenses throughout the year, and save receipts for anything you plan to deduct.

What to Do If You Receive a 1099-K

If you get a 1099-K in January 2026, here’s what to do:

1.      Compare the reported amount to your own records. Make sure it only reflects business transactions.

2.      Report the income on your tax return. Use Schedule C if you're a sole proprietor or freelancer.

3.      Deduct legitimate expenses. These may include supplies, platform fees, mileage, or home office costs.

4.      Work with a tax professional if you’re unsure how to handle it, especially if it’s your first time dealing with this form.

The bottom line is that the IRS is cracking down on unreported income in the gig economy. If you earn money through PayPal, Venmo, or CashApp, take steps now to organize personal and business transactions, keep detailed records, and prepare for tax time. 

After Ascension's Cyberattack: How Healthcare Practices Can Improve Cybersecurity 

The cyberattack on Ascension has highlighted the urgent need for robust cybersecurity measures in the healthcare industry. This severe disruption, which led to widespread system outages across multiple states, underscores the vulnerabilities within our healthcare systems. To safeguard against such incidents, healthcare practices must adopt comprehensive cybersecurity strategies. Read on as we explore preventative measures and actionable steps for practices to enhance cybersecurity.

Routine Security Audits and Assessments

Healthcare practices must implement routine security audits and assessments to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities within healthcare systems. Conducting these audits helps ensure that security policies and protocols are up-to-date and effective against the latest cyber threats. It’s best to hire third-party cybersecurity experts to perform these audits. They’ll offer specialized knowledge and an unbiased perspective.

Cybersecurity Training for Employees

Human error remains one of the most significant cybersecurity risks, so educating employees is a necessary method of defense. Training should cover the basics of identifying phishing attempts, safe browsing habits, the importance of strong passwords, and protocols for handling sensitive information.

Comprehensive Incident Response Plans

An incident response plan is important for minimizing the impact of a cyberattack. The plan should outline the steps to be taken in the event of a breach, including roles and responsibilities, communication strategies, and recovery procedures. An effective response can contain the breach, prevent data loss, and restore normal operations more quickly.

Backup and Recovery Systems

Investing in reliable backup and recovery systems is essential to sustain operations in the event of a cyberattack. Practices should also test their recovery systems periodically to ensure data can be restored quickly and accurately. With strong backup protocols in place, healthcare organizations can minimize downtime and data loss.

Cybersecurity Improvements

It’s never too late to invest in cybersecurity improvements. Below are some recommendations for healthcare practices:

·       Ensure all software and systems are updated with the latest security patches.

·       Implement advanced firewall and antivirus solutions to defend against immediate threats.

·       Restrict access to sensitive data to only those employees who require it based on roles and responsibilities.

·       Shift to a zero-trust policy where verification is required from anyone attempting to access resources within the network.

·       Establish a routine review process for cybersecurity policies and update them as needed to address evolving threats.

·       Consider implementing AI-driven security systems that can detect and respond to threats in real-time.

The cyberattack on Ascension serves as a reminder of the vulnerabilities within the healthcare industry as well as the importance of taking proactive measures to safeguard against threats. By prioritizing regular security audits, comprehensive employee training, incident response plans, and strong backup systems, healthcare practices can stay ahead of future attacks.

How Your Professional Services Firm Can Create a Brand Development Strategy

Professional services firms often face the challenge of distinguishing themselves in a highly competitive market. Developing a strong brand is a surefire way to stand out among the crowd. A well-crafted brand development strategy can help your firm establish a clear identity, communicate your company values to potential clients, and build trust and loyalty among existing clients. Read on to learn how to create a brand development strategy for your firm.

Research Your Target Market

Conduct a thorough analysis of your target market, including clients, competitors, and industry trends. This should inform your firm’s overall brand positioning. You should fully understand your target demographic to the point where you can anticipate their wants and needs, thereby creating purposeful messaging that will ring true. Furthermore, research will help you determine strengths and weaknesses in how your business and brand are regarded.

Develop Your Brand Positioning

Aim to develop a brand messaging platform—or market position—that clearly communicates what sets your firm apart from competition as well as key benefits to potential clients within your target audience. Why should they choose to work with you? This messaging should be consistent across all media communications, including your firm’s website, social media, email marketing, and other promotional materials.

Create a Positioning Statement

Typically three to five sentences, a positioning statement conveys the core of your brand positioning. It should be ambitious so your firm has goals to work toward, but remember that you will need to deliver on promises.

Establish a Name, Logo and Slogan

If your business is already up and running, there’s usually no need to change your firm’s name. However, if you feel you’ve outgrown your original name or you’re going through a merger, a name change might be in order. Either way, you want to develop a visual identity that aligns with your brand positioning and messaging. Along with a slogan, this can include a logo, color palette, and typography that are distinctive and memorable, and that can be easily recognized by its target audience. Keep in mind that these are symbols of your brand that serve as a way to communicate with your audience and potential clients. Therefore, they should be designed with your target market in mind.

Create a Content Marketing Strategy

Visibility and reputation drive brand strength, and effective content marketing has the potential to increase both. Aim to create quality content that reflects your brand values and goals. When done correctly, this will make your brand relevant to your target market and boost your firm to a position of authority in your niche.

Get Involved and Build Relationships

Building trust and credibility with both existing and potential clients is an important piece of brand development strategy. This can be achieved through a variety of means, including:

·       Building a robust online presence

·       Publishing thought leadership content

·       Participating in industry events and conferences

·       Effectively communicating in a timely and responsive manner

·       Providing ongoing follow-up

Implement Your Brand Development Strategy

Creating a brand development is one thing, but consistently applying it is another. Once created, a brand development strategy all too often falls off the priority list. The strategy needs to be put into play if you want to grow your brand. Not only that, but it’s an ongoing effort that requires continuous monitoring, evaluation, and adjustment. Remember to conduct regular brand audits, track brand visibility and perception, and gather feedback from clients and employees. And as the market and industry evolve, your firm’s brand should be adapted accordingly.