The Woodward Financial Advisors Blog

Each year, I get a tax bill for our family dog. This county tax pays for animal control and shelter services. Our neighbors get a similar bill for their cats. But this kitty tax is entirely different from what’s known as the “kiddie tax”, which is the topic of this article… sorry if this is a disappointment for you cat lovers out there! The kiddie tax comes into play when someone is considering giving to a minor-age family member. Many of our clients are very generous to their loved ones, so we find ourselves discussing this sometimes-overlooked rule often.

“Spring cleaning” isn’t just for your home life – the same process can be applied to your financial life as well. If you’re going to do some financial “spring cleaning” here are a handful of tips and different things to consider while you are cleaning up.

Like many of you, last Thursday when I woke up, I read the news that Russia had invaded Ukraine. The destruction, disruptions, and consequences of this invasion are very real, especially for those with friends or family impacted in the region.

Financial planning reminds me of New Year’s resolutions sometimes. Our financial goals are usually well-intentioned, aren’t they? We hope to retire one day, to own a home, to pay for our education or that of our loved ones, and to give generously to charitable causes, among other things.

As a Financial Advisor, I cannot help but see the significant parallels between the consistent habits we need to maintain (or achieve) good health and those that help us be more successful in the pursuit of our various financial goals. We all seem to know what to do at a high level: save more, spend less, invest smartly, eat healthier foods, work out. What I find isn't always recognized is the relationship between the time and intensity of these actions.

The word “inflation” carries with it a negative connotation, and we’ve certainly been hearing about it more and more this year. After last year’s economic shocks and the shutting down of large swaths of the global economy, it’s not surprising to see prices for most goods and services rebounding.