The OBBBA: A GUIDE TO RECENT TAX CHANGES AND HOW THEY AFFECT YOU
On July 4, 2025, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) was signed into law after a contentious and drawn-out Congressional debate.¹ This is the most significant tax code change since 2017’s Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), which is scheduled to sunset (expire) at the end of 2025. The OBBBA makes many of the provisions in the original TCJA permanent, in addition to including new provisions affecting everything from how tips get taxed to estate planning strategies.
While we admittedly haven’t read the 1000-page bill (similar to most of our Congress members), we have compiled some of the key points (both good and not-so-good) that are likely to affect our clients. To learn what the OBBBA means for you, organized by the various hats you wear in life, keep reading.
MARKET NAVIGATION: FINDING CLARITY AMID TARIFF TURBULENCE
The first quarter of 2025 has delivered extraordinary market volatility—a pattern that has intensified as we move through April. For investors watching their portfolios during this period, the experience has undoubtedly been challenging.
While challenging markets test our emotional discipline, they also create opportunities. Companies with pricing power, strong balance sheets, and adaptable business models often emerge from economic uncertainty even stronger. The same is true for investors who maintain discipline during volatility.
DISRUPTORS ARE WHY WE HAVE A PLAN
disruptor
noun
A person or thing that prevents something, especially a system, process, or event, from continuing as usual, or as expected.
Disruptors are why we have a plan. A solid, holistic financial plan that accounts for how we hope the next several decades of life will go and how life may end up going, should the worst-case scenario happen (while also accounting for various shades of gray in between).
NORMAL’S JUST A SETTING ON MY DRYER
As we continue into the Spring season, we are reminded again that “Normal’s just a setting on my dryer” (as one of our older, "she's-seen-it-all" clients likes to say). To her point, there's been nothing normal about 2024 so far – Bitcoin, gold, and the stock market all at all-time highs through the end of the first quarter, a solar eclipse, the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore, a sports-betting scandal, an impending and contentious presidential election only a few months from now, and who can forget about Taylor and Travis?
While this leap year keeps us on our toes, we are committed to keeping you informed and engaged in these dynamic times.
SIX EASY WAYS TO MAXIMIZE YOUR FINANCES
When the world around us feels increasingly out of control, our advice is to tune out the noise and focus on things you can control.
Drum up some extra cash, save for the future, and ensure your family’s financial security – below are six easy and actionable ways to maximize your finances.
3 TIMELEY DECEMBER IDEAS TO ACT ON NOW (Before It’s Too Late!)
As 2023 comes to a close, you may already be thinking about optimizing your finances and planning ahead for 2024. But don't count 2023 as over just yet!
Here are three last-minute ideas for December that can help you save money on taxes, make the most of your health and retirement benefits, and support your favorite causes.