Tax season, to me, feels like running a marathon that requires preparation all year long. Then suddenly, you find yourself at the finish line, catching your breath and thinking, “Yes, I did it.”
That’s the ideal scenario.
What the Federal Reserve's Latest Moves Mean for Your Finances in 2026
The Federal Reserve remains front and center in financial headlines as policymakers continue navigating the delicate balance between controlling inflation and sustaining economic growth. The outcome of the Fed's most recent meeting, combined with expectations for rate decisions ahead and the potential leadership shift toward Kevin Warsh, provides important clues about what may lie ahead for borrowers and investors.
The Financial Freedom to Say No: How Wealth Enables Life on Your Terms
Love, Money, and Communication: Financial Planning for Couples
As Valentine’s Day approaches, conversations often turn to love, commitment, and the future we envision with our partner. While flowers, cards, and dinners are thoughtful expressions of care, one of the most meaningful—and lasting—gifts couples can give each other is open and honest communication about money.
What a Late-Cycle Economy Means for Long-Term Investors
Resilience Pays Off: Lessons from 2025's Market Volatility
5 Financial Habits That Build and Maintain Long-Term Wealth in 2026
Your Year-End Bonus Deserves Better Than a Shopping Spree
The end of the year often brings a welcome financial boost: annual bonuses, holiday gifts from employers, or extra income from seasonal work. While it's tempting to splurge on something fun, these windfalls represent a valuable opportunity to strengthen your financial foundation and accelerate progress toward your long-term goals.
Economic Outlook 2026: Inflation, Growth, and Interest Rates
Is Your Portfolio Actually Winning? A Guide to Benchmark Comparison
Year-End Tax Move: Should You Max Out Now?
Why Most New Year’s Financial Resolutions Fail — And How Last Year’s Lessons Can Save Yours
The New Year Reset Your Portfolio Needs Right Now
Your Last Chance to Slash Your 2025 Tax Bill (Before It's Too Late)
As we approach the end of 2025, now is the perfect time to review your financial situation and implement strategies that could significantly reduce your tax burden. At HIGHLAND Financial Advisors, comprehensive tax planning is a year-round endeavor; however, here are several powerful moves you can make before December 31 to improve your tax position. Here are the most impactful last-minute tax-saving opportunities to consider.
What I Did on My Sabbatical: Reflections from Japan and Beyond
I just returned from something I never thought I'd do this early in my career: taking a full 30-day sabbatical from work. Our company offers one whole month off after every five years of service, with a single rule: no work-related activities are permitted. No emails, no calls, no checking in. For thirty days, I would be completely disconnected. As someone who thrives on routine, stepping away felt both exciting and terrifying. I knew this was a rare opportunity, so I planned a trip around the world with my twin brother and two friends from high school. Here's how I spent those 14 days and what I did during the rest of my time off.
How to Adjust Your Investment Strategy for the New Year
The start of a new year is the ideal time to reassess your investment strategy. Much like reviewing your fitness goals or updating your household budget, your portfolio deserves a thoughtful check-up. Changes in tax laws, market conditions, and personal circumstances can all impact whether your investments remain aligned with your goals.
Is Your Portfolio Quietly Drifting Off Course?
Many investors begin the year with a carefully constructed portfolio that aligns with their goals and risk tolerance. However, as the year progresses, that portfolio may evolve into something different from what was initially intended. Markets move, sectors rotate, and performance varies across regions. Without realizing it, your portfolio may have “drifted”, leaving you with more risk than planned or less exposure to the areas that now offer opportunity.
Three Strategies for Building Your Child's Credit
As more of our clients send children off to college, a common question has come up:
"How can we help them start building credit responsibly?"
Many students today use debit cards linked to a parent's account, which is fine for managing spending, but it doesn't build a credit history. Establishing good credit early can help your child rent an apartment, buy a car, or even qualify for more favorable insurance rates in the future.
How to Plan for Taxes Before Year-End
As the end of the year approaches, now is the time to take stock of your finances and look for ways to reduce your 2025 tax liability. Smart, proactive tax planning before December 31 can help you retain more of your earnings, accelerate your long-term goals, and ensure your financial plan operates efficiently. Whether your income comes from salary, self-employment, or investments, here are key strategies to consider as you wrap up the year.
The IRS Clock Is Ticking: What You Need to Know (and Do) Before RMDs Kick In
You've saved diligently for decades—building up balances in your traditional IRAs, 401(k)s, and other retirement accounts. But eventually, Uncle Sam comes calling. Those tax-deferred dollars can't stay sheltered forever, and at a certain age, you must start taking money out—whether you need it or not. These withdrawals are called Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs), and how you handle them can have ripple effects across your entire tax picture, retirement income strategy, and even your estate plan.