I tell all my tax preparation clients that the true key to building wealth lies in building assets. A savings account in a bank is not the answer. Bank accounts have low interest rates, so you will barely make any money. However, a solid investment strategy and smart tax planning will allow your money to work for you.

Through my work with churches I know that it's common for churches to experience a lull in giving during the summer months. Members go on vacation and don’t donate money while they’re away, or they sometimes neglect to give during the summer in order to save for other activities. 

Lately I have been talking with my clients about the value of having multiple streams of income. It's a way to protect yourself from the financial damage of job loss. As a small business owner you can't be fired or retired from your source of income. Moreover, adding additional income to your budget is an effective way to boost your wealth building and security in uncertain times.  

You are ready to dive into your new business venture, but you have one question that is holding you back. Do you need a business advisor? Small business colleagues have differing points of view. Here are some questions to consider that will help you decide if you should hire an advisor for your small business.

Some of my clients have been successful in real estate investing. As landlords and property owners they are using assets to build wealth. Do I think real estate investing is a sound way to make money? Yes, for those who understand the fundamental factors of economics and risk, real estate can be a solid investment.

In my work with nonprofits I see that any organization without a substantial base of operating cash can experience cash flow problems. What causes them? There are many factors unique to the nonprofit business model, such as seasonal fundraising, annual grant payments, and reimbursement-based contracts. I advise nonprofit leaders to focus on the organization's cash flow. 

I look at the millennial generation and see incredible opportunities for financial planning and wealth building. There's something about the spirit of this young generation. Many are exploring the possibility of early retirement and are eager to reach financial independence in order to do so. My advice is always to focus on acquiring assets. 

Many of the church leaders I know and work with have been puzzled about an obscure provision in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 known as the parking lot tax. This provision deals with parking provided to employees. Some leaders are concerned that these parking spaces have become a potential tax liability. As frequently happens with a change in the tax code, there is lots of confusion about the intent and its consequence.

The clients that I see who are investing in real estate - landlords, property owners, and investors - are building future wealth with assets. Your real estate is a business for tax purposes and may allow you to take advantage of a lot of the tax deductions available to businesses. Investing in real estate is a solid way to build wealth as long as you have a clear business plan and an efficient tax strategy. 

As a CPA during tax season, I meet with lots of people. Many of them are regular clients who engage in year-round tax planning. For these people, tax season has few if any surprises. Others aren’t so well prepared. No one wants to pay more in taxes than they have to. Two of the best strategies for preventing that are tax planning and early filing.