As we move into the final stretch of the year, it’s time for every business owner to take a closer look at their policies and documentation for company-provided vehicles and employee reimbursements.
Holiday Insight: Where Should You Park Your Excess Cash?
Holiday Insight: Where Should You Park Your Excess Cash?
By Brian Wheeler
As we head into the holiday season, many families are focused on gifts, travel plans, and juggling year-end to-do lists. But there’s one item that often gets overlooked — even by financially successful people:
Excess cash sitting in a low- or no-interest account, quietly doing… absolutely nothing.
Now, don’t get us wrong — having cash is great. But having idle cash? That’s a sneaky wealth-leak. The good news? It’s incredibly easy to fix.
Idle Cash vs. True Liquidity — They Are Not the Same Thing
One of the biggest misconceptions we see is the idea that money must sit in a checking or savings account to be “accessible.” Not true.
With a brokerage account linked to a bank account, clients can typically move money:
- Back to their bank within ~3 days
- With no penalties
- With higher earning potential in the meantime
So yes, you can keep your cash liquid without keeping it lazy.
Where Should Excess Cash Live?
For most people, there are three levels of smart cash management:
1. Operating Cash (1–2 months of expenses)
This belongs in your checking account for bills, auto-pays, holidays, travel, or life’s surprises.
Necessary? Yes.
A good long-term parking spot?
Absolutely not.
2. Safety Cash or “Sleep-Well Money”
This is your emergency fund or near-term purchases (e.g., a down payment, car, tuition). A high-yield account or money market fund is usually ideal.
3. Strategic Cash — The Most Overlooked Category
This is where clients often get stuck.
For money you won’t need tomorrow but want available just in case, a balanced conservative strategy can make a world of difference:
- A money market fund for stability and yield
- Short-duration or high-quality fixed income for consistent income
- A modest dose of equities to keep pace with inflationThis creates a portfolio that:· Preserves liquidity
- Limits volatility
- Avoids the “cash drag”
- Actually works for you
It’s the difference between your cash standing still vs. your cash stretching its legs.
This Holiday Season, Give Yourself the Gift of… “Active Liquidity”
Let’s retire the phrase “idle cash.”
It’s time for something better.
Introducing: Active Liquidity — cash that stays flexible, earns more, and supports your financial goals without slowing you down. It’s the financial equivalent of gifting yourself peace of mind — with a bow on top.
Ready to Turn Your Idle Cash into Active Liquidity?
The end of the year is the perfect time to reorganize and make sure your money is working with intention, not gathering dust.
If you’d like help reviewing your cash strategy — or want to explore a more efficient way to balance liquidity and growth — we’d love to help you get set up before year-end.
Think of it as a holiday gift your future self will thank you for.
The Final Countdown: 5 Wealth Moves to Make Before December 31st
The Final Countdown: 5 Wealth Moves to Make Before December 31st
By Brian Wheeler
The end of 2025 is coming in hot — and while we can’t help you finish your holiday shopping, we can help you finish your financial year strong. Think of this as your friendly nudge (okay… a nudge with purpose) to take advantage of opportunities that disappear when the clock strikes midnight on December 31st.
Here are the Top 5 Year-End Wealth Actions every client — and future client — should have on their radar:
1. Lock In the Tax Breaks Before They Vanish
Some of the best tax strategies operate like Cinderella’s carriage — magical, useful, and gone the moment the year ends.
Before 12/31, make sure you’ve considered:
- Roth conversions
- Tax-loss harvesting
- Annual gifting strategies
- Business-owner deductions
- Charitable giving opportunities
Miss the deadline and these strategies politely tell you, “Sorry… see you next year.”
2. Give Your Investment Portfolio a Year-End Tune-Up
This year delivered its fair share of market plot twists. Now is the time to ask:
- Is your portfolio still aligned with your goals?
- Do you need to rebalance before things drift even further?
- Are gains, losses, and concentrations working for or against you?
A smart December tune-up can help set you up to hit the ground running in 2026 — without unnecessary volatility tagging along.
3. Take Care of RMDs & 2026 Cash-Flow Planning
If you’re subject to RMDs, your deadline is December 31st… no extensions, no “but I forgot,” no exceptions.
Even if that’s not you, now’s the time to check:
- Will you need portfolio withdrawals early in 2026
- Should you build cash reserves now?
- Are you missing out on a QCD opportunity?
A little planning today can save a lot of scrambling tomorrow.
4. Review Your Insurance, Estate Plan & Financial “Safety Net” Think of this as your annual audit of life’s fine print.
Think of this as your annual audit of life’s fine print.
You know — the stuff that gets ignored until the moment it really matters.
Make sure:
- Insurance policies still match your goals
- Beneficiary designations are correct
- Estate documents reflect your current wishes
- Business agreements and protection planning are aligned
Most people discover at least one outdated item every year. Better to catch it now than let your future self deal with it.
5. Align Your Personal, Financial & Business Strategy for 2026 Think of this as your annual audit of life’s fine print.
Here’s the secret: your financial life isn’t a collection of separate boxes.
It’s a single ecosystem — and December is the perfect time to make sure everything is rowing in the same direction. This includes:
- Personal goals
- Tax planning
- Business planning
- Exit planning
- Investment and insurance strategy
At Keystone, this is where we deliver our best work — bringing accounting, tax, wealth, insurance, and business brokerage together so you’re not piecing together advice on your own.
Ready to Finish the Year Strong?
This is your final window to take action before 2025 is officially in the books. Your future self will thank you for the moves you make right now.
If you want a quick year-end review, a deeper conversation, or help prioritizing what matters most — reach out.
We’re ready to help you make the most of the time left.
Let’s end 2025 with clarity, confidence… and maybe even a little momentum for 2026.
We Just Got Past Thanksgiving If Your Books Aren’t in Order You’re Already Behind
As we move into the final stretch of the year, it’s time for every business owner to take a closer look at their policies and documentation for company-provided vehicles and employee reimbursements.
Real Estate Tax Changes You Need to Know
Real Estate Tax Changes You Need to Know
By Brian Wheeler
We’ve been taking on more clients with similar questions about the latest real-estate tax changes.So here’s a simple breakdown of what matters right now, and what you should be thinking about before you make any moves.
1. 1031 Exchange Tightening
The IRS is getting pickier on what qualifies, especially around timelines and what counts as “like-kind.”
What this means for you:
- You must stick to the 45-day ID and 180-day closing windows. No exceptions.
- Personal property is out—only real property qualifies.
- Make sure your replacement property is properly documented.
If you’re sloppy on the rules, the IRS won’t hesitate to turn your tax-deferred exchange into a taxable sale.
2. Depreciation Changes
Bonus depreciation has been phasing down every year. If you used to get 100% write-offs, those days are gone.
What this means:
- You may only be able to claim a reduced percentage upfront.
- You might need cost-segregation to squeeze more deductions.
- Expect more “spread-out” depreciation instead of one big hit.
This is where planning matters—timing purchases incorrectly can cost thousands.
3. Passive Loss Limitations
Rental losses are harder to claim unless you qualify as a real-estate professional, and the IRS is tightening scrutiny.
Key points:
- If you don’t materially participate, losses get trapped.
- If you do qualify, losses may offset your other income—but you must prove involvement.
- Short-term rentals have special rules that sometimes allow losses even if you’re not a real-estate pro.
This area is full of traps, and IRS examinations are on the rise.
4. Increased Attention on Property Flippers
The IRS is re-classifying more flips as ordinary income instead of capital gains.Why that matters:
- Capital gains = lower tax rate.
- Ordinary income = taxed at your top bracket + self-employment taxes.
- Intent matters. Frequency matters. Records matter.
If you’re flipping, you better have your facts straight.
5. State-Level Changes
Several states are tightening or revising rules on withholding, transfer taxes, and reporting requirements.
For owners with multi-state property:
- Expect more paperwork.
- Expect more withholding.
- Expect more states to fight over the same income.
Ignoring state rules is a fast track to penalties.
What You Should Do Now
To stay ahead of the changes—here’s the checklist I want every client to run through:
TO-DO LIST
- Review each property you own: income, expenses, depreciation schedules.
- Confirm whether you materially participate in each rental.
- Check your 1031 plans early—don’t wait until you’re under contract.
- Evaluate cost-segregation for any high-value rentals or commercial properties.
- Plan for reduced bonus depreciation before buying or improving property.
- Verify state-level filing and withholding rules if you operate in multiple states.
- Talk to us before selling, buying, refinancing, or starting a flip.
Good decisions come from facts, not assumptions—and the IRS is always happier when you make mistakes
Feeling Like You’re Walking Around in a Financial F.O.G.?
Feeling Like You’re Walking Around in a Financial F.O.G.?
By Brian Wheeler
Have you ever had that nagging feeling that you’re doing well… but you’re not exactly sure how well? Or perhaps you find yourself thinking:
Am I saving enough?
Are my investments aligned with what I really want out of life?
What happens if my income changes, or I decide to sell my business?
Will I be able to maintain this lifestyle in retirement?
If so, you’re not alone. One of the biggest stressors in life stems from uncertainty — especially when it comes to money. I tell clients all the time: we can handle almost anything, as long as we understand what we’re dealing with. It’s the unknowns that keep us up at night.
The Cost of Financial Fog
When you’re unsure about where you stand financially, even small decisions can feel overwhelming:
Do I spend or save?
Buy or wait?
Invest or hold?
Hire that employee or hold back?
Sell the business or keep building?
Without clarity, life decisions become heavier, and stress quietly builds.
The Power of Clarity
Now imagine the opposite — waking up each day knowing:
Where you are financially
Where you’re headed
What decisions support your long-term goals
That you have a clear plan — and advisors aligned with you
That’s the moment the fog lifts. Stress gives way to confidence. Uncertainty turns into direction. And instead of reacting to life as it comes, you begin shaping your future with intention.
Course-Correct Early, Live Better Now
A clear financial picture doesn’t just give you peace of mind — it gives you time. Time to adjust, pivot, and refine your strategy long before challenges show up.
The sooner you create clarity around your finances, the sooner you can:
Align personal, business, and family goals
Optimize tax, cash flow, and investment strategies
Plan for business exit or succession thoughtfully
Make informed lifestyle decisions with confidence
Reduce stress and increase peace of mind
Ready to Step Out of the Fog?
Whether you’re building wealth, preparing for a transition, or already enjoying success but want more certainty, clarity is everything.
If you’d like support gaining a clearer picture of where you are — and where you’re headed — we’re here to help you get there with purpose and confidence.
Better clarity. Better decisions. Better outcomes.
When SBA Loan Programs Pause: What Business Owners Should Know
As we move into the final stretch of the year, it’s time for every business owner to take a closer look at their policies and documentation for company-provided vehicles and employee reimbursements.
Now Is the Time to Be “Accountable”
As we move into the final stretch of the year, it’s time for every business owner to take a closer look at their policies and documentation for company-provided vehicles and employee reimbursements.
Why Buyers Are Willing to Pay More for Turnkey Operations
One of the most overlooked tax strategies for entrepreneurs and early-stage investors is the Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS) exclusion under IRC §1202. When structured properly, QSBS can allow up to a 100% exclusion of federal capital gains on the sale of stock—potentially saving millions in taxes.
The Return of Full Expensing: How the One Big Beautiful Bill Act Revived 100% Bonus Depreciation
One of the most overlooked tax strategies for entrepreneurs and early-stage investors is the Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS) exclusion under IRC §1202. When structured properly, QSBS can allow up to a 100% exclusion of federal capital gains on the sale of stock—potentially saving millions in taxes.