From an investor’s perspective, I can’t tell you how often I hear this phrase: “Real estate is passive income and the best way to build wealth.” Social media makes it look easy. Buy a property, collect rent, let tenants pay the mortgage, repeat. The problem is this. Most people dramatically underestimate the work, risk, and friction that come with owning real estate, and overestimate how “passive” it really is. Let’s talk honestly about what gets glossed over.

If retirement is starting to feel real, but savings don’t quite look the way you hoped, 2026 brings some very good news. Thanks to the SECURE 2.0 Act, a new “Super Catch-Up” contribution becomes available starting in 2026, specifically designed for people in the final stretch before retirement. This could be one of your best saving years yet thanks to the expanded catch-up contribution rules. The change gives high earners and late savers a powerful opportunity to accelerate retirement savings during what are often peak earning years.

Maxing out your 401(k) is a big deal and something many people never quite get to. It means you’re earning well, saving intentionally, and thinking ahead. But once that box is checked, the next question almost always follows: “Where should the next dollar go?” The good news is that you have options. And the best choice depends on your income, family situation, tax picture, and what kind of flexibility you want down the road.

If you’re a business owner or solo entrepreneur, retirement planning can feel like juggling flaming swords; figuring out how much to save, when you can save it, how much to reinvest back into your business, and how to minimize taxes all at the same time. That’s exactly where a SEP IRA can come in as one of the simplest and most powerful retirement tools available. A SEP IRA (Simplified Employee Pension Individual Retirement Account) is built for people who own their own business and want both tax savings today and tax-deferred growth for the future.

Working at Google (Alphabet) often means a competitive salary, great perks, and a significant portion of your compensation in Google stock — specifically, Restricted Stock Units, or GSUs (Google’s name for RSUs). These can be a powerful part of your financial life, but they come with rules and tax implications that are important to understand.

Restricted Stock Units, or RSUs, are one of the most common forms of equity compensation, and also one of the most misunderstood. RSUs are company stock awarded to you as part of your compensation, usually tied to a vesting schedule or performance requirement. The easiest way to think about RSUs is this: RSUs are very similar to a cash bonus. They’re just paid in company stock instead of dollars. That framing alone can completely change how you approach them.

Incentive Stock Options, or ISOs, are a type of equity compensation that give you the right to buy shares of your company at a fixed price in the future. Incentive Stock Options can be a powerful wealth-building tool, but they also come with complexity, timing rules, and tax traps that can’t be ignored.

The Mega Backdoor Roth is a way to contribute significantly more to Roth retirement savings than you're typically allowed. It works through your employer's 401(k) plan and can unlock tens of thousands of dollars in additional tax-free retirement growth each year.

Exit planning is a strategy to leave your business when you want, in the way you want, for the amount you want.  With a solid exit plan, you’re more likely to maximize the value of your business and meet both your personal and professional goals down the road. A well-thought-out exit plan can also allow you to reduce or delay the total taxes you owe and keep more money in your wallet. 

RMDs may force you to deplete your tax-advantaged retirement plans faster than you need or want. There are at least 7 ways to reduce or delay your RMDs. This article explores options that show an innovative approach to the one RMD exception letting owners of small businesses legally sidestep RMDs for as long as they want if they’re planning to sell their business.

Exiting your business is a monumental step that requires careful planning and strategic decision-making. One option that can provide significant benefits is an installment sale. This method not only offers financial advantages but also simplifies the transition process. Let’s dive into the basics of what an installment sale is, how it works, and why it might be the ideal choice for your business exit.

National 529 Day, celebrated on May 29th, is the perfect time to focus on one of the smartest ways to save for your child’s education: the 529 College Savings Plan. In this article, I’ll explain the basics of these plans, how they work, their tax advantages, and why they might be the best choice for your family’s educational savings.

Exiting your business is a significant milestone, one that should be approached with careful planning and strategic foresight. However, many business owners stumble upon common pitfalls that can derail their smooth exit. Let's explore these common mistakes and, more importantly, how you can avoid them to ensure a successful and profitable transition.

In the realm of retirement planning, there exists a lesser-known but incredibly impactful strategy commonly called the Mega Backdoor Roth. While the traditional and Roth IRAs offer valuable tax advantages, the Mega Backdoor Roth takes retirement savings to the next level, especially for high-income earners. In this article, we'll delve into the intricacies of the Mega Backdoor Roth strategy, exploring how it works, who can benefit from it, and how to implement it effectively to turbocharge your retirement savings.

Attention, self-employed entrepreneurs! Are you pondering the optimal path to secure your retirement? Look no further than the Solo 401(k), your personalized retirement solution. Tailored for small-business trailblazers without full-time W-2 employees—except, perhaps, your spouse—this plan offers a turbocharged avenue to bolster your retirement savings. Perfect for sole proprietors, independent consultants, LLCs, partnerships, and owner-only S-corporations or C-corporations, the Solo 401(k) mirrors the robust retirement plans of larger corporations, ensuring your financial future shines as brightly as your entrepreneurial spirit. Let’s delve into how a Solo 401(k) can work wonders for your retirement future.

In a world that often touts the saying "cash is king," it's crucial to recognize that this adage doesn't tell the whole story. While having cash on hand provides a sense of security and liquidity, owning too much cash can be a risky financial move, especially if it doesn't keep pace with inflation. In this article, we'll explore the risks associated with hoarding cash and shed light on why letting your money sit idle might be a counterproductive strategy.

Welcome to a new year filled with endless possibilities and, of course, fresh financial goals! As we dive into 2024, let's ensure your financial landscape is not only well-tended but thriving. One of the first things I do in January is plan the contributions I will make to each of my investment accounts with new higher limits and maximize the retirement plans I have access to. Then I review beneficiaries, update important information, and take a look at my credit report to make sure it’s accurate and protected. Here are your January Money Must-Do's to kickstart a prosperous year:

Setting financial goals is a crucial first step, but the journey to success requires more than just good intentions. By following specific action steps, creating accountability, and enlisting the help of a professional financial planner, you significantly increase your chances of not only sticking to your plan but achieving your goals faster and with greater financial security. Remember, it's not just about making resolutions; it's about creating a roadmap to your financial future. You owe this to your future self.

In the journey of life, we often underestimate the profound impact our surroundings have on our well-being, success, and personal growth. Your inner circle—those you choose to surround yourself with—can either elevate you to new heights or hold you back. In this article, we'll explore the transformative power of surrounding yourself with individuals who encourage, motivate, and positively influence your life. We'll delve into the importance of elevating each other's accomplishments, nurturing a culture of collaboration, and inspiring success through an abundance mindset.

It's with great excitement and gratitude that I share with you a special milestone – Cassandra Smalley Wealth Management is celebrating its one-year anniversary! Here's to one year down and many more to come! I am excited and honored to continue collaborating with you on this incredible journey!