When we look honestly at our businesses, many of us see the truth: they may provide solid income, but not always lasting value. There are really two kinds of owners. The Lifestyle Owner, who builds a business that supports a good living. And the Value Creator, who builds a business that’s also a transferable asset—one that can thrive without them. Both matter. Only one sets you up for freedom when it’s time to step away.
Think of your life and business like a three-legged stool. One leg is your business goals (building value in your company). Another is your personal purpose (knowing what you’re aiming for beyond work). The third is your financial goals (the fuel that keeps everything upright and moving). Without all three, the stool wobbles—or tips over.
If you're a caregiver receiving In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) income, you've probably heard that those wages aren’t taxable—as long as you live in the same home as the person you’re caring for. That’s true for federal taxes. But when it comes to Social Security, the rules shift. Many people are surprised to learn that IHSS income, while tax-exempt, still counts as earned income under Social Security’s rules—and that can quietly reduce your benefits if you file before your full retirement age.
The recently passed One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) brings both clarity and complexity to the tax code, and we want to make sure you’re equipped with the highlights.
For most of us, work is more than a paycheck—it’s where we spend our time, our energy, and a huge part of our identity. Whether you're running the show or leading within it, it's easy to get so focused on growth and the grind that you lose sight of something bigger: what all this is building toward.
After eliminating the asset test in 2024, California is reversing course. The 2024–25 budget brings back limits on savings and retirement accounts for Medi-Cal eligibility, and the change could have real consequences for those who rely on this essential coverage.