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Traditional IRA’s – A Tax Move You Can Still Make for 2025

by Tracey Hrica Jan 17, 2026

Ken and I went to see Chicago the musical last week. Our youngest daughter, Jordyn, said it sounded really cool —“like something retired people would do.” We laughed and reminded her that we are very much not retired. But once we got to our seats and looked around, we realized we might have been the youngest people there.  Some things make you feel older not because of your age.... Retirement planning is one of those things. And ...

2026 Standard Mileage Rate: What Business Owners Need to Know

by Tracey Hrica Jan 11, 2026

As we jump into tax season each year, Ken and I notice the same pattern. It’s not that business owners don’t track things — it’s that they track what feels urgent. Invoices. Deposits. Expenses. Mileage usually comes later… if at all. By the time we’re reviewing returns for clients, mileage is often the line item that triggers,“Oh… I meant to keep better records for that.” This year, that detail matters even more. The I...

New Car Loan Interest Deduction in Maryland: What the One Big Beautiful Bill Means for Your Taxes

by Tracey Hrica Jan 05, 2026

If you purchased a new vehicle recently — or are considering one — a new tax law may affect your 2025 tax return. The One Big Beautiful Bill introduced a new federal deduction that may allow some taxpayers to deduct interest paid on a car loan. This is a meaningful change, especially for Maryland residents navigating rising vehicle and financing costs. Here’s what the deduction means, who may qualify, and what to gather before tax...

One Big Beautiful Bill Act 2025 Explained: How One Family Saved on Taxes

by Tracey Hrica Jul 08, 2025

The Fourth of July didn’t just bring fireworks this year—it delivered a tax revolution that could change the game for millions of Americans. But new laws can be confusing—even overwhelming. So instead of listing dry rules and percentages, let’s follow the Harris family—a fictional but realistic example of how this new law might change things for everyday Americans. By the end, you’ll see exactly what’s in the One Big Beaut...

What Starbucks Can Teach Us About Building a Business That Lasts

by Tracey Hrica Mar 31, 2025

There’s a common myth in the world of entrepreneurship: “If I just have the right idea, success will follow.” It’s a comforting thought—but not quite the whole story. The truth? Ideas alone aren’t what build strong, sustainable businesses. Structure does. Let me share a real-world example from someone who turned rejection into results—and changed how the world drinks coffee in the process. The Story of Howard Schultz (and ...

3 Simple Shifts to Make Tax Planning Stress-Free and Effortless

by Tracey Hrica, EA Nov 26, 2024

Imagine walking into April, calm and collected, with every book balanced, every form in its place, and every deduction accounted for—no frantic number-crunching or late-night scrambles to find misfiled receipts. Sounds far-fetched? It doesn’t have to be. Let me introduce you to Dave, a business owner who dreaded tax season—until he made three painless changes to his routine. Dave’s Story: From Chaos to Confidence A few years ago...

Are You Busy or Truly Productive?

by Tracey Hrica Jun 26, 2024

The Busy Trap: Rethinking Productivity Beyond Busyness Smart Brevity Count: 817 Words | 3 Minutes Understanding the Difference "Being busy is a form of laziness – lazy thinking and indiscriminate action." — Tim Ferriss That sure makes you think, doesn’t it? It's easy to mistake a packed calendar for a productive day. But are you truly getting things done or merely staying busy? Let's break it down with some eye-opening facts. Ac...

Boost Profits with Smart Pricing Strategies

by Tracey Hrica Jun 18, 2024

Smart Brevity Count:554 Words | 2 Minutes "Quality is remembered long after the price is forgotten." — Aldo Gucci Setting the right prices for your business services is key to making a profit and staying competitive. However, it’s not just about covering costs; it’s about delivering value that clients will appreciate and remember. WHY IT MATTERS:  The cost of acquiring a new customer is five times more than retaining an existing...

Stress Over Your Small Business Finances Keeping You Awake? Try These Tips

by Tracey Hrica May 09, 2024

Are you tossing and turning at night, unable to shake off the weight of financial stress? The link between money worries and stress is well-documented. According to a 2023 study by Bankrate, more than HALF of Americans name money as the number one stressor in their lives. May is Mental Health Awareness Month, so I want to chat about the effect finances can have on your mental health. To put it into perspective, in the study, money was c...

Five Important Post-Tax Season Actions for Small Business Owners

by Tracey Hrica Apr 24, 2024

Just submitted your taxes? A sigh of relief, isn't it? Yet, it is not quite the time to kick back and relax just yet. Let's talk about some essential post-tax season actions that can keep your business financially secure and well-organized. Remember the age-old anecdote of the ant and the grasshopper? The ant worked tirelessly all summer, planning for the winter, while the grasshopper sang and danced without a thought for the future. We...

Latest Articles

Traditional IRA’s – A Tax Move You Can Still Make for 2025

Ken and I went to see Chicago the musical last wee...


2026 Standard Mileage Rate: What Business Owners Need to Know

As we jump into tax season each year, Ken and I no...


New Car Loan Interest Deduction in Maryland: What the One Big Beautiful Bill Means for Your Taxes

If you purchased a new vehicle recently — or are...


One Big Beautiful Bill Act 2025 Explained: How One Family Saved on Taxes

The Fourth of July didn’t just bring fireworks t...


What Starbucks Can Teach Us About Building a Business That Lasts

There’s a common myth in the world of entreprene...