Planning, investing, and tax articles from a fee-only fiduciary firm in Houston, Texas.https://integrityfinancialplan.com/https://integrityfinancialplan.com/insights/is-cost-segregation-still-worth-it-as-bonus-depreciation-fades/https://integrityfinancialplan.com/insights/is-cost-segregation-still-worth-it-as-bonus-depreciation-fades/The 2025 tax law made 100% bonus depreciation permanent for property acquired after January 19, 2025. What that means for cost segregation, and why the recapture math still decides whether a study pays.Tue, 15 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://integrityfinancialplan.com/insights/section-1202-qsbs-exit-tax/https://integrityfinancialplan.com/insights/section-1202-qsbs-exit-tax/How Section 1202 QSBS can exclude up to $15 million of gain on a C-corporation sale, what the 2025 tax law changed (tiered 3-, 4-, and 5-year exclusions, $75 million asset cap), and why the clock must start years before an exit.Thu, 03 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://integrityfinancialplan.com/insights/building-business-resilience-how-to-turn-uninsured-risks-into-tax-savings-with-captive-insurance/https://integrityfinancialplan.com/insights/building-business-resilience-how-to-turn-uninsured-risks-into-tax-savings-with-captive-insurance/Discover how mid-sized businesses use Section 831(b) Captive Insurance to deduct uninsured risks, save on taxes, and build a resilient safety net.Wed, 25 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://integrityfinancialplan.com/insights/case-study-the-anesthesiology-group-that-saved-dollar12-million/https://integrityfinancialplan.com/insights/case-study-the-anesthesiology-group-that-saved-dollar12-million/See how a 4-partner medical practice saved $1.2M in taxes and shielded $815K from the IRS in Year 1 using a high-impact Cash Balance Plan strategy.Tue, 03 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://integrityfinancialplan.com/insights/case-study-how-a-simple-business-pivot-almost-cost-a-tech-founder-dollar24m-in-taxes/https://integrityfinancialplan.com/insights/case-study-how-a-simple-business-pivot-almost-cost-a-tech-founder-dollar24m-in-taxes/A Houston SaaS founder nearly lost a $10 million QSBS exclusion by pivoting into data hosting two years before his exit. How the active-business test works, what the 2025 tax law changed, and what saved $2.4 million.Wed, 25 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://integrityfinancialplan.com/insights/personal-portfolios-the-what-and-why-of-positive-psychology/https://integrityfinancialplan.com/insights/personal-portfolios-the-what-and-why-of-positive-psychology/Much of investing has historically been driven by what people do not want to invest in.Thu, 18 Apr 2024 00:00:00 GMThttps://integrityfinancialplan.com/insights/the-top-5-mistakes-to-avoid-when-selecting-a-financial-planner/https://integrityfinancialplan.com/insights/the-top-5-mistakes-to-avoid-when-selecting-a-financial-planner/By being aware of these common pitfalls, you can make better-informed decisions and find the right financial planner who aligns with your goals.Wed, 08 Nov 2023 00:00:00 GMThttps://integrityfinancialplan.com/insights/beginning-the-business-succession-process-a-guide-for-business-owners/https://integrityfinancialplan.com/insights/beginning-the-business-succession-process-a-guide-for-business-owners/While your day-to-day focus is on running your family business, it's important to keep an eye on the future as well.Wed, 06 Sep 2023 00:00:00 GMThttps://integrityfinancialplan.com/insights/maximizing-social-security-benefits/https://integrityfinancialplan.com/insights/maximizing-social-security-benefits/When to claim, how spousal and survivor benefits work, and how earnings and taxes affect your Social Security check. A guide to getting the most from the program.Mon, 28 Aug 2023 00:00:00 GMThttps://integrityfinancialplan.com/insights/personal-index-portfolios-of-sin-stocks-and-cannabis/https://integrityfinancialplan.com/insights/personal-index-portfolios-of-sin-stocks-and-cannabis/As more states legalize marijuana, it is important to be aware of the impact.Fri, 18 Aug 2023 00:00:00 GMThttps://integrityfinancialplan.com/insights/cfp-vs-registered-life-planner/https://integrityfinancialplan.com/insights/cfp-vs-registered-life-planner/CFP and Registered Life Planner (RLP) designations both cover financial planning; they differ in focus. What each requires and why Ryan Firth holds both.Wed, 28 Jun 2023 00:00:00 GMThttps://integrityfinancialplan.com/insights/retirement-planning-in-the-oil-and-gas-industry-a-comprehensive-guide/https://integrityfinancialplan.com/insights/retirement-planning-in-the-oil-and-gas-industry-a-comprehensive-guide/As a professional in the oil and gas industry, you likely enjoy a stable income and have accumulated significant assets over the years.Sat, 17 Jun 2023 00:00:00 GMThttps://integrityfinancialplan.com/insights/the-rebalancing-bonus-understanding-its-importance-for-your-investment-portfolio/https://integrityfinancialplan.com/insights/the-rebalancing-bonus-understanding-its-importance-for-your-investment-portfolio/The rebalancing bonus is the potential gain from periodically restoring your target asset mix. Why it exists, how large it can be, and how to capture it tax-efficiently.Thu, 15 Jun 2023 00:00:00 GMThttps://integrityfinancialplan.com/insights/direct-indexing-and-other-popular-equity-investment-styles/https://integrityfinancialplan.com/insights/direct-indexing-and-other-popular-equity-investment-styles/How direct indexing compares with index ETFs, mutual funds, and active management on tax efficiency, personalization, and cost.Mon, 05 Jun 2023 00:00:00 GMThttps://integrityfinancialplan.com/insights/financial-planning-checklist-for-recent-college-grads/https://integrityfinancialplan.com/insights/financial-planning-checklist-for-recent-college-grads/After college, the average young adult has already accumulated student debt to the tune of around $37,574, in addition to potentially having credit card debt.Thu, 01 Jun 2023 00:00:00 GMThttps://integrityfinancialplan.com/insights/planning-for-a-liquidity-event-steps-to-take-before-and-after/https://integrityfinancialplan.com/insights/planning-for-a-liquidity-event-steps-to-take-before-and-after/Whether you’re the owner of a small business or a C-suite executive, you’ve worked hard to help your organization grow and succeed.Tue, 23 May 2023 00:00:00 GMThttps://integrityfinancialplan.com/insights/irrevocable-trusts-for-estate-planning/https://integrityfinancialplan.com/insights/irrevocable-trusts-for-estate-planning/Irrevocable trusts can control how assets are distributed and manage the tax burden on beneficiaries. The main types, benefits, and trade-offs explained.Mon, 22 May 2023 00:00:00 GMThttps://integrityfinancialplan.com/insights/top-7-tax-planning-tips-for-business-owners/https://integrityfinancialplan.com/insights/top-7-tax-planning-tips-for-business-owners/Seven tax planning moves for business owners and executives: entity choice, retirement plans, timing income and deductions, and working with a planner year-round.Fri, 19 May 2023 00:00:00 GMThttps://integrityfinancialplan.com/insights/estate-planning-for-business-owners-9-steps-to-get-started/https://integrityfinancialplan.com/insights/estate-planning-for-business-owners-9-steps-to-get-started/If you don’t have a succession plan, you’re not alone: 64% of business owners over the age of 50 haven't made one.Mon, 15 May 2023 00:00:00 GMThttps://integrityfinancialplan.com/insights/direct-indexes-are-3-to-5-times-more-tax-efficient-than-etfs/https://integrityfinancialplan.com/insights/direct-indexes-are-3-to-5-times-more-tax-efficient-than-etfs/Over a ten-year period, index ETFs outperform something like 95% of investments. And direct indexes outperform index ETFs (on an expected after-tax basis).Thu, 11 May 2023 00:00:00 GMThttps://integrityfinancialplan.com/insights/understanding-the-value-of-tax-management-at-integrity-financial-planning/https://integrityfinancialplan.com/insights/understanding-the-value-of-tax-management-at-integrity-financial-planning/Understanding tax management, how it works, and how to implement it into your investment strategy is so important.Sat, 06 May 2023 00:00:00 GMThttps://integrityfinancialplan.com/insights/social-security-things-to-consider-before-tapping-into-your-benefits/https://integrityfinancialplan.com/insights/social-security-things-to-consider-before-tapping-into-your-benefits/Social Security benefits play a vital role in providing or augmenting income for retirees, dependents, and those with disabilities.Sun, 30 Apr 2023 00:00:00 GMThttps://integrityfinancialplan.com/insights/a-guide-to-qualified-charitable-distributions/https://integrityfinancialplan.com/insights/a-guide-to-qualified-charitable-distributions/A qualified charitable distribution lets IRA owners age 70½ or older give up to $111,000 (2026 limit, indexed) directly to charity and count it toward their RMD without adding to taxable income.Thu, 20 Apr 2023 00:00:00 GMThttps://integrityfinancialplan.com/insights/your-guide-to-required-minimum-distributions-rmds/https://integrityfinancialplan.com/insights/your-guide-to-required-minimum-distributions-rmds/When required minimum distributions start, how they are calculated, the penalty for missing one, and strategies such as QCDs and Roth conversions to manage them.Tue, 18 Apr 2023 00:00:00 GMThttps://integrityfinancialplan.com/insights/introduction-to-tax-loss-harvesting/https://integrityfinancialplan.com/insights/introduction-to-tax-loss-harvesting/Tax-loss harvesting means selling securities at a loss to offset gains elsewhere and lower your tax bill. How it works, the wash-sale rule, and when it helps.Thu, 06 Apr 2023 00:00:00 GMThttps://integrityfinancialplan.com/insights/considering-estate-planning-heres-your-checklist/https://integrityfinancialplan.com/insights/considering-estate-planning-heres-your-checklist/A practical estate planning checklist: wills, trusts, beneficiary designations, powers of attorney, and how the $15 million federal exemption (2026) fits in.Thu, 30 Mar 2023 00:00:00 GMThttps://integrityfinancialplan.com/insights/common-pitfalls-in-retirement/https://integrityfinancialplan.com/insights/common-pitfalls-in-retirement/Taxes may be an inevitability but there are ways you can reduce your total tax obligation by planning proactively.Fri, 24 Mar 2023 00:00:00 GMThttps://integrityfinancialplan.com/insights/how-can-working-in-retirement-impact-medicare-and-social-security-benefits/https://integrityfinancialplan.com/insights/how-can-working-in-retirement-impact-medicare-and-social-security-benefits/Working past retirement age can change your Medicare premiums and Social Security benefits. What to know about earnings limits, IRMAA, and enrollment timing.Tue, 21 Feb 2023 00:00:00 GMThttps://integrityfinancialplan.com/insights/retirement-income-planning-develop-a-plan-in-four-easy-steps/https://integrityfinancialplan.com/insights/retirement-income-planning-develop-a-plan-in-four-easy-steps/There are four steps you can follow to develop a thorough retirement income plan.Thu, 16 Feb 2023 00:00:00 GMThttps://integrityfinancialplan.com/insights/10-things-to-consider-in-the-retirement-red-zone/https://integrityfinancialplan.com/insights/10-things-to-consider-in-the-retirement-red-zone/The five years before and after retirement are the "retirement red zone," when sequence risk, healthcare, and withdrawal decisions matter most. Ten things to check.Fri, 10 Feb 2023 00:00:00 GMThttps://integrityfinancialplan.com/insights/aligning-your-investments-with-your-values/https://integrityfinancialplan.com/insights/aligning-your-investments-with-your-values/For years, values and investing were viewed as separate disciplines. Not anymore.Wed, 25 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMThttps://integrityfinancialplan.com/insights/high-income-time-for-a-team/https://integrityfinancialplan.com/insights/high-income-time-for-a-team/Having a tax-centered understanding of your financial life is a critical component of compounding wealth. Here are a few tips for high-earners.Wed, 02 Nov 2022 00:00:00 GMThttps://integrityfinancialplan.com/insights/rethinking-what-esg-investing-means/https://integrityfinancialplan.com/insights/rethinking-what-esg-investing-means/ESG investing is often misunderstood. What environmental, social, and governance screens actually do, and how personal index portfolios apply them.Mon, 18 Jul 2022 00:00:00 GMThttps://integrityfinancialplan.com/insights/4-strategies-for-reducing-risk-in-your-investment-portfolio/https://integrityfinancialplan.com/insights/4-strategies-for-reducing-risk-in-your-investment-portfolio/Four practical ways to reduce risk in an investment portfolio: diversification, rebalancing, asset allocation that matches your timeline, and tax-aware positioning.Wed, 06 Jul 2022 00:00:00 GMThttps://integrityfinancialplan.com/insights/balance-your-retirement-investments-with-comprehensive-risk-analysis/https://integrityfinancialplan.com/insights/balance-your-retirement-investments-with-comprehensive-risk-analysis/Your appetite for risk changes over time. How a comprehensive risk analysis shapes retirement investment decisions such as stock and bond allocation.Mon, 02 May 2022 00:00:00 GMThttps://integrityfinancialplan.com/insights/the-four-pillars-of-esg-investing/https://integrityfinancialplan.com/insights/the-four-pillars-of-esg-investing/The four pillars of ESG investing and how shifting consumer attitudes, geopolitical volatility, and climate pressure are changing how investors screen companies.Fri, 22 Apr 2022 00:00:00 GMThttps://integrityfinancialplan.com/insights/personal-index-portfolios-faith-based-investing/https://integrityfinancialplan.com/insights/personal-index-portfolios-faith-based-investing/Faith-based investing – intentionally avoiding stocks of companies whose products, services, or values do not align with your own.Thu, 14 Apr 2022 00:00:00 GMThttps://integrityfinancialplan.com/insights/understanding-the-impact-of-taxes-on-your-retirement/https://integrityfinancialplan.com/insights/understanding-the-impact-of-taxes-on-your-retirement/How Social Security, IRA withdrawals, and state residency are taxed in retirement, what the 2025 tax law changed for retirees, and strategies such as Roth conversions to lower the bill.Wed, 30 Mar 2022 00:00:00 GMThttps://integrityfinancialplan.com/insights/5-classic-rags-to-riches-films/https://integrityfinancialplan.com/insights/5-classic-rags-to-riches-films/These rags-to-riches films show the stories of some characters who found success after tough starts. But sometimes, riches aren’t what they seem.Wed, 09 Mar 2022 00:00:00 GMThttps://integrityfinancialplan.com/insights/6-great-books-for-young-investors/https://integrityfinancialplan.com/insights/6-great-books-for-young-investors/These books will help young (and young at heart) investors understand what it means to be financially successful.Sat, 19 Feb 2022 00:00:00 GMThttps://integrityfinancialplan.com/insights/what-does-your-personality-type-say-about-your-investing-habits/https://integrityfinancialplan.com/insights/what-does-your-personality-type-say-about-your-investing-habits/How personality type shapes investing behavior, and a free personal financial assessment (similar to Enneagram or MBTI) to learn your own tendencies.Mon, 31 Jan 2022 00:00:00 GMT