JJ Burns & Company

09/08/2026

Are you taking advantage of this powerful 'grandparent loophole' for college savings?

Previously, distributions from a grandparent’s 529 plan were reported as untaxed student income, which could reduce financial aid eligibility by up to 50% of the amount of the distribution.

On the new streamlined FAFSA, students aren't required to report cash gifts from a grandparent. Now, grandparents can use a 529 plan to fund their grandchild’s education, without impacting aid eligibility.

Learn more:

Here’s some good news for grandparents who want to support their grandchild’s higher education: a legislative update called the FAFSA Simplification Act has created a valuable “grandparent loophole” that can help maximize 529 plan savings in a tax-smart way. Now, grandparents (and other non-...

09/07/2026

Happy Labor Day!

We hope you take a moment today for some well-deserved rest and relaxation with those you love.

We’re grateful for the opportunity to help you make the most of what you’ve worked so hard to earn, and to support your financial goals along the way.

09/03/2026

For entrepreneurs and business owners, financial protection often starts with a simple question:

What happens to the plan if you can't work?

Your income may support your family's lifestyle, fund investments, provide capital for your business, and drive progress toward long-term goals. A prolonged illness, disability, or other unexpected event can put all of those priorities under pressure.

That makes income protection an important component of a broader financial strategy.

A comprehensive review may include:
🔹 Disability income coverage
🔹 Life insurance needs
🔹 Business continuity considerations
🔹 Emergency liquidity
🔹 Personal and business cash-flow planning

The objective isn't to plan for the worst; it’s to make sure an unexpected event doesn't derail everything you've worked to build.

For business owners, protecting the business is an important part of protecting the bigger financial picture. Learn more about how thoughtful business planning can help you prepare for what’s ahead: https://jjburns.com/what-we-do/business-planning/

09/01/2026

According to the Identity Theft Resource Center, ~471 million people were affected by more than 1,800 data breaches in the first half of 2026 alone.

If you’ve been affected by a data breach, cyber fraud, or identity theft, there are steps you can take to help set things right: https://jjburns.com/blog/what-to-do-if-your-personal-information-has-been-compromised

08/31/2026

The rhythm of helping to grow, preserve, and protect your wealth may shift as your life and family changes.

But, regardless of your life stage, there are a few foundational strategies that may be a guiding light.

When you're in search of good financial counsel, JJ Burns is here for you. Learn how our collaborative approach to wealth management helps to serve you better: https://jjburns.com/what-we-do/collaborative-wealth-management

(Source: Investopedia)

08/28/2026

While death is a natural part of life, end-of-life planning can still feel difficult to navigate.

It asks us to recognize our own mortality, and then make arrangements that will carry out our wishes when the time comes.

Basic estate planning addresses the fundamentals, like drafting a will and appointing the necessary powers of attorney. In truth, that doesn’t go quite far enough.

If tragedy struck and you were left incapacitated or unable to advocate for yourself, who would be called on to make those choices? Is it someone you trust? And have you shared with them the quality of life you hope to maintain? If not, your life could unfold in a very different way than you’d hoped.

Here are some important points to get you in the right headspace for critical health care planning: https://jjburns.com/blog/one-critical-detail-your-estate-plan-might-be-missing/

08/26/2026

Estate planning is an important part of protecting the people and causes that matter most to you. For LGBTQ+ couples and families, thoughtful planning can be especially important when navigating unique family dynamics, legal considerations, and long-term goals.

Here are four estate planning considerations for LGBTQ+ folks to keep in mind.

At JJ Burns, your financial advisor can help you build a thoughtful, enduring legacy – designed to care for your loved ones, manage potential costs and taxes, and maximize charitable giving in alignment with your wishes.

A well-crafted estate plan can help provide greater clarity, confidence, and peace of mind for the future.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/jjburnsfinancialplanning

(Source: Nerdwallet)

08/25/2026

For those approaching or entering retirement, estate planning can play an important role in preserving wealth, managing potential taxes and fees, protecting loved ones, and creating a clear plan for the future.

Beneficiary designations, trusts, gifting strategies, tax considerations, and long-term care planning can all play a role in shaping the legacy you leave behind.

These 13 smart estate-planning moves that may help you make the most of the wealth you've worked hard to build:

Follow this estate planning checklist to hold on to more of your hard-earned money for both you and your heirs.

08/24/2026

The biggest and most common estate planning mistake? Not doing it at all.

Your loved ones may be thrown into chaos if you pass on without a will + a comprehensive list of your assets and liabilities.

Other common mistakes include:

🆇 Failing to communicate.

Talk to your loved ones about your estate plan. Tell them what you've decided and why. Make sure they know the practical facts, like who your attorney is and where the will is stored.

🆇 Naming only one beneficiary.

You may expect to leave everything to your spouse or a child, but you need a secondary beneficiary, just in case.

🆇 Forgetting your digital footprint.

Tell your heirs how you want them to handle your social media accounts, email, and any personal or professional websites you have.

🆇 Not updating.

Review your plan once a year to make sure it still reflects your wishes and covers all the bases.

If your intentions are unclear, your estate may wind up in probate court, meaning a probate judge will determine what should be done with your assets, based on state laws.

While none of us likes to think about dying, improper planning can lead to family disputes, assets getting into the wrong hands, long court litigation, and excess money paid in estate taxes.

Your JJBCO advisor can help you wade through these waters: https://bit.ly/chatwithjjburns

Procrastination is the biggest enemy of estate planning. Don't delay.

(Source: Investopedia)

08/19/2026

Historically, for many parents, the idea of discussing money and wealth with their children has been taboo.

But, talking about wealth with your children early and often is a potential pathway toward self-sufficiency and responsible stewardship of the family’s future financial legacy.

In these conversations, financial advisors can play an essential role by serving as an expert source of information and backstop for parents who may be uncertain about specific topics.

Our JJBCO financial advisors are ready to help you navigate these discussions about wealth with your kids: https://bit.ly/chatwithjjburns

(Source: Kiplinger)