Putman Financial Group

10/17/2025

⚰️ RIP 2024 Tax Season (Jan 1, 2025 – Oct 15, 2025)

It put up quite the fight, costing us sleep, sanity, and more than a few snacks, but we made it through!

This season was full of long hours, countless cups of coffee, and one big beautiful deadline. 😅☕

We’re proud of our team for their hard work, resilience, and dedication to helping clients navigate another successful tax year.

Now, time to take a breath (and maybe a nap) before January comes knocking again! 🎉

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07/04/2025

Happy Independence Day America!

Celebrating the red, white and blue – colors of freedom

As we gather with family and friends, light the grill 🔥, and watch the fireworks sparkle ✨, may we also take a moment remember those that gave their lives for this great country and to reflect on the values that unite us: liberty, resilience, and freedom.

Blessings to you on this fantastic 4th of July!

07/02/2025

Did you know?

John Adams believed we’d be celebrating July 2nd, not the 4th!

After Congress voted for independence on July 2, 1776, he wrote to his wife Abigail:
📝 "The second day of July 1776, will be the most memorable epocha in the history of America..."

Turns out, history had other plans — but hey, he wasn’t totally wrong. The real decision was made on the 2nd... the 4th just got the better PR. 😉

07/01/2025

🔔 The Liberty Bell: A Timeless Symbol of Freedom

The Liberty Bell remains one of the most enduring symbols of America’s fight for independence. Though it hasn’t rung since it cracked in 1846, its silent presence continues to echo the values of liberty, resilience, and unity.

Each Fourth of July, the tradition lives on. The bell is symbolically tapped 13 times—once for each of the original colonies—to honor our nation’s founding and the enduring spirit of freedom.

06/27/2025

Are all your retirement eggs in one basket? 🥚🥚🥚

Tax diversification isn’t just a buzzword…it’s a powerful way to create flexibility, reduce surprises, and keep more of what you have worked hard to save. Wondering how mixing up your retirement “buckets” could help you pay less in taxes and enjoy more financial freedom?

Our latest blog breaks down why tax diversification matters now more than ever, with practical strategies you can use at any stage of your retirement journey.

Check out our blog here: https://putmanfinancialgroup.com/tax-diversification-in-retirement-why-it-matters-to-you/

Because retirement isn’t just about what you save. It’s about what you keep.

Creating Flexibility, Reducing Taxes, and Supporting Your Financial Freedom Retirement is Changing – Are Your Savings Ready? Most of us are familiar with

06/26/2025

Smart business, smart retirement.

As a business owner, you know the value of keeping your options open—and that applies to retirement, too.

Relying on a single source for retirement income means less control and higher taxes. Diversifying your savings across tax-deferred, taxable, and tax-free accounts can help you keep more of your hard-earned money and better manage your future tax bills.

• Single stream of income? Higher tax risk, fewer choices.
• Diversified streams? More control, more strategic flexibility, and more money working for you.

Having options = having control.

Let’s put your entrepreneurial mindset to work—so you can enjoy more financial freedom in retirement.
https://app.greminders.com/c/cherie-putman/initialconsult
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06/24/2025

How much control do you want over your taxes in retirement?

One of the smartest ways to prepare for retirement isn’t just about how much you save—it’s about where you save.

When all your retirement income comes from one place, your options are limited, and so is your ability to control taxes. But by diversifying across different “tax buckets,” you create choices—and choices mean power.

• All in one bucket? Less control, more taxes.
• Mix it up? More control, more flexibility, and often a lower tax bill.

Having options = having control.

Let’s talk about how tax diversification can put you back in the driver’s seat for your retirement years.
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05/29/2025

About 4.2 million people in the U.S. are forecast to turn 65 this year, according to a report by the Alliance for Lifetime Income’s Retirement Income Institute, citing Social Security Administration figures.

This shift has financial and economic implications:
🔹 Where money lives is shifting: More assets are moving from banks to insurers and other investments as retirees adjust portfolios.
🔹 Retiree debt is rising: Americans age 60+ now hold nearly a quarter of all U.S. household debt, including mortgages and credit card balances.

For those approaching 65, does this surprise you? What’s at the top of your mind regarding retirement? 👇

05/26/2025

Memorial Day is a time to remember those who gave their lives in service to this country.

Their sacrifices made so much of what we enjoy today possible, and this day serves as a reminder that freedom comes at a cost.

Between the barbecues and fun times with friends and family, take a few moments to reflect on what this day truly means.

05/22/2025

What do a lot of people overlook when they inherit IRAs?

Most people think of an inherited IRA as simply another account to manage—but it can be easy to make costly mistakes.

Here’s what many people don’t understand when inheriting an IRA:

🔹 The 10-Year Rule: Typically you must withdraw all funds within 10 years, but some exceptions apply.
🔹 Lump Sum Trap: Taking everything at once can push you into a higher tax bracket, which might leave you with far less than expected.
🔹 Investment Risks: The original owner’s investments may not align with your financial goals. It’s not just “Dad’s IRA”—reallocating may be an idea to consider.

Remember that tax rules are constantly changing and there are a wide range of exceptions that can apply. There is no guarantee that the tax treatment of Roth and Traditional IRAs will remain what it is now. If you have inherited or expect to inherit a traditional or Roth IRA, be sure to consult a financial professional for guidance.

Did any of these come as a surprise to you? Drop your thoughts in the comments! 👇

05/20/2025

Preparing your taxes for next year? The IRS has outlined what married couples filing jointly need to know about the 2025 tax brackets:

Income Tax Brackets (Married Filing Jointly)
▪️$206,701 to $394,600: 24% tax rate
▪️$394,601 to $501,050: 32% tax rate
▪️$501,051 to $751,600: 35% tax rate
▪️$751,601+: 37% tax rate

Capital Gains and Dividends (2025)
For long-term investments and qualified dividends:
▪️0% rate: Up to $96,700
▪️15% rate: $96,701 to $600,050
▪️20% rate: $600,051 and above

The 'Kiddie Tax' Update:
Parents with children under 18 (or under 24 if a full-time student) who are dependents: Your child's unearned income (typically from investments) above $2,700 for 2025 will be taxed at YOUR marginal tax rate. This is up from $2,600 in 2024.

Important Notes:
▪️Couples with modified adjusted gross income above $250,000 may still face the 3.8% net investment income surtax.
▪️The Social Security tax wage cap increases to $176,100 for 2025.
▪️Mark your calendars for quarterly tax payments: April 15; June 16; Sept. 15; and Jan. 15, 2026.

This post is for informational purposes only and is not a replacement for real-life advice. We would encourage you to speak with your tax, legal, and accounting professionals before modifying your tax strategy based on this information.

05/15/2025

📄 What Can a Tax Return Reveal? (It’s More Than You Think!) 💡

Now that tax season has passed for most, it’s important to remember that your return goes far beyond checking boxes and crunching numbers.

For us, tax returns are less of a rearview mirror and more of a roadmap 🗺️ — revealing patterns, opportunities, and most importantly, potential blind spots in your financial world.

Here’s what your return might be telling you…

✅ Your Income Story
Your return shows not just how much you earned, but where your income came from — wages, dividends, rental properties, retirement distributions, business profits. Each source tells part of the story of your financial life, and when we zoom out, we can assess risk, tax efficiency, and diversification.

✅ Spending and Saving Clues
• Contributions to IRAs, HSAs, or employer plans? 💵
• ROTH conversion? 🔄
• Charitable giving? ❤️
• Large out-of-pocket medical expenses? 🏥
These details reveal your values and priorities — and may highlight missed opportunities to save more efficiently or plan for future expenses more strategically.

✅ Tax Efficiency (or Lack Thereof)
Are you paying more in taxes than necessary? 😬
A tax return can show misaligned investment strategies, underutilized deductions, or the need for better retirement drawdown planning. We often uncover small shifts that could mean big savings down the road.

✅ Business & Side Hustle Health
If you own a business or rental property, your return reflects how that enterprise is performing — and whether it's being optimized. Is it time to consider a different entity structure? Are you tracking expenses properly? These are questions we regularly explore with clients.

✅ Planning for Major Life Changes Ahead
💍 Change in marital status
👶 Birth of a child
💼 Change in jobs
🏡 Real estate purchase
👵 Planning for retirement
💸 Inheritance

All of these life transitions have tax and financial planning implications.

A good return – paired with honest conversation, helps us to align your financial plan with life as it throws curveballs.

Your tax return is more than just compliance. It's a reflection of your financial behavior, a snapshot of your wealth-building strategy, and a powerful planning tool when viewed through the right lens. 🔍
And that’s where we come in — to make sure those numbers mean something.

Let’s connect and uncover what your return might be saying…

👉 Schedule a meeting:

Introductory Meeting with Cherie Putman