Archives
Why Every Business Owner Needs an Estate Plan
June 10, 2025
As a business owner, you’ve worked hard to build something of value. But have you taken the steps necessary to protect your business—and your family’s financial future—if something unexpected happens? An estate plan isn’t just for retirees or high-net-worth individuals.… Read Now >>
Understanding Risk Tolerance: How Much Risk Should You Take?
June 3, 2025
Every investor has a different relationship with risk. Understanding your personal risk tolerance is essential to building a portfolio that supports your long-term financial goals while helping you sleep at night. At Illumination Wealth, we believe that knowing how much… Read Now >>
How to Recession-Proof Your Investment Portfolio
May 27, 2025
Recessions are an inevitable part of the economic cycle. While it’s impossible to time them perfectly, you can prepare your investment portfolio to weather downturns with greater resilience. Recession-proofing doesn’t mean avoiding risk entirely. It means managing it wisely. By… Read Now >>
The Biggest Investment Mistakes High-Net-Worth Individuals Make
May 18, 2025
High-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) often have access to a wider range of investment opportunities, professional advice and financial tools. But greater wealth doesn’t always mean better decision-making. In fact, many affluent investors fall into traps that can erode long-term wealth if… Read Now >>
How to Build a Business Exit Plan for Long-Term Financial Success
May 13, 2025
For many entrepreneurs, building a business is a lifelong pursuit. But at some point, every owner faces the question: What’s next? Whether you’re planning to sell, pass your business to the next generation or transition into a more passive role,… Read Now >>
Should You Structure Your Business as an LLC, S-Corp or C-Corp?
May 6, 2025
When starting or growing a business, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is how to structure it legally. Choosing between an LLC, S-Corporation (S-Corp) or C-Corporation (C-Corp) impacts everything from how you’re taxed to your personal liability and… Read Now >>
How Strategic Withholding Can Help You Avoid IRS Penalties
April 29, 2025
If you’re making quarterly estimated tax payments, you know the drill. Stay on schedule or pay the price. But what many taxpayers don’t realize is just how expensive a missed payment can be. The IRS currently charges a 7% penalty… Read Now >>
The Regular Backdoor Roth: A Smart Move for High-Income Earners
April 22, 2025
Last week, we highlighted the mega backdoor Roth strategy for solo business owners. For high-income earners, a regular backdoor Roth strategy can pay significant retirement saving advantages. The Roth IRA has always been an appealing option with ax-free withdrawals in… Read Now >>
The Mega Backdoor Roth: A Powerful Strategy for Solo Business Owners
April 15, 2025If you’re self-employed or a business owner with no full-time employees—and you’re drawn to the long-term advantages of Roth-style retirement savings—the mega backdoor Roth strategy may be one of the most valuable financial tools at your disposal. What is the… Read Now >>
How to Use a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) to Save on Taxes
April 8, 2025
If you have a traditional IRA and are age 73 or older, you’re likely familiar with required minimum distributions (RMDs). These are the annual IRA withdrawals the IRS mandates once you reach a certain age. These withdrawals are based on… Read Now >>
