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In this episode of Not Just Numbers: Honest Conversations with a Financial Advisor and Lawyer, Madison and Mike break down the sweeping One Big Beautiful Bill Act, a new tax law signed into effect in July.

At 887 pages, this legislation makes several provisions of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) permanent while introducing new deductions, exemptions, and planning opportunities for individuals, families, and business owners.

Mike, a financial advisor, CFP® practitioner, and estate planning lawyer, explains what these changes mean in practical terms, from permanent lower tax brackets and expanded estate and gift tax exemptions to new deductions for tips, overtime, and auto loans. They also cover the introduction of the Child Savings Account, updates to 529 education plans, charitable giving incentives, and critical business provisions such as QBI deductions, bonus depreciation, and succession planning strategies.

While some updates are permanent, many incentives expire in 2028, making proactive planning essential. Whether you’re focused on your family’s future, your business, or your legacy, this episode highlights what you need to know, and the steps to consider now.

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In this episode of Not Just Numbers, Madison and Mike explore how our personal financial memories, whether shaped by market crashes, bull runs, or housing booms, can cloud judgment and influence investing decisions. Inspired by Jason Zweig’s Wall Street Journal article, they unpack the dangers of recency bias, the evolving role of cash in portfolios, and the importance of balancing historical perspective with real-time adaptability. Learn how to avoid overreacting to market noise, keep emotions in check, and build a strategy that stands the test of time. Then Mike and Maddie were joined by Joe Dillon, a nationally recognized divorce mediator and founder of Equitable Mediation. Drawing from his personal experience as a child of divorce and nearly two decades of professional expertise, Joe explains how mediation can save couples time, money, and emotional turmoil compared to traditional litigation. He shares real-life examples, common financial pitfalls, and practical tools for navigating complex decisions, especially when children are involved. Whether you’re facing divorce yourself or supporting someone who is, this conversation offers a candid look at why a fair, informed, and child-focused approach can lead to better long-term outcomes.

Link to WSJ article: https://www.wsj.com/finance/investing/the-mistake-youre-making-in-todays-stock-marketwithout-even-knowing-it-8549894e

Equitable Mediation website: https://www.equitablemediation.com/

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In this episode of Not Just Numbers, Madison and Mike break down the upcoming 2025 changes to inherited IRA rules, and why beneficiaries and financial planners alike need to pay close attention. They discuss how the SECURE Act has already reshaped the way IRAs are passed on and what’s coming next as the IRS begins enforcing the 10-year distribution rule more strictly.

Mike explains who the new rules apply to, what beneficiaries need to prepare for, and how to navigate these changes in a way that aligns with your broader financial and estate planning goals. Whether you’ve inherited an IRA, expect to leave one behind, or simply want to stay ahead of retirement law updates, this episode offers clear, practical guidance on what’s at stake and how to plan ahead.