ACap ReCap: Financial and Tax Tips

Tax season can be confusing, especially when you're dealing with multiple forms like the W-2, W-9, and W-4. Each of these documents serves a different purpose, and filing the right one is crucial for ensuring your taxes are accurate. A W-2 is issued by employers to report an employee’s earnings and tax withholdings for the year. If you’re a traditional employee, you’ll receive this form to us...

In this podcast, we break down everything you need to know about Treasury Bills (T-Bills): from taxation to buying and selling, and what happens when they mature. We cover why T-Bills are popular, how they compare to bonds and notes, and whether they’re a better investment than CDs. You'll also learn about their tax treatment, including state, federal, and capital gains taxes, as well as how...

Homeowners insurance is more than just a policy—it’s peace of mind. In this episode, we break down the essentials: what homeowners insurance covers, the key components of a standard policy, and the difference between replacement cost and actual cash value. We’ll also cover personal property protection, liability coverage, and how to find a reliable insurance agent. If you’re a homeowner or plannin...

Trump’s 2025 tax proposals could dramatically reshape the financial landscape for both individuals and businesses. Significant changes could include the elimination of taxes on Social Security income, tips, and overtime pay, providing relief to workers in various sectors. These proposals also extend to corporations, where Trump’s plan suggests a permanent reduction in the corporate tax rate to 21%...

In this episode, we’ll explain California Assembly Bill (AB) 150 and its impact on business owners and taxpayers. Here’s what we'll cover: 1. What is California AB 150? 2. The Small Business Relief Act under AB 150 3. Which entities qualify and don’t qualify 4. How to calculate the potential tax benefits 5. Important tax deadlines for AB 150 6. Potential downsides to consider Check out our bl...

In this episode, we break down everything you need to know about index funds—what they are, how they work, and why they’re considered a popular choice for both beginner and experienced investors. We’ll explore some of the most common types of index funds, including the Dow Jones Industrial Average , the S&P 500 Index , the NASDAQ Composite , and a few international options, providing insights...

In my previous episodes, I talked about what a 529 Plan is and shared its advantages and disadvantages. In this episode, we’re diving deeper into this amazing plan to uncover the full list of eligible expenses. From tuition and books to adjusted qualified education expenses (AQEE) and what doesn’t qualify, this episode has all the insights you need to make the most of your 529 Plan. ACap Advisors...

In this episode, Ara Oghoorian discusses the newly passed H.R.82 bill, the Social Security Fairness Act, and how it could significantly increase your Social Security benefits. He breaks down the key elements of the bill, including the Windfall Elimination Provision and the Government Pension Offset, explaining how they impact you. Ara also guides you through the process of calculating your benefit...

As we approach the end of the year, it's time to prepare for a financially smart 2025. Here are 11 key tax tips to consider: 1. Maximize 401k contributions 2. Harvest losses 3. Gift $16,000 to lower your taxable estate 4. Roth IRA conversion 5. Defer income 6. Paying for medical or college bills 7. Qualified Charitable Distribution 8. Charitable donations 9. Donate appreciated stock 10. Creat...

In this episode we talk about a dividend yield and its calculation.  A dividend yield is a financial ratio used to gauge your performance and rate of return on a stock. It’s calculated by taking the total dividend paid and dividing it by the price of the stock at any given point. ➝ If the price of the stock goes up and the dividend stays the same, your yield goes down. ➝ If the price of the stock...

Exchange-traded notes are sometimes confused with exchange-traded funds, but they are very different. In this episode, we talk about exchange-traded notes (ETNs), their advantages and disadvantages, and then compare ETNs with exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Schedule a Consultation: https://www.acapam.com/contact/ Financial Advisor in Los Angeles, CA CPA in Los Angeles, CA Connect with ACap on social...

In this episode, I break down the differences between Index Funds, ETFs, and Mutual Funds to help you make a better-informed decision on which one is the right investment decision for you.  Schedule a Consultation: https://www.acapam.com/contact/ Financial Advisor in Los Angeles, CA CPA in Los Angeles, CA Connect with ACap on social media: Twitter: https://twitter.com/acapam/ Instagram: https://ww...

In this episode, we talk about what index funds are and how they work. We also cover the most common types of index funds, like the Dow Jones, S&P 500 index, NASDAQ, and some of the most well-known international index funds. We also discuss the differences between mutual funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and guide you on how to choose the right fund for you, open an index fund account, a...

In this episode, we’re talking about 529 plan qualified expenses. We’ll walk you through what you can use your 529 plan for and share some helpful tips to make sure you're getting the most out of it. ACap Advisors & Accountants is a financial advisor and CPA firm located in Los Angeles, California. We are a full service wealth management and CPA firm. Schedule a Consultation: https://www....

In this episode Ara & Matt explain what to consider when deciding whether to pay off your mortgage. Schedule a Consultation: https://www.acapam.com/contact/ Financial Advisor in Los Angeles, CA CPA in Los Angeles, CA 12031 Ventura Blvd., Suite 1 Studio City, California 91604 (818) 272-8511 hello@acapam.com www.acapam.com ACap's Financial Quick Tips 

In this episode, we're going to discuss EV tax credit, and how you can qualify for it in 2024. Schedule a consultation with ACap fiduciary financial advisors: https://www.acapam.com/contact/ Financial Advisor in Los Angeles, CA CPA in Los Angeles, CA 12031 Ventura Blvd., Suite 1 Studio City, California 91604 (818) 272-8511 hello@acapam.com www.acapam.com ACap's Financial Quick Tips 

In this episode we talk about mortgage loans, what you need to know about getting a home mortgage. Starting from the mortgage process and required documentations to the key factors in purchasing home, we cover all the important things you need to know about mortgage loans, including what you should avoid and how you can benefit from the home mortgage if you are a self-employed or a business owner....

In this episode, we talk about Treasury Bills (T-Bills) taxation, how to buy and sell T-Bills, what happens when T-Bills mature and how to calculate their tax equivalent yield.  Read the full article on T-Bills taxation at https://www.acapam.com/blog/how-are-treasury-bills-t-bills-taxed/ Subscribe to ACap YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/Acapam/featured Schedule a Consultation: https://w...

The Dow Jones Industrial Average is the most well-known share index in the USA. In this episode we talk about why it is so important and how to invest in the Dow. Read the full article: https://www.acapam.com/fiduciary/what-is-the-dow-jones-industrial-average-djia/ Schedule a Consultation: https://www.acapam.com/contact/ 12031 Ventura Blvd., Suite 1 Studio City, California 91604 (818) 272-8511 hel...

In this episode, we talk about the stock splits. We'll answer key questions, such as: What exactly is a stock split? What's the difference between a forward and reverse stock split? Are stock splits good or bad for investors? We'll also explore how stock splits impact your cost basis and taxes. Read Full Article: https://www.acapam.com/blog/whats-a-stock-split-and-how-does-it-impact...

Cash Balance plans offer a great way to boost your retirement savings, lower your taxes, and speed up your savings during high-income years. They provide more flexibility compared to traditional pension plans, yet allow for high annual contributions and are often paired with existing 401(k)/profit sharing plans. In this episode, ACap's Matt Crisafulli is joined by Kevin Palm of Kravitz, Inc.,...

Stock splits - are they good or bad for investors. Tune in to this episode as we cover: 1. What is a stock split? 2. What is the difference between a forward and a reverse stock split? 3. Is a stock split good or bad for investors? 4. How does a stock split affect my cost basis? 5. How does a stock split affect my taxes? Read Full Article: https://www.acapam.com/blog/whats-a-stock-split-and-how-do...

In this episode we discuss: An explanation of what a trust is. Determining whether you need to set up a trust. Situations where a trust might not be necessary. Understanding the probate process. Whether you need a lawyer to set up a trust. Read full article: https://www.acapam.com/taxes/what-is-a-trust-and-do-i-need-one/ Financial Advisor in Los Angeles, CA CPA in Los Angeles, CA Schedule a free C...

In this episode, we cover several important topics related to fiduciary financial advisors. First, we explain what a fiduciary financial advisor is, detailing their responsibilities and how they differ from other types of financial advisors. Next, we discuss how you can determine if your financial advisor is a fiduciary, highlighting key indicators and questions to ask. We also explore the various...

Cash Balance plans offer a strategic avenue to enhance retirement savings, optimize tax efficiency, and capitalize on earning potential, particularly during high-income phases. These plans provide more flexibility than traditional pension options while enabling substantial annual contributions, often complementing existing 401(k) or profit-sharing arrangements. In this episode, ACap's Matt Cr...