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ROCKY WAS RIGHT! IT’S NOT ABOUT THE HIT, IT’S ABOUT THE GET UP
Everyone gets knocked down at some point. Sometimes, it’s massive with a major setback, a financial hit, or a moment that shakes your confidence. Other times, it can pile up through stress, responsibilities, and problems you’ve been avoiding. Either way, there’s a moment when you’re sitting there feeling tired and defeated. That moment is universal, and it’s exactly why reminders to stand back up matter so much, even when we roll our eyes at them. We don’t need another cheesy slogan. We need a nudge to remember that staying down is rarely an option. Life doesn’t pause because we’re overwhelmed. It keeps moving, dishes and deadlines included, whether we’re ready or not. That’s what National Get Up Day on Feb. 1 is really about. It’s not about pretending things are easy or brushing off real struggles. Instead, it focuses on choosing to rise anyway, facing what’s coming, taking responsibility, and moving forward with purpose, even when it’s uncomfortable.
works out. At some point, you have to get back up, understand what’s coming, and face it head-on.
National Get Up Day is really about mindset and recognizing what you’re up against and deciding how you’re going to respond. Are you playing offense or defense? Are you letting life become a stumbling block, or are you turning it into a stepping stone? Because if you don’t decide how you’re going to play the game, you’re not really playing at all. “Adulting” is also important. We all have those everyday responsibilities that don’t magically take care of themselves. The dishes won’t get done unless someone does them. Problems won’t get solved unless someone steps in. Every single day, we get an opportunity to show up, take ownership, and deal with what’s in front of us, not perfectly, but intentionally. That’s where having the right support matters. Facing significant challenges alone often makes them feel bigger than they are. Whether it’s life, finances, or tax issues, the first step is understanding exactly what you’re facing. The second is deciding how to face it. The third is creating a clear plan of attack, and the fourth, and often the most difficult, is following through. Accountability plays a huge role here. Most people don’t love it. No one enjoys having their feet held to the fire, but accountability is what keeps small problems from turning into disasters. If you put off doing the dishes for long enough, suddenly you’re dealing with a bigger mess. If you ignore problems for a while, the consequences can multiply. That’s why these four cornerstones, change, time, investment, and accountability, matter so much. You have to change your mindset when you fall, respect the time it takes to fix things, invest in the right partners and professionals, and accept accountability so the work actually gets done. So, take this as your reminder: It’s time to get up, wake up, and get rolling. Don’t let life happen to you. Go out and make it happen. Change your thinking, build the right team, and GSD: Get stuff done! -Ben Golden
“Every single day, we get an opportunity to show up, take ownership, and deal with what’s in front of us, not perfectly, but intentionally.”
That message shows up in one of the most iconic (and my favorite) movies about perseverance: “Rocky.” While it’s a great movie about boxing, it’s also about someone who starts out as a nobody, gets a shot, takes the hit, and refuses to stay down. One of the most memorable lines from the later films sums it up perfectly: “It’s not about how many times you get knocked down, it’s about how many times you get back up.” That’s not just movie magic. It’s life. When life hits you, it won’t be fair. It will jab you where it hurts most: your finances, confidence, and sense of stability. There will be moments when quitting feels easier than continuing, and times when walking away or pretending the problem doesn’t exist feels like the only way to cope. But ignoring reality doesn’t make it disappear. Just like life, the IRS doesn’t stop because you’re overwhelmed. You can’t bury your head in the sand and hope it all
FEB 2026
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For many Americans, Valentine’s Day is synonymous with romance. We get reservations weeks or months in advance, shower our partners in love and affection, and enjoy an extravagant date night. It’s a day filled with high expectations, and with that comes stress and pressure. If you feel like you’re always going above and beyond to impress on Valentine’s Day without getting the same effort in return, it may be time to show yourself some extra love. Everyone deserves a happy and fulfilling life, but it can be hard to achieve when work, relationships, and other pressures weigh us down. Most of us rarely take time for ourselves, so as the pressure builds, we start to experience episodes of burnout, depression, and anxiety. This Valentine’s Day or sometime close to it, take time for yourself and practice self-care. It will help you feel rejuvenated while removing any negative thoughts that have been lingering around. Your Valentine’s Day Self-Care Guide LOVE YOURSELF LIKE YOU MEAN IT
IRS AUDITS ARE POIS
WHAT TAXPAYERS NEED TO KNOW For many taxpayers, the word audit sparks immediate anxiety. While most people will never experience one, the reality is that IRS audits are expected to increase in 2026, especially for higher-income individuals and complex business entities. This isn’t speculation. It’s part of a deliberate, data-driven shift by the IRS already underway. What’s driving the increase in audits? The largest reason audits are expected to rise is the IRS’s renewed focus on closing the “tax gap,” the difference between taxes owed and taxes actually paid. According to the IRS’s Strategic Operating Plan update, audit rates for individuals earning more than $10 million annually are
projected to rise by more than 50% by 2026 compared with 2019 levels. Corporate audits for companies with over $250 million in assets could nearly triple, while large partnership audits may increase by as much as 10 times. Who is most likely to be affected? Despite widespread concern, most middle-income households and small businesses are not the target of this audit expansion. The IRS has publicly
stated that taxpayers earning under $400,000 will not see increased audit rates. Instead, enforcement efforts are focused on high-net-worth individuals, multinational corporations, and
How you approach self- care is entirely up to you,
but it almost always involves engaging in relaxing and enjoyable activities. Think about the
things you love to do the most. When was the last time you played a round of golf, went on a walk through nature, or enjoyed your favorite movie uninterrupted? Whatever your favorite activity may be, find a way to incorporate it into your self-care day.
HOT HONEY-INFUSED FETA CHICKEN INGREDIENTS
In addition to your favorite activities, take some time to pamper yourself. Get a massage, buy something for yourself that you really want, or take a long, relaxing bath. These actions will help you feel good inside and out! To ensure your self-care day is a success, consider turning off your phone and other devices for the duration of the day. Scrolling through social media will not help you feel any better; in fact, it will likely make you feel worse. This is a time to focus on yourself and ensure you get the attention and love you deserve. If you waste the whole day scrolling through TikTok or X, you’ll focus on everything but yourself.
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2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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3 tbsp crumbled feta cheese
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1 tsp salt
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2 tsp fresh rosemary chopped (or thyme)
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1/2 tsp black pepper
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 tbsp lemon juice (optional)
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3 tbsp hot honey
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THE BENEFIT OF PARTIAL PAYMENT INSTALLMENT AGREEMENTS CASE SNAPSHOT Client: Husband and Wife, Each With Their Own Business Type of IRS Issue: Payroll Forms Tax Years in Question: 2012–2023 Payroll Taxes and Business Income Taxes IRS Claimed Liability: $276,847.63 Savings: $264,847.53 This client came to us with payroll tax and business tax issues. Due to the husband battling lymphoma and the wife suffering from Hashimoto’s disease, both were struggling to run their businesses and keep compliant with the IRS. To add to the stress, the client’s lease was not renewed as the house was sold, and the client had to move several times while we worked with them. Part of their liability stemmed from an issue with the Schedule C payroll forms. We investigated the issue and discovered that the forms were correctly filed; however, the IRS was experiencing issues updating its systems. After correcting the problem, we were able to negotiate a Partial Payment Installment Agreement that will ultimately save the clients $264,847.53, or 95.7% of their original liability. WIN OF THE MONTH
SED TO RISE IN 2026
W NOW
complex partnerships, where underreporting is more difficult to detect, and the potential revenue recovery is significantly higher.
What are some audit triggers to watch for? While income level plays a role, certain factors can raise red flags regardless of earnings. These include unusually large
deductions, aggressive business losses, foreign bank accounts, cryptocurrency transactions, and inconsistencies between reported income and third-party records. The more complex your return, the more important accuracy becomes.
How can you protect yourself this year? Preparation is your best defense. Start by maintaining detailed records for income, expenses, and deductions. If your finances are complicated, working with a CPA or enrolled agent can help ensure compliance and spot potential issues before filing. It’s also wise
to review returns carefully for errors and correct mistakes proactively through amended filings when necessary.
DIRECTIONS
1. Pat chicken dry and season both sides with salt and pepper. 2. In a skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil. 3. Sear chicken for 2–3 minutes on each side until golden. 4. In a small bowl, mix hot honey and minced garlic to create a glaze. 5. Place the seared chicken in a baking dish. Pour the hot honey mixture over top. 6. Sprinkle chicken with crumbled feta, then rosemary or thyme. 7. Bake at 400 F for 20–25 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165 F. 8. Optional: Broil for 1–2 minutes for extra caramelization. 9. Let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with lemon juice and extra herbs before serving.
Inspired by LadySavor.com
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1 Overwhelmed, Tired, and Defeated? This Is Your Sign to Get Up 2 Reclaiming Valentine’s Day for Yourself Inside the IRS’s Plan to Increase Enforcement INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Hot Honey-Infused Feta Chicken
3 Win of the Month 4 Island Hop on a Hassle-Free Adventure to These Travel Destinations
A Cruise Where Your Passport Can Stay Home Set Sail on a Getaway That Keeps Things Simple
Have you been dreaming of a getaway, but the thought of renewing your passport is too much? Don’t worry, you can set sail without leaving the country. Passport-free cruises make it easy to explore charming towns, sunny beaches, and vibrant ports, all while keeping the logistics simple. Canada and New England Adventures Who says you need a passport to explore charming cobblestone streets, colorful harbors, and breathtaking fall foliage? Cruises from Boston,
For a tropical twist, Royal Caribbean’s Southern Caribbean Holiday cruise begins in San Juan and visits Barbados, Trinidad, Tobago, and St. Maarten. Bahamian Bliss Florida’s sunny ports are your gateway to The Bahamas. From Miami, Port Everglades, or Port Canaveral, you can hop on a Carnival or Disney cruise for a few nights of fun. Disney Cruise Line’s three-night Bahamian adventure aboard the Disney Wish includes Nassau and the legendary Disney Castaway Cay. Sand, sun, and smiles await without ever leaving U.S. waters.
New York City, and Cape Liberty (New Jersey) make it easy to experience the magic of Canada and New England. Stroll through Halifax, Nova Scotia, savor lobster in Portland, Maine, or take in the quaint charm of Bar
Bermuda Bound Just 570 miles off North Carolina, Bermuda is a perfect East Coast escape. Departing from New York City, Boston, Norfolk, or Miami, you can enjoy sandy pink beaches, historic Hamilton, and the charm of St. George. Carnival and Oceania offer cruises with relaxing days at sea and island adventures, perfect for a tropical getaway close to home. From the historic streets of New England to the sparkling waters of the Caribbean, these passport-free cruises make it easy to see the world while keeping things simple.
Harbor. With Norwegian Cruise Line, you can enjoy a journey hitting all these spots before returning to the Big Apple. Sun, Sand, and Caribbean Vibes If turquoise waters and golden beaches are more your style, the Caribbean is calling, and you don’t need a passport if you start from U.S. ports like Miami, Tampa, or Fort Lauderdale. Regent Seven Seas invites travelers aboard the Wonders in the Caribbean cruise, stopping in the Cayman Islands, Belize, Mexico, and more.
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