THE SPRINGTIME MONEY SHIFT SHARPEN YOUR TAX STRATEGY FOR NEXT YEAR
Ah, May … the time when your taxes are (hopefully) done for another year, and you can relax without thinking about them again until the first quarter of 2027.
Were you surprised to discover you had inadvertently left money on the table? Did you end up owing the IRS? Make sure that you’re withholding enough funds from your paycheck now to support your tax commitments next year. Additionally, consider how any major changes or activities you have planned for the remainder of the year (bonuses, home office use, cryptocurrency trading, etc.) may impact your filing moving forward. DECLUTTER YOUR DIGITAL DOCUMENTS. Years ago, you may have walked into your accountant’s office with a shoebox full of notes and paper receipts. While digital technology has enabled us to save a few trees each year, that doesn’t mean that your recordkeeping is any less cluttered. Rather than piling
up paperwork, you may have digital folders full of disorganized, misnamed, or unnecessary files. Take the time to ensure your digital bookkeeping is streamlined, with files easy to locate and access. STEER CLEAR OF SCAMS. As 2026 winds down and 2027 begins, incidents of tax-related fraud and scams are likely to ramp up. Avoid following advice from self-proclaimed “tax experts” on social media, as anyone can pretend to be anything online. Additionally, don’t respond to any calls or texts from people who claim to be from the IRS, especially if these people demand you pay money or take other immediate actions, and pay close attention to any links you receive to spot misspellings or anything else that may be suspicious.
Right? Wrong!
In reality, there’s no such thing as “tax season,” as staying on top of your finances and tax obligations is a year-long commitment. Here are three important considerations for how you can use the rest of this year to create a clearer (and potentially more financially beneficial) picture of your taxes going into 2027. ADJUST TO AVOID ANXIETY. With your 2026 tax filing finally out of the way, now is the perfect time to give yourself a midyear reality check. What worked with your filing? What didn’t?
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SHRIMP TACO SOUP
Inspired by FoodNetwork.com
INGREDIENTS • 1 tbsp chili powder • 1 1/2 tsp ground cumin • 1 tsp garlic powder • 1 tsp onion powder • 2 1/2 tsp kosher salt, divided • Black pepper, to taste • 3 tbsp olive oil • 1 small onion, diced
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1 red bell pepper, diced
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1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
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1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
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Jalapeño slices, chopped cilantro,
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2 tsp agave 2 cups water
Greek yogurt, crushed tortilla chips, and lime wedges, for toppings as desired
1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained 10 oz frozen corn
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1. In a small bowl, mix chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, 1 tsp salt, and pepper. 2. In a large pot, heat oil over medium-high heat, then add onion and peppers; cook 5–6 minutes. 3. Stir in seasoning mix. 4. Add tomatoes, agave, water, remaining salt, and more pepper to taste. Let simmer for 15 minutes. 5. Stir in beans and corn, then add shrimp. 6. Cook 4–5 minutes, until shrimp are cooked through. 7. Add desired toppings before serving. DIRECTIONS
BLOOM CINCO COMIC DERBY EMERALD GEMINI
GRADUATION LILY MEMORIAL MOTHER
RENEWAL VETERANS
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