Take a look at our May newsletter!
FACING THE FINANCIAL DEATH STAR? Star Wars Day Motivation to Beat the IRS
“We need that level of preparedness
May the Force be with you.
No, I’m not suggesting the IRS is an evil Sith Lord in disguise. However, the essence of that epic space moment with rebels challenging a colossal empire mirrors our own real-world battles with giant, seemingly insurmountable bureaucracies. It’s similar to when you get that notice saying you owe a baffling amount — it could be a grand, it could be 20 grand. Either way, suddenly, it’s you against the financial Death Star. Tackling the IRS often feels like you’re plotting to take down the shields of the actual Death Star. You need a plan, right? You set it, start walking it, and then — bam! — something comes up. It may be a discrepancy or it could be a new tax code rule, and just like those rebels had to adapt their tactics, you tweak your plan and keep moving. Think about it: The rebels knew they couldn’t just charge in guns blazing. They had to travel to specific planets, like Endor, to disable shield generators or collect information, ensuring their final assault would even stand a chance. We, the regular folks facing the tax behemoth, also need to strategize our steps meticulously. You lay out Plan A, but always have a B and C ready to roll out because it’s so important to be able to pivot. And at the end of the day, if your plans are solid and you know how to execute them, chances are you’ll come out on top. The rebels had their secret intel; they knew exactly which base to hit to drop the Empire’s defenses. We need that level of preparedness and insight to navigate through tax season without getting blasted. So, this Star Wars Day, remember: Like our rebel heroes, sometimes all you need is the right plan, a bit of guts, and the flexibility to pivot when necessary. May the Force be with you, this month and beyond! -Ben Golden
In honor of National Star Wars Day on May 4, I have an interesting parallel that might resonate with anyone who’s ever felt a little outnumbered, especially when it comes to taking on something as monumental as the IRS. This might sound a bit out there in a galaxy far, far away, but stick with me — it’s kind of like “Star Wars.” You know the gist: a big, evil empire reigning supreme, a band of rebels determined to topple it, the whole David vs. Goliath vibe. That’s essentially the bread and butter of the “Star Wars” saga, and it’s incredible. But what if I told you there’s more to it, something that is similar to our mundane (and often frustrating) dealings with taxes?
and insight to navigate through tax season without getting blasted.”
MAY 2025
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BIG DREAMS, SMALL BUDGET DESTINATION DUPES THAT DELIVER Have you been planning, saving, and dreaming about the perfect getaway only to realize your bucket list destination comes with a bucketload of expenses? Don’t put away that passport yet! Some of the most talked about travel locales today are destination dupes — places offering all the charm, culture, and excitement of big-name hot spots without the sky- high price tag. Let’s get packing with these wallet-friendly wonders that let you travel big! Liverpool for London London is one of the most popular cities for tourists, and it doesn’t come cheap. But, if you have your heart set on experiencing British history, a tasty pint, and great places to explore on foot, Liverpool is quickly becoming a beloved alternative to the country’s capital. Highly walkable, minus the chaos of London’s hustle and bustle, Liverpool offers so much to see and a truly British experience. Not only does it have entertainment and charm, it’s the birthplace of The Beatles. Though you will miss out on Buckingham Palace, you can experience rock royalty at the famous Cavern Club, where some of Britain’s greatest rock bands performed.
Learn From Ben Golden TRANSFORM YO
Heads up — we came out with a book!
In the world of entrepreneurship and business, tax planning is often overlooked (yet crucial) for securing financial freedom. Ben Golden’s debut book, “The Art of Tax Planning,” which debuted on March 18, has quickly become a popular guide, reaching impressive rankings as No. 1 in Small Business Taxes and Tax Law and No. 2 in Personal Taxes on Amazon. Ben draws from a wealth of experience to offer tailored, advanced strategies that go beyond basic compliance. His book leverages real-life case studies and his Golden Path approach to provide readers with step-by-step guidance through the complexities of tax planning. Ben’s methods are designed to help readers minimize liabilities and boost financial efficiency through informed strategic decision-making.
What sets this book apart? “The Art of Tax Planning” explores why generic tax strategies often fail and how to craft a personalized plan that significantly reduces one’s tax burden. Key topics include selecting the most beneficial business structure, whether that’s an LLC, S-Corp,
Kraków for Rome Though Poland may seem
worlds apart from Italy, Kraków has the same fairytale charm and old-school style as Rome. Unlike Rome, Kraków has more breathing room and a far more laid-back atmosphere. If the history of Rome calls to you, you’ll find many historical sites in the city to explore, including the Wawel Castle. And foodies can enjoy a wide variety of cuisines, from traditional Polish to Middle Eastern dishes.
Budapest for Barcelona Barcelona tops many people’s list of must-see cities, making the summers incredibly busy and expensive. If you want an architectural treat with a fascinating history akin to Spain’s central city, you can head to Hungary. Budapest is the country’s largest city and features buildings representing many eras of design, from art nouveau to baroque. You’ll also find a history museum for everyone in your family, from the House of Terror to the Museum of Fine Art.
CREAMY CHICKEN CARBONARA Inspired by TheKitchn.com
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or C-Corp, and strategically using deductions, credits, and exclusions to lower taxes. n’s Wealth of Experience OUR TAX GAME Ben also explores tactics such as income shifting, trust planning, and asset protection to help those looking to save on taxes and protect and grow their wealth in compliance with the law. Who should read this book? This book is tailored for a diverse audience — from new entrepreneurs to seasoned business owners, as well as high net worth individuals seeking tax-advantaged investment strategies. It’s also an
CASE SNAPSHOT Client: Individual Taxpayer Type of IRS Issue: Personal Income Tax Form 1040 and Civil Penalty Tax Years in Question: 2009, 2012, 2018, 2023 IRS Claimed Liability: $1,479,745.91 Success: Installment Agreement for $2,200/month At IRS Trouble Solvers, we take pride in helping clients navigate even the toughest tax challenges. In this case, a taxpayer came to us after struggling to resolve a significant tax liability with the IRS. Having attempted to submit an Offer in Compromise on their own, they faced roadblocks and increasing tensions with their assigned revenue officer. The IRS had even threatened to seize their home, as they were not currently residing in it. Our team immediately stepped in and dedicated over a year and a half to this case. We meticulously prepared the necessary financial disclosures, negotiating tirelessly with the IRS to find a resolution that would prevent the drastic measure of home seizure. Despite delays and multiple filings, we successfully secured a Partial Payment Installment Agreement of just $2,200 per month — a far better outcome than the looming risk of losing their home. This case is a testament to the power of expert tax resolution. When the IRS applies pressure, we apply strategy. If you or someone you know is facing overwhelming tax debt, we’re here to help. From IRS Threats to Tax Relief
invaluable resource for CPAs, financial planners, and tax professionals looking to enhance their services and advice. The book’s main takeaway is this: don’t just react — plan ahead . Whether you’re aiming to optimize your tax returns or overhaul your business’s financial strategies, Ben Golden’s insights are your first step toward mastering the art of tax planning. Grab your copy today, and start transforming your approach to taxes!
INGREDIENTS
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12 oz spaghetti or linguine 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast, sliced (8 oz)
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4 oz pancetta or bacon, diced 2 cloves garlic, minced 1/2 cup pasta water 1 tbsp chopped parsley, optional
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Salt and pepper 1 tbsp olive oil
4 large eggs
3 oz Parmesan cheese
DIRECTIONS
1. Cook pasta in boiling water until al dente. Save 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain. 2. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat, and cook chicken until golden and fully cooked. Remove chicken. 3. In a bowl, mix eggs and Parmesan cheese until smooth. 4. Add pancetta to chicken pan, cook until crispy, then stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds. 5. Toss pasta with pancetta, then remove from heat. Stir in egg mixture, adding reserved pasta water gradually until creamy. 6. Mix in chicken and garnish with parsley before serving.
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1 Navigating the Galactic Battle of Taxes Like a Jedi 2 Travel Swaps That Save You Thousands INSIDE THIS ISSUE Check Out Ben’s New Book! 3 Creamy Chicken Carbonara Win of the Month 4 Top Budget Apps to Take Control of Your Finances
The Best Budget Apps to Keep Your Finances in Check Budget Smarter, Not Harder
Honeydue: For Couples Honeydue is for couples looking to manage their finances together. Partners can link their bank accounts, credit cards, loans, and investments while choosing how much financial information to share. The app automatically categorizes expenses, sets spending limits, and sends alerts when nearing a budget cap. It even includes a chat feature for discussing transactions. Best of all, it’s completely free. PocketGuard: For Overspenders If you tend to overspend, PocketGuard is an excellent solution. The app tracks your bills, savings goals, and spending habits to show how much money you have left for daily expenses. The “In My Pocket” feature helps prevent overspending by giving you a real-time look at available funds. Alerts notify you when you’re approaching or exceeding your limits. Take Control of Your Finances Whether you need a structured system like YNAB or an app to rein in spending like PocketGuard, there’s an option for everyone. Choose the app that fits your needs and start making smarter financial decisions today.
Budgeting isn’t the most exciting thing in the world, but it’s vital if you want to reach your financial goals. Whether trying to break free from the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle, saving for a dream vacation, or keeping yourself from impulse-buying, the right app can make all the difference. Thankfully, budgeting apps have come a long way, and in 2025, these top picks will help you take control of your money.
YNAB: For Serious Budgeters YNAB (You Need a Budget) is ideal for those who want complete control over their finances. Using a zero-based budgeting system — income minus spending and savings should equal zero every month — this app ensures every dollar has a purpose before you spend it. Unlike traditional apps that focus on past transactions, YNAB helps users break the paycheck-to- paycheck cycle by planning ahead. You can sync bank accounts, credit cards, and loans and access the app across multiple devices.
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