https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Of6dysqMJ04

In a sea of investment choices, it can be overwhelming to determine which are the best investments for you. But don’t let overwhelm keep you in the dark, procrastinating, making mediocre decisions, losing money, and perpetually frustrated. The first step to confident investing is having a clear picture of exactly what you want and WHY.  Knowing what you want allows you to set goals that will advance you towards your destination and measure your progress.  Secondly, prepare.  Next, you need to be armed with the tools to identify opportunities that match.  Finally, you implement, measure progress, and repeat.

* Define success* Prepare* Identify opportunities that match* Implement* Measure progress* Rinse and repeat

Where Investing Fits into the Cash Flow System

In the Cash Flow System, you first keep more of the money you make.  Then you protect your money.  Finally, you increase and make more.

Investing is part of stage 3.  Building a cash-flowing asset portfolio of real estate and business accelerates time and money freedom.

In the last article, Saving vs. Investing: What is Investing? Part 1 – Cash Flow, we’ve illustrated the power of cash flow in creating financial freedom.

Before that, we discussed the preparation of habitual saving that allows you to build usable capital.

Today, we’ll help you select your opportunities by answering:

* How do I determine the best investments for me?* How do I minimize risk?

We’ll help you determine investment options for you by showing you that the answer lies in the most unexpected place.

And then we’ll give you the #1 secret to lowering your investment risk.

How Do I Determine the Best Investments for Me?

Now that you have a vision for what you want your investments to do, let’s go shopping.  How do you figure out what the best investment options are?

Asset Categories

Instead of narrowing down your choices, we first need to expand the options.  Unfortunately, what you’re typically offered is like seeing the appetizer menu only, when there’s a full range of salad, soup, entrée, dessert, and cocktail menus to choose from.

While you may have been led to believe that your options are all housed in the stock market, the world of investing is much broader.

There are four main asset categories to choose from:

* Paper Assets* Commodities* Real Estate* Business

Paper Assets

Paper assets include stocks, bonds, mutual funds, options, savings accounts, and the forex market.

Within this category are equities (stocks), fixed income assets (bonds), and cash equivalents that include money market accounts.

Often, paper assets are wrapped into a basket of mutual funds with various risk levels.

There are many ways to invest in the stock market, including using a broker or through an individual brokerage account.  Strategies range from buy-and-hold,

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gyCnJkfwNbU

Many successful REALTORS® struggle when it comes to planning for the future.  They have high incomes, live an upper-middle-class lifestyle or better, build growing businesses.  However, they don’t have a plan for future income that they’re confident will lead to financial freedom. This is no truer than in the REALTOR® community.  More than 50% of REALTORS® are broke at the end of their career.  They’re making good money, but overpaying in taxes, spending too much of their money, and don’t have cash flow.  50% don’t own their own homes.  Most want to invest in real estate to build multiple sources of income, but don’t have the capital to invest.

This problem has come to the attention of NAR, the National Association of REALTORS®, a 1.2-Million-member Trade Association.  NAR’s leaders have recognized the need for financial planning among its members, saying “REALTORS® are successful in their careers, but struggle when it is time to retire.”

Where Financial Education Fits into the Cash Flow System

At The Money Advantage, we are a community of wealth creators.  We are entrepreneurially-minded business owners who are taking control of our lives and financial destiny.  We have a compass that always points back to the principles of wealth, not just to strategies or products.  You need the right mindset, philosophy, and principles of abundance, expansive thinking, creation, cash flow, and control in place first before any financial tactics can genuinely benefit and serve you.

In the Cash Flow System, you first increase cash flow by keeping more of the money you make. Then you protect your money.  Finally, you increase and make more.

This conversation on personal finance, and principles of wealth creation fits right into the very first step of the first phase.

2017 National Association of REALTORS® Financial Planning Goals

This year, NAR has plans to focus on this problem.  They’ve mobilized an advisory group in 2017 to develop programs and ideas to help their members start planning as early as they can to save for a strong financial future.

In keeping with The Money Advantage’s purpose to empower business owners with financial education to increase their cash flow and control of their financial resources and accelerate their journey to financial freedom, we are actively creating solutions that address this need.

To discuss solutions and a way forward for REALTORS®, we interviewed Moses Seuram, REALTOR® and the 2018 NYSAR (New York State Association of REALTORS®, Inc.) President-Elect.

REALTORS and other business owners can glean from this conversation and be empowered to create financial freedom.

From the Vantage Point of a Working REALTOR® and Local and National Leader

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gyCnJkfwNbU

Many successful REALTORS® struggle when it comes to planning for the future.  They have high incomes, live an upper-middle-class lifestyle or better, build growing businesses.  However, they don’t have a plan for future income that they’re confident will lead to financial freedom. This is no truer than in the REALTOR® community.  More than 50% of REALTORS® are broke at the end of their career.  They’re making good money, but overpaying in taxes, spending too much of their money, and don’t have cash flow.  50% don’t own their own homes.  Most want to invest in real estate to build multiple sources of income, but don’t have the capital to invest.

This problem has come to the attention of NAR, the National Association of REALTORS®, a 1.2-Million-member Trade Association.  NAR’s leaders have recognized the need for financial planning among its members, saying “REALTORS® are successful in their careers, but struggle when it is time to retire.”

Where Financial Education Fits into the Cash Flow System

At The Money Advantage, we are a community of wealth creators.  We are entrepreneurially-minded business owners who are taking control of our lives and financial destiny.  We have a compass that always points back to the principles of wealth, not just to strategies or products.  You need the right mindset, philosophy, and principles of abundance, expansive thinking, creation, cash flow, and control in place first before any financial tactics can genuinely benefit and serve you.

In the Cash Flow System, you first increase cash flow by keeping more of the money you make. Then you protect your money.  Finally, you increase and make more.

This conversation on personal finance, and principles of wealth creation fits right into the very first step of the first phase.

2017 National Association of REALTORS® Financial Planning Goals

This year, NAR has plans to focus on this problem.  They’ve mobilized an advisory group in 2017 to develop programs and ideas to help their members start planning as early as they can to save for a strong financial future.

In keeping with The Money Advantage’s purpose to empower business owners with financial education to increase their cash flow and control of their financial resources and accelerate their journey to financial freedom, we are actively creating solutions that address this need.

To discuss solutions and a way forward for REALTORS®, we interviewed Moses Seuram, REALTOR® and the 2018 NYSAR (New York State Association of REALTORS®, Inc.) President-Elect.

REALTORS and other business owners can glean from this conversation and be empowered to create financial freedom.

From the Vantage Point of a Working REALTOR® and Local and National Leader

Moses’ unique vantage point gives him the credibility to participate in creating the solution.

He’s earned his way, not only as a successful REALTOR(R) but also as an accomplished leader who’s volunteering and giving back to his community.

His accomplishments include:

Licensed Real Estate Associate Broker with KeystoneRealtyUSA

2018 NYSAR (New York State Association of REALTORS®, Inc.) President-Elect

2013 President of LIBOR (Long Island Board of REALTORS®)

2013 YPN (Young Professionals Network) Top 20 Under 40 Lifetime Achievement Award

2009 – 2016 REALTORS® Honor Society

2010 REALTOR® Salesperson of the Year

Treasurer for The Long Island REALTORS® Federal Credit Union

Director, National Association of REALTORS®

Executive Director, New York State Association of REALTORS®

Along with the National Association of REALTORS®, Moses has also played an integral role in lobbying for key provisions for homeowners and REALTORS® in the 2017 Tax Reform.

Additionally, he is a successful real estate investor who’s taking control of his financial life and living the principles of Prosperity.  He models and teaches the value of paying yourself fir...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NDYuAcl2qVA

Most investing returns fizzle far beneath our expectations.  When we most want our money to generate cash flow, we end up flatlining, or even losing money. The prosperity and confidence we'd hoped for elude us, leaving us more anxious and uncertain instead. Could it be that we have our sights on the wrong target?  Let's take a look at investing from a cash flow perspective to untangle the confusion and bring you investing clarity.

You need to understand why this investing performance failure occurs, in order to overcome it, get your money working for you, and create the financial peace and prosperity you desire.

This segment on investing tells you how.

Where Cash Flow Investing Fits into the Cash Flow System

We love cash flow.  Cash flow today is the stepping stone for cash flow tomorrow. In the Cash Flow System, you first increase cash flow by keeping more of the money you make.  Then you protect your money.  Finally, you increase and make more.

Investing is part of stage 3.  Building a cash-flowing asset portfolio of real estate and business accelerates time and money freedom.

Why Investing Is the Finale and the Catalyst of Saving

This article fits into a larger series on saving and investing.

We’ve explored the WHY, HOW, and WHAT of a successful savings strategy.  We gave clear guidelines on how to create the habit of paying yourself first to build an Emergency/Opportunity Fund that’s safe, liquid and growing.  We distinguished savings from investing and discussed the quality of various financial vehicles in fulfilling the role of savings.

But the discussion on savings wouldn’t be complete without a framework for what to do with your savings.  Instead of leaving savings to accumulate slowly over time, we want to put those dollars to work in opportunities to accelerate financial freedom.

Putting our capital to work to earn a return is precisely the role of investing.

Saving and Investing, Better Together

You don’t save forever without the objective of putting the dollars to work.  But you can’t put dollars to work until you’ve built them up first.

And then, once you’ve invested and are earning dollars with your dollars, how do you continue your savings habit which was the foundation for your success in the first place?

Saving and investing go hand-in-hand, like the chicken and the egg.  Which came first, no one knows, but each continues to support and perpetuate the other.

Saving well will give you more money to invest.  And investing well will, in turn, give you more money to save.

Both are equally important.  Saving and investing maximize your whole personal economy, if you get them working together.

To top off this series on savings, we’ll now bring investing into the crosshairs.  This article will explore the WHAT and WHY of investing.

Let’s key in on the finer points of investing to answer further:

* What are opportunities?* What is investing?* How is investing different from saving?* What are the end goals of investing?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NDYuAcl2qVA

Most investing returns fizzle far beneath our expectations.  When we most want our money to generate cash flow, we end up flatlining, or even losing money. The prosperity and confidence we'd hoped for elude us, leaving us more anxious and uncertain instead. Could it be that we have our sights on the wrong target?  Let's take a look at investing from a cash flow perspective to untangle the confusion and bring you investing clarity.

You need to understand why this investing performance failure occurs, in order to overcome it, get your money working for you, and create the financial peace and prosperity you desire.

This segment on investing tells you how.

Table of contentsWhere Cash Flow Investing Fits into the Cash Flow SystemWhy Investing Is the Finale and the Catalyst of SavingSaving and Investing, Better TogetherWhat Is Investing?How Is Investing Different from Saving?The Purpose of Investing: Two Types of GrowthA Word to the Wise: The Ultimate Goal of All Investing Is Cash FlowHere’s an Example:Accumulation-Based InvestingCash-Flow InvestingCash-Flow Investing Accelerates Financial FreedomCash Flow Investing Increases Net WorthA Closer Look at Your Financial StatementsIn ConclusionUp NextThe 7-Part Saving and Investing SeriesTake Action

Where Cash Flow Investing Fits into the Cash Flow System

We love cash flow.  Cash flow today is the stepping stone for cash flow tomorrow. In the Cash Flow System, you first increase cash flow by keeping more of the money you make.  Then you protect your money.  Finally, you increase and make more.

Investing is part of stage 3.  Building a cash-flowing asset portfolio of real estate and business accelerates time and money freedom.

Why Investing Is the Finale and the Catalyst of Saving

This article fits into a larger series on saving and investing.

We’ve explored the WHY, HOW, and WHAT of a successful savings strategy.  We gave clear guidelines on how to create the habit of paying yourself first to build an Emergency/Opportunity Fund that’s safe, liquid and growing.  We distinguished savings from investing and discussed the quality of various financial vehicles in fulfilling the role of savings.

But the discussion on savings wouldn’t be complete without a framework for what to do with your savings.  Instead of leaving savings to accumulate slowly over time, we want to put those dollars to work in opportunities to accelerate financial freedom.

Putting our capital to work to earn a return is precisely the role of investing.

Saving and Investing, Better Together

You don’t save forever without the objective of putting the dollars to work.  But you can’t put dollars to work until you’ve built them up first.

And then, once you’ve invested and are earning dollars with your dollars, how do you continue your savings habit which was the foundation for your success in the first place?

Saving and investing go hand-in-hand, like the chicken and the egg.  Which came first, no one knows, but each continues to support and perpetuate the other.

Saving well will give you more money to invest.  And investing well will, in turn, give you more money to save.

Both are equally important.  Saving and investing maximize your whole personal economy, if you get them working together.

To top off this series on savings, we’ll now bring investing into the crosshairs.  This article will explore the WHAT and WHY of investing.

Let’s key in on the finer points of investing to answer further:

What are opportunities?What is investing?How is investing different from saving?What are the end goals of investing?How do investments change my financial life and create financial freedom?

Investing is much larger than the steps of a deal, investment returns, or the best stocks today.  If you camp out in the HOW and WHAT but miss the WHY and the principles, you can end up way off track, losing money,

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qZrpe_0rpVU

We interviewed Kevin Clayson, author of FLIP the Gratitude Switch.  He has made it his life’s work to empower people with a powerful, tangible formula that puts gratitude to work.

Gratitude is a key ingredient in the abundance mindset recipe required for building a life and business you love.  It’s like the yeast in a bread recipe or the coffee beans in the coffee.  In fact, I’d go so far as to say it’s the elixir of life.  It has the power to heal, elevate, bring clarity, create solutions, expand love, and increase your personal power.  It’s miraculous when it’s applied.But for many of us, gratitude is plentiful when things are going well, and non-existent when we face problems.  In the difficult moments, gratitude seems unattainable.

So, we chalk it up to good intentions and cutesy idealism that doesn’t work.

This conversation will help you believe again in gratitude's astonishing power and put it into action with a simple formula.

Table of contentsWhere Your Mindset Fits into the Cash Flow SystemThe Chief Officer of Awesome: Kevin ClaysonMindset Is EverythingGratitude Is ActionFrustration Is InevitableGratitude and What We Do in the MomentKevin Clayson's FLIP FormulaGratitude and The Power in Your Decision PointUnlocking the Power of GratitudeFind out More About Kevin ClaysonElevate Your Financial Life

Where Your Mindset Fits into the Cash Flow System

At The Money Advantage, we are a community of wealth creators.  We are entrepreneurially-minded business owners who are taking control of our lives and financial destiny.  We have a compass that always points back to the principles of wealth, not just to strategies or products.  You need the right mindset, philosophy, and principles of abundance, expansive thinking, creation, cash flow, and control in place first before any financial tactics can genuinely benefit and serve you.

In the Cash Flow System, you first increase cash flow by keeping more of the money you make. Then you protect your money.  Finally, you increase and make more.

This conversation on the mindset, philosophy, and principles of wealth creation fits right into the very first step of the first phase.

The Chief Officer of Awesome: Kevin Clayson

Kevin Clayson is the President and Owner of Gratifuel, LLC and the Co-Founder and Director of Content and Marketing at Done for You Real Estate USA.  Kevin is an international professional speaker who shares his simple formula for unlimited joy and fulfillment.

He has spoken to thousands of Middle School and High School students and is also a highly requested business and corporate speaker.  He has shared the stage with some of the biggest names in the personal development, speaking, coaching, business, and author world.

Kevin Clayson's message is guaranteed to inspire you through stories of real-life experiences as a husband, a father, a multi-million-dollar business owner and the world's ONLY Chief Officer of Awesome!

Mindset Is Everything

I learned this truth about money from a mentor:

Mental Capital X Relationship Capital = Financial Capital

Your financial success is the result of your mindset and relationships.  Your mindset creates your financial outcomes.  An abundance mindset is the cause of financial abundance, not a result of it.

Further, your mindset and relationships are the limiters on your financial success.

If you want to create financial abundance, begin by making constant, incremental, daily improvements in your mindset.

Gratitude Is Action

The main reason why gratitude seems whimsical and fairy-tale-like is that it’s invisible and we don’t comprehend it.

It’s easy to be grateful for things when life seems to be going our way.  But what then of those times when what we wish for seems to be far out of reach?  Could I suggest that we see gratitude as a disposition, a way of life that stands independent of our current situation?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qZrpe_0rpVU

We interviewed Kevin Clayson, author of FLIP the Gratitude Switch.  He has made it his life’s work to empower people with a powerful, tangible formula that puts gratitude to work.

Gratitude is a key ingredient in the abundance mindset recipe required for building a life and business you love.  It’s like the yeast in a bread recipe or the coffee beans in the coffee.  In fact, I’d go so far as to say it’s the elixir of life.  It has the power to heal, elevate, bring clarity, create solutions, expand love, and increase your personal power.  It’s miraculous when it’s applied.But for many of us, gratitude is plentiful when things are going well, and non-existent when we face problems.  In the difficult moments, gratitude seems unattainable.

So, we chalk it up to good intentions and cutesy idealism that doesn’t work.

This conversation will help you believe again in gratitude's astonishing power and put it into action with a simple formula.

Where Your Mindset Fits into the Cash Flow System

At The Money Advantage, we are a community of wealth creators.  We are entrepreneurially-minded business owners who are taking control of our lives and financial destiny.  We have a compass that always points back to the principles of wealth, not just to strategies or products.  You need the right mindset, philosophy, and principles of abundance, expansive thinking, creation, cash flow, and control in place first before any financial tactics can genuinely benefit and serve you.

In the Cash Flow System, you first increase cash flow by keeping more of the money you make. Then you protect your money.  Finally, you increase and make more.

This conversation on the mindset, philosophy, and principles of wealth creation fits right into the very first step of the first phase.

The Chief Officer of Awesome: Kevin Clayson

Kevin Clayson is the President and Owner of Gratifuel, LLC and the Co-Founder and Director of Content and Marketing at Done for You Real Estate USA.  Kevin is an international professional speaker who shares his simple formula for unlimited joy and fulfillment.

He has spoken to thousands of Middle School and High School students and is also a highly requested business and corporate speaker.  He has shared the stage with some of the biggest names in the personal development, speaking, coaching, business, and author world.

Kevin Clayson's message is guaranteed to inspire you through stories of real-life experiences as a husband, a father, a multi-million-dollar business owner and the world's ONLY Chief Officer of Awesome!

Mindset Is Everything

I learned this truth about money from a mentor:

Mental Capital X Relationship Capital = Financial Capital

Your financial success is the result of your mindset and relationships.  Your mindset creates your financial outcomes.  An abundance mindset is the cause of financial abundance, not a result of it.

Further, your mindset and relationships are the limiters on your financial success....

What Is Savings: Why We Need a Definition

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fs6S8Kfwy8Q

In all the financial pressure you feel to plan for the future, have you ever stopped to consider, fundamentally, what is savings?  Often the answer is in asking the right questions.  Concerning great issues, this is one that will behoove you to ask, understand, and answer that question for yourself.Savings is a precept of wealth-building.  It’s a foundational cornerstone and precursor to success in almost every other area of personal finance and economics.

And yet, frankly, the savings levels of American adults are embarrassing.  Most people’s bank account languishes far beneath the level of what they want to have.

According to a 2016 GOBankingRates survey, 34% of all adults in the U.S. have $0, 35% have less than $1000, and ONLY 15% have $10,000 or more.

There’s a disparity between our desire to save and the amount we have.  For that reason, our mindset about savings becomes laden with guilt.

To add insult to injury, there’s confusion about what savings, in fact, is.

It’s pretty hard to achieve something you don’t feel good about or have a clear definition of.  It will continually be “un-prioritized.”

Table of contentsWhat Is Savings: Why We Need a DefinitionWhere Savings Fits into Your Cashflow Creation SystemThe Nuts and BoltsRelated Articles and Podcast EpisodesOur Definition of Savings Needs WorkThe Starting Point of Cash FlowThe Cause and the Remedy for Lack of Cash FlowSavings: What to Do with Cash FlowSafety vs. the Chance of LossThe Distinction Between Savings and InvestmentsThe LUC TestA Measure of the Quality of SavingsApplying the Savings TestAccounts That Are Not True SavingsRetirement Accounts like the 401(k), 403(b), 457, IRA, Roth IRA, and SEPHome EquityAccess to Capital Through Lines of CreditAccounts That Are True SavingsBank Accounts & Credit Unions: Savings Accounts, Checking Accounts, CDs, and Money Market AccountsTreasury Bills, Notes, and BondsCash Value of Life InsuranceMake It Easy to SaveAutomatic Savings Gives You the Power to Make Deliberate Investment ChoicesImprove the Quality of Your SavingsUse This Exercise to See How Your Savings Stack UpTake ActionHere’s What You Can Expect NextThe 7-Part Saving and Investing Series

Where Savings Fits into Your Cashflow Creation System

Building a stockpile of savings is to help you weather months of tight income or unforeseen expenses will move you light years ahead towards peace of mind and financial stability.  But it’s just one small step of a greater journey of building time and money freedom.  

That’s why we’ve put together the 3-step Entrepreneur’s Cash Flow System.  

The first step is keeping more of the money you make.  This includes tax planning, debt restructuring, and cash flow awareness.  This step frees up and increases your cash flow, so you have more to save and invest.

Then, you’ll protect your money with savings, insurance and legal protection.  Here, you’ll create the right canopy of protection in your financial life.  This second stage encompasses all aspects of Privatized Banking, a key savings and capital deployment strategy that secures your access to capital, maximizing your control, by allowing you to be your own banker.

Finally, you’ll put your money to work and get it to make more by investing in cash-flowing assets to build time and money freedom and leave a rich legacy.

The Nuts and Bolts

To clear the air and help you save more, let’s get down to brass tacks.

We’re tackling what savings is and what it isn’t.  We’ll answer:

What is savings and what is it not?

How do I know if it’s savings?

Where can I save my money?

What are the best places to save money?

And we’ll share the four top reasons why people aren’t saving, to help you overcome them and set you on a course to financial confidence and freedom.

The foundations are the most important pieces to get right.

What Is Savings: Why We Need a Definition

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fs6S8Kfwy8Q

In all the financial pressure you feel to plan for the future, have you ever stopped to consider, fundamentally, what is savings?  Often the answer is in asking the right questions.  Concerning great questions, this is one that will behoove you to ask, understand, and answer that question for yourself.Savings.  We love having it.  We know we need it.  Everybody wants more of it.Savings is a precept of wealth-building.  It’s a foundational cornerstone and precursor to success in almost every other area of your financial life.

And yet, frankly, the savings levels of American adults are embarrassing.  Most people’s bank account languishes far beneath the level of what they want to have.

According to a 2016 GOBankingRates survey, 34% of all adults in the U.S. have $0 in savings, 35% have less than $1000, and ONLY 15% have $10,000 or more.

There’s a disparity between our desire to save and the amount we have in savings.  For that reason, our mindset about savings becomes laden with guilt.

To add insult to injury, there’s confusion about what savings, in fact, is.

It’s pretty hard to achieve something you don’t feel good about or have a clear definition of.  It will continually be “un-prioritized.”

Where Savings Fits into Your Cashflow Creation System

Building a stockpile of savings is to help you weather months of tight income or unforeseen expenses will move you light years ahead towards peace of mind and financial stability.  But it’s just one small step of a greater journey of building time and money freedom.  

That’s why we’ve put together the 3-step Entrepreneur’s Cash Flow System.  

The first step is keeping more of the money you make.  This includes tax planning, debt restructuring, cash flow awareness, and restructuring your savings so you can access it as an emergency/opportunity fund.  This step frees up and increases your cash flow, so you have more to save, and consequently, more to invest.

Then, you’ll protect your money with savings, insurance and legal protection.  Here, you’ll create the right canopy of protection in your financial life.  This second stage encompasses all aspects of Privatized Banking, a key savings and capital deployment strategy that secures your access to capital, maximizing your control, by allowing you to be your own banker.

Finally, you’ll put your money to work and get it to make more by investing in cash-flowing assets to build time and money freedom and leave a rich legacy.

The Nuts and Bolts

To clear the air and help you save more, let’s get down to brass tacks.

We’re tackling what savings is and what it isn’t.  We’ll answer:

* What is savings and what is it not?* How do I know if it’s savings?* Where can I save my money?* What are the best places to save money?

And we’ll share the four top reasons why people aren’t saving, to help you overcome them and set you on a course to finan...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W1UpHGh7Pf0

Trump's tax reform has made a lot of big changes to the tax code.  Because of the overhaul, our proactive tax team posted a series of blogs outlining the changes and what they mean for you.  When we read them, we knew right away that we wanted to share them with you. So, we brought Dustin Griffiths back on the podcast to share the changes we think are most relevant to the small business owner.  We're also sharing the links to all of their blogs to help you gain more clarity.

Disclaimer: We've published this content for educational purposes only.  For individual recommendations and advice for your specific situation, please consult with a qualified tax professional.

Listen to the Podcast

This conversation expanded on each of the following topics.  We discussed examples and situations to help you understand how the changes will apply to you.  To gain the greatest understanding, be sure to listen to the conversation.

Where Taxes Fit into the Cash Flow System

Strategically (and legally) shrinking your tax liability is a huge part of fixing your money leaks.  But it’s just one small step of a greater journey of building time and money freedom.  

That’s why we’ve put together the 3-step Entrepreneur’s Cash Flow System.  

The first step is keeping more of the money you make.  This includes tax planning, debt restructuring, cash flow awareness, and restructuring your savings so you can access it as an emergency/opportunity fund.  This step frees up and increases your cash flow, so you have more to save, and consequently, more to invest.

Then, you’ll protect your money with savings, insurance and legal protection.  Locating and solving your money leaks is just a temporary bandaid if there’s risk that you could lose it.

Finally, you’ll put your money to work and get it to make more by investing in cash-flowing assets to build time and money freedom and leave a rich legacy.

How Trump's Tax Reform Affects You

Corporate Tax Rates

Corporate tax rates went down from 34% to 21%.  However, C corps pay a double tax.  They're taxed at the corporate level and again at the individual shareholder level when you pay yourself.  Your total tax rate must account for both, and may effectively create a total tax rate of 36 - 51%.

20% Deduction for Pass-Through Entities

Pass-through entities, like partnerships, S corporations, and sole proprietors, now will only have to claim 80% of business taxable income.  However, there are additional calculations if your AGI is over $315K or ($157K if you're single), and for service-based businesses, to determine if and how you can use this deduction.

This is a “YUGE” tax savings for many small business owners!  Without doing anything differently, many of you are going to get a 20% reduction of your business's taxable income.

Vehicle and Asset Purchases

Asset purchases have received an expansion of the Bonus Depreciation and Section 179 definition, as well as the depreciation limits.  This allows you to deduct 100% of the depreciation up front, in many cases, being able to fully expense the purchase price in the first year, for new and used assets.

This expansion puts more dollars in your pocket for large asset purchases.  However, the true test to determine whether to purchase an asset is whether you needed it in the first place.

Business Expense Changes

You can no longer deductions meals and entertainment expenses unless you use them for your employees.

If you find that you had a lot of these entertainment expenses or eating out with clients, business just got more expensive.

Changes in Real Estate Tax Laws

For residential or commercial real estate investors, the reform simplified the definition of property improvements and limited the 1031 like-kind exchanges to real property.  Additionally, rules to inventory, including real property, allow you to deduct the purchase of inventory up-front...