The Greg O'Donnell Financial Hour

02/26/2025

Sometimes, I stumble across a National Day that makes me laugh, roll my eyes, and get on with living.

But sometimes, I come across one that makes me laugh at first, and then makes me feel inspired. That’s what happened today when I saw this one … and (good news!) we all have time to prepare and give it our best …

Did you know that July 26th is National All-or-Nothing Day? It’s a day dedicated to completing your to-do list and making things happen.

We’re only five months away!!!!

How are you going to prepare for this day? How will getting ready for it inform you while the day approaches and after? Great questions.

So check in and see how you strive every day. How do you give your all? In doing so, you pave the way for others to follow.

02/24/2025

Catching up on retirement savings can feel daunting, especially if you've started late. However, with strategic planning and commitment, it's entirely possible to build a comfortable nest egg for your future. Here are four actionable steps

02/22/2025

02/19/2025

As all our thoughts are turning to taxes for the year, I thought I’d give you a list of some creative deductions business owners should be looking for, but often don’t.

First, look at your online spending. Do you run ads on Facebook, Instagram or other social media platforms? What about any Search Engine Ads? Did you run any sponsored articles or sponsor any podcasts? Those are all online expenses that can fit the IRS’s standard of “helpful and appropriate” business expenses.

Second, what about your software expenses? Do you use online cloud storage? Video conferencing tools or online payment processing? Are you paying for a LinkedIn Premium plan or other subscription packages? All things you can itemize for deductions.

Third, what about travel for conferences? To qualify as a business cost your travel must be away for at least a full day’s work. The travel also can’t be too lavish or extravagant or for personal purposes. That said, you could write off hotel or lodging expenses, shipping of business materials for the work, airplane tickets, rental cars, and more.

Fourth, what about insurance costs? You can write off any insurance premiums that are deemed necessary for your business. Corporate vehicle, key man, malpractice, disaster, etc., could all be deducted.
There are many other things you could look at, but hopefully this gives you some thoughts to take to your tax specialist.
As always, if you have questions about your overall financial strategies, please give me a call at 866-496-2300!

02/12/2025

Throughout the year we all want to reach out and make a difference in the world. We are all looking for those opportunities to donate to a great cause.

If you're looking to spread the love, there are a lot of people in need, and I know my friends on here will be looking for opportunities to help.

Unfortunately, there are those who defraud those just trying to do some good. Every year there are stories of identities and money stolen when a kind-hearted individual attempts to donate to a fake organization.

However, here is a list of tips from the FTC that can help you meet your goal of helping those in need, while avoiding fraud.

🔬 Do your research. If you get an email or see a story on social media about a particular charity, look it up online first. Search for things like the name of the charity along with words like “complaint” or “fraud” or “scam.”

⚠️ Be careful how you pay. If someone asks that gift cards, cash, or money orders be sent for their charity, it is likely a scam.

🐢 Don’t rush. Scammers will try to hurry your decision to give. Real organizations will want you to do your research. Scammers will use tricks to get you to donate. For example, if they guarantee a sweepstakes or drawing win if you donate, it is illegal and likely a scam.

Let's make sure our kindness counts and reaches those who truly need it. Your support can make a difference. 🌍💙
Source: https://consumer.ftc.gov/features/donating-safely-and-avoiding-scams

02/10/2025

Whether you’re checking your account balances, planning your next adventure, or enjoying a well-earned retirement, markets move... and with it, your account values may as well. Recent market volatility, driven by the Federal Reserve’s announcement to

02/09/2025

🏈🏈🏈 CLICK BELOW 👇
👇 WOW YOUR FRIENDS WITH TRIVIA AND TIPS FOR THE BIG GAME! 🏈🏈🏈

The Super Bowl is only hours away! Whether you're watching for the game, the commercials, or just the snacks, you don’t want to miss this ...

📢 We’ve put together the ultimate Super Bowl guide—packed with mind-blowing stats, fun trivia, crazy food facts, and everything you need to make this Super Bowl weekend unforgettable.

Did you know that 69 million pounds of guacamole will be consumed or that one in 10 people call in sick on Monday? 🤯

🔹 What’s Inside?
✅ Super Bowl fun facts & stats
✅ The Ultimate Tailgating Checklist
✅ The Super Bowl Snack Breakdown (you won’t believe these numbers!)
✅ Trivia to test your Super Bowl knowledge
✅ A look at the most expensive commercials & what you could buy instead
✅ Coloring pages to keep the little one occupied!

You can find it at the link below - just scroll down just a bit and it's on your left!! Enjoy the big game! 🏈🍕🍻

https://odfigroup.com/financial-whitepapers/

02/08/2025

CLICK BELOW 👇
GREAT FREE GUIDE FOR TOMORROW’S BIG MATCH-UP!!! 🏈🏈🏈

The Super Bowl is almost here, and whether you're watching for the game, the commercials, or just the snacks, you don’t want to miss this!

📢 We’ve put together the ultimate Super Bowl guide—packed with mind-blowing stats, fun trivia, crazy food facts, and everything you need to make this Super Bowl weekend unforgettable.

Did you know that 69 million pounds of guacamole will be consumed or that one in 10 people call in sick on Monday? 🤯

🔹 What’s Inside?
✅ Super Bowl fun facts & stats
✅ The Ultimate Tailgating Checklist
✅ The Super Bowl Snack Breakdown (you won’t believe these numbers!)
✅ Trivia to test your Super Bowl knowledge
✅ A look at the most expensive commercials & what you could buy instead
✅ Coloring pages to keep the little one occupied!

You can find it at the link below - just scroll down just a bit and it's on your left!! Enjoy the big game! 🏈🍕🍻

https://odfigroup.com/financial-whitepapers/

02/07/2025

CLICK BELOW FOR FREEE SUPER BOWL TRIVIA AND MORE!!!

📢 We’ve put together the ultimate Super Bowl guide—packed with mind-blowing stats, fun trivia, crazy food facts, and everything you need to make this Super Bowl weekend unforgettable.

Did you know that 69 million pounds of guacamole will be consumed or that one in 10 people call in sick on Monday? 🤯

🔹 What’s Inside?
✅ Super Bowl fun facts & stats
✅ The Ultimate Tailgating Checklist
✅ The Super Bowl Snack Breakdown (you won’t believe these numbers!)
✅ Trivia to test your Super Bowl knowledge
✅ A look at the most expensive commercials & what you could buy instead
✅ Coloring pages to keep the little one occupied!

You can find it at the link below - scroll down just a bit and it's on your left!! Enjoy the big game! 🏈🍕🍻

https://odfigroup.com/financial-whitepapers/

02/06/2025

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 will sunset at the end of 2025. When it was enacted, it was meant to boost the economy, but it couldn’t be held for the long term due to how badly it would affect the deficit. So, they ensured the Act would expire automatically. It will take government agreement and action to do something about it.

How will this affect you?

Well, it all depends on what the government decides to do with the exemptions and tax reductions before December 31, 2025. While there are corporate and business owner tax changes to consider in that Act, let’s keep our focus on individual families. First, income tax levels are set to move back up. Second, estate tax exemptions will be cut in half.

Depending on your tax bracket, you may want to take advantage of the slightly lower income taxes now.

Also, depending on your total estate value and how much you or your spouse have gifted, you may want to set up some gifting strategies or specialized trusts. Those strategies could protect your assets from estate taxes down the road.

Ultimately, much depends on your situation.

If you haven’t created a thorough plan yet, let’s talk. My team and I can help you devise a plan and get it operating. We definitely don’t want you to wait until it’s too late to take advantage of all the strategies. Give me a call at 866-496-2300.