Falcon Articles

An older couple sitting together on a patio overlooking the sea at sunset, enjoying their retirement.

10/21/26

Unifying Retirement, Tax, and Succession Plans for Business Owners

For business owners nearing retirement, the transition away from the company can affect far more than who takes over. The timing and structure of a...

Minimal financial planning concept showing investment growth, stock-related assets, coins, and a clock to represent the timing and tax considerations of RSUs and incentive stock options.

10/15/26

ISOs vs. RSUs: How Equity Compensation Can Affect Your Q4 Tax Strategy

RSUs and incentive stock options can both build meaningful exposure to employer stock, but their tax treatment is very different. RSUs generally create compensation income...

Middle-aged man reviewing a stock market chart on a laptop at a kitchen table, with a notebook, coffee mug, phone, and financial papers nearby in a warm home setting.

10/14/26

Don’t Get Trapped: Navigating the 30-Day Wash-Sale Rule in Volatile Markets

Tax-loss harvesting can allow investors to use realized investment losses to offset realized capital gains. But selling an investment at a loss is only one...

10/8/26

The Q4 Paystub Audit: 5 Things High Earners Should Verify Before Year-End

By October, a paystub contains more than a record of one paycheck. It can show how much has been contributed to a 401(k), how much...

10/6/26

3 Ways an HSA Can Work Like a Second Retirement Account

For people eligible to contribute to a Health Savings Account, an HSA can serve a broader purpose than paying current medical bills. Contributions may receive...

10/1/26

The 90-Day Q4 Sprint: 5 Financial Deadlines to Hit Before December 31

The start of the fourth quarter gives households roughly 90 days to review financial decisions that may need attention before year-end. Retirement-plan contributions, FSA balances,...

9/29/26

Pre-Q4 Tax Projection Checklist for High Earners Over 50 With Multiple Income Sources

Before the fourth quarter begins, high earners may benefit from comparing year-to-date income and tax payments with what is still expected before December 31. Salary,...

2026 401(k) catch-up contributions planning

9/24/26

2026 401(k) Catch-Up Contributions: RSUs, Bonuses, and Rules

Workers age 50 and older may generally be eligible for additional retirement-plan catch-up contributions in 2026, if their plan allows. The standard employee 401(k) deferral...

9/22/26

How Selling Stock Can Affect Estimated Taxes and Your Year-End Tax Projection

Selling appreciated stock can affect more than an investment account balance. A taxable sale may create a capital gain, change estimated-tax calculations, increase net investment...

9/17/26

Safe-Harbor Rules for High Earners: How the 110% Prior-Year Test Works With Variable Income

Federal estimated-tax safe-harbor rules can help taxpayers determine how much generally needs to be paid during the year to reduce exposure to an underpayment penalty....

9/15/26

What Counts as Income When Building a Year-End Tax Projection?

A useful year-end tax projection generally requires more than a salary estimate. High-income households may need to account for wages, bonuses, RSUs, business income, investment...

9/10/26

RSU and Bonus Withholding in 2026: When the 22% Supplemental Rate May Leave a Tax Gap

In 2026, employers may use a 22% flat federal withholding rate for certain supplemental wages such as separately paid bonuses. The rate is a withholding...

9/8/26

5 Signs Your Tax Withholding May No Longer Match Your Income

Tax withholding is based largely on information available through payroll. It may become less representative of your overall tax picture when bonuses, RSUs, investment gains,...

9/3/26

Who Should Review Estimated Taxes Before September 15, 2026?

The third individual estimated-tax installment for 2026 is due September 15, 2026. High earners may want to review their position before that date if income,...

9/1/26

2026 Tax Brackets and Senior Deduction Guide for Californians: How to Maximize the New $6,000 Federal Deduction

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) made TCJA tax rates permanent and introduced a new $6,000 federal senior deduction (temporary through 2028, subject to...

8/27/26

Common Misconceptions About Fee-Only Financial Planning for High-Net-Worth Investors

Fee-only financial planning may reduce certain commission-related conflicts, but it is not conflict-free, automatically comprehensive, or appropriate for every investor. High-net-worth families should evaluate compensation,...

8/27/26

Retirement Income Sequencing for Californians: Tax-Efficient Withdrawal Strategies in a High-Tax State

In California’s high-tax environment, the order in which you withdraw from taxable, tax-deferred, and tax-free accounts can dramatically impact your lifetime taxes, Medicare IRMAA surcharges,...

8/20/26

2026 Mid-Year Tax Planning for High-Net-Worth Families

Tax-law changes rarely affect only one part of a financial plan. A new deduction can influence taxable income, charitable giving, investment decisions, business planning, and...

8/18/26

How Fee-Only Fiduciary Advisors Coordinate With CPAs and Attorneys

A fee-only fiduciary advisor may help connect investment, retirement, tax, and estate decisions, but the advisor does not replace a CPA or attorney. Effective coordination...

8/12/26

Are Financial Advisor Fees Worth It for High-Net-Worth Families in 2026?

Financial advisor fees may be worthwhile when the relationship provides more than portfolio selection. For high-net-worth families, potential value may come from coordinating taxes, retirement...

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