A professional with both CPA & CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® credentials combines technical expertise with well-rounded financial planning. This unique combination provides a convenient single source for precise tax accounting, thorough financial strategy and expert financial statement portfolio research offering numerous advantages.
CFP®s focus on comprehensive financial planning, covering areas like investment management, retirement planning, estate planning, and risk management. They are skilled in creating financial strategies that align with long-term goals.
CPAs are licensed professionals with extensive knowledge of tax laws, accounting, and financial reporting.
CFP®s focus on comprehensive financial planning, covering areas like investment management, retirement planning, estate planning, and risk management. They are skilled in creating financial strategies that align with long-term goals.
CPAs are licensed professionals with extensive knowledge of tax laws, accounting, and financial reporting. They can provide detailed tax planning strategies, ensure compliance with tax regulations, and help minimize tax liabilities.
A CPA and CFP® professional brings together tax expertise and financial planning to create well-rounded strategies. They might recommend tax-friendly retirement accounts, design investment portfolios with tax efficiency in mind, and plan charitable contributions to maximize deductions. By merging these skills, they help clients navigate i
A CPA and CFP® professional brings together tax expertise and financial planning to create well-rounded strategies. They might recommend tax-friendly retirement accounts, design investment portfolios with tax efficiency in mind, and plan charitable contributions to maximize deductions. By merging these skills, they help clients navigate investments, retirement, and other financial goals while keeping tax implications in check.
Working with a single professional makes life easier by removing the hassle of coordinating with multiple experts. It reduces the chances of miscommunication or conflicting advice that can arise when dealing with a team. Having one point of contact ensures financial planning, tax compliance, and advisory services stay on track, making str
Working with a single professional makes life easier by removing the hassle of coordinating with multiple experts. It reduces the chances of miscommunication or conflicting advice that can arise when dealing with a team. Having one point of contact ensures financial planning, tax compliance, and advisory services stay on track, making strategy implementation and monitoring smoother. For business owners, high-net-worth individuals, or those with specific financial needs, a CPA/CFP® can offer customized solutions for complex tax and financial situations, like business succession planning, estate tax strategies, and multi-state tax compliance.
Holding both designations showcases exceptional professional expertise, a dedication to ongoing learning, and strong ethical values. Clients feel confident working with someone skilled in both areas. This credibility is especially crucial in complex financial situations that require a well-rounded and informed approach. CPAs have full rep
Holding both designations showcases exceptional professional expertise, a dedication to ongoing learning, and strong ethical values. Clients feel confident working with someone skilled in both areas. This credibility is especially crucial in complex financial situations that require a well-rounded and informed approach. CPAs have full representation rights before the IRS, allowing them to assist with audits, appeals, and collections, which is particularly helpful for clients with intricate tax issues. Both CPAs and CFP®s are held to high ethical standards—CPAs follow the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct, while CFP®s adhere to the CFP® Board's Code of Ethics and Standards of Conduct—ensuring clients receive advice that serves their best interests. Additionally, both CPAs (80 hours every two years) and CFP®s (30 hours every two years) are required to complete continuing education to maintain their credentials, keeping them up-to-date with changes in tax laws, financial regulations, and planning strategies.
Amidst the ever-evolving nature of tax regulations, tax planning has emerged as an indispensable aspect of financial management. Tax-efficient investing entails optimizing investment returns by minimizing or deferring tax obligations associated with gains and earned income. By meticulously selecting account types, assets, and timing strat
Amidst the ever-evolving nature of tax regulations, tax planning has emerged as an indispensable aspect of financial management. Tax-efficient investing entails optimizing investment returns by minimizing or deferring tax obligations associated with gains and earned income. By meticulously selecting account types, assets, and timing strategies, investors can accelerate their wealth accumulation and preserve a larger portion of their hard-earned capital. Annette Di Bello, a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Personal Financial Specialist (PFS), and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®) possesses over two and a half decades of experience in tax preparation and planning. Her tax advice is grounded in the analysis of thousands of tax returns she has diligently prepared. Her comprehensive understanding of tax principles from both the microeconomic and macroeconomic perspectives provides her with a distinct advantage over other financial planners who may primarily rely on theoretical tax knowledge. As a CPA, Ms. Di Bello also dedicates over 50 hours annually to tax law continuing education, ensuring her knowledge of the most frequent tax law modifications.
Tax drag refers to the detrimental impact of taxes on an investment’s overall returns. It diminishes the available funds for reinvestment and impedes the accumulation of wealth over time. Tax drag often exerts a more substantial influence on portfolio performance compared to investment fees. It manifests in taxable brokerage accounts due
Tax drag refers to the detrimental impact of taxes on an investment’s overall returns. It diminishes the available funds for reinvestment and impedes the accumulation of wealth over time. Tax drag often exerts a more substantial influence on portfolio performance compared to investment fees. It manifests in taxable brokerage accounts due to three primary types of taxable events:
- Interest Income: Taxed as ordinary income, typically annually.
- Dividend Income: Taxed upon distribution, usually annually or quarterly.
- Capital Gains Distributions: When a mutual fund sells assets for a profit, it transfers the resulting capital gains and associated tax liability to its investors.
- Personal Capital Gains: When an investor sells an investment for a profit, they are liable to pay taxes on the gain. Gains are subject to a lower “long-term” rate if the asset was held for more than a year; otherwise, they are taxed at a higher “short-term” rate.
The thoughtful allocation of investments into taxable, tax-deferred, or tax-exempt accounts to achieve the best possible tax advantages.
Using a mix of different account types gives you better control over your tax bill, especially in retirement. It lets you pull from various accounts depending on your income and tax bracket each year.
We are a fully fiduciary firm committed to upholding the highest standards of a CPA. A fiduciary is legally and ethically obligated to act in your best interest, receiving no compensation from third parties—only directly from clients differing from fee-based advisors who are compensated by third parties for products like mutual funds, annuities, and other commission-based offerings.
We don‘t receive any commissions. As a Fee-Only Independent Registered Investment Advisor, all our compensation comes solely from our clients. We have no ties to brokers, insurance, annuity, or fund companies. Unlike Fee-Based advisors, who may charge fees on some accounts while earning commissions from brokers, funds, or insurance companies on other accounts, we operate with complete transparency. As a fee-only advisor, there are no hidden charges, third-party bonuses, or sales of any financial or insurance products. Our in-house portfolio construction ensures unbiased investment selection, resulting in high-quality, low-cost, and fully transparent portfolios.
Annette, the founder and CEO of the firm, has over 35 years of experience in accounting, tax, financial planning, and investing. She holds two of the top three financial designations—CPA and CFP®—along with the PFS™ (Personal Financial Specialist) designation from the AICPA.
Her unique blend of education and expertise provides a strong foundation to guide clients in achieving effective tax efficiency and planning. With her skills in financial planning, tax planning, and investment management, she creates a seamless connection between all aspects of her clients' financial lives.
