THE MONEY MOMENT

Welcome to our blog, where we provide the insights and guidance you need to navigate your financial journey with confidence! At Infinite Heights, we focus on making all things money approachable and empowering. As a female-focused financial planning firm, we’re passionate about guiding women (and the men who love them) toward mastering their finances with confidence and clarity. Think of us as your personal financial guides, here to help you navigate the world of money, make informed decisions, and help you build a life that you love!

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Understanding 1031 Exchanges and Delaware Statutory Trusts (DSTs): A Guide for Investors

A 1031 exchange allows real estate investors to defer capital gains taxes by reinvesting proceeds into a like-kind property. One effective way to execute a 1031 exchange is through a Delaware Statutory Trust (DST), which provides fractional ownership in institutional-grade real estate without the burdens of active management. This guide explores how 1031 exchanges work, the benefits and risks of DSTs, and when investors should consider this strategy to maximize tax deferral and passive income opportunities.

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Monthly Market Update – February 2025: Navigating Uncertainty and Emerging Challenges

As we reflect on February’s performance, the stock market continues to showcase its sensitivity to uncertainty, with the S&P 500 dipping by -1.3%. Despite a 1.4% year-to-date gain, the market appears fragile, as several key factors weigh heavily on investor sentiment. While the underlying economy remains fundamentally strong, several developments have sparked concern across various sectors, particularly in tariffs, inflation, and shifts in consumer behavior. The market’s volatility presents challenges, but also opportunities. In times of uncertainty, we remain committed to helping our clients navigate these challenges with a focus on financial resilience and thoughtful, strategic investment choices.

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Celebrating Women’s History Month

This Women’s History Month, let’s not only reflect on the past but also take action toward a more equitable future. Support women-owned businesses, amplify women’s voices, and encourage financial literacy among women of all ages.

Here’s to strong women—past, present, and future. May we celebrate them, learn from them, and continue their legacy of resilience and success.

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Market Outlook: AI Advances and Tariff Tactics

As the AI and tariff headlines swirl, don’t forget that stock market fundamentals remain healthy. Steady economic growth, double-digit increases in S&P 500 profits, contained inflation, and likely additional rate cuts by the Fed later this year are a good mix for higher stock prices. The S&P 500 rose in January, which history suggests is an effective barometer for stock prices over the balance of the year. Expect a profitable year for stock investors in 2025 but be ready for some more ups and downs.

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How to Create Smart Financial Goals for the New Year

Setting realistic goals is key to achieving financial success. However, knowing which goals to prioritize and how to reach them can be difficult. Following through with the goals you set, can be even harder. How often have you set a goal with the best of intentions and then found yourself feeling defeated when you don’t quite stick to your plan? If this is you, know that you are not alone. This year, we are taking control of our finances rather than letting our finances control us. How do we do that?

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New Year, New Goals: Crafting a Business Plan for Success in 2025

As the new year approaches, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the past year, set new goals, and map out a path to success in the year ahead. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a small business owner, or part of a growing organization, having a well-thought-out business plan is essential to staying focused, tracking progress, and achieving your objectives. At Infinite Heights Wealth Management, we believe in starting the year strong with a clear vision, purpose, and strategy.

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Simplifying Success to Achieve More in Your Business

In a world overflowing with distractions, options, and endless tasks, focusing on less—not more—can be the key to unlocking greater success. At Infinite Heights Wealth Management, we believe that true productivity comes from stripping away the unnecessary and focusing on what truly matters. This approach applies to both our personal and professional lives—and it’s something we’ve been embracing more and more in our firm as we aim to provide the best service possible to our clients.

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Markets in Review- A November to Remember

Solid gains for stocks gave investors a November to remember. In fact, the S&P 500’s more than 5% advance marked its best month of 2024. Several factors played into the stock market’s continued move higher. The U.S. economy continued its steady run of solid growth. The Federal Reserve (Fed) cut interest rates as expected, providing some reassurance about the outlook for inflation. Third quarter earnings season was solid, revealing that corporate America still has double-digit earnings power in its bag of tricks. The combination of election clarity and prospects for deregulation and lower taxes from the incoming administration also played a role.

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How a Second Trump Term Could Impact Your Finances

The 2024 election results are in, and the political landscape has shifted—Investors are betting on reflation, with yields rising, the dollar strengthening, and cyclical stocks surging. But with this renewed optimism comes questions about how these political and economic shifts could impact your personal finances. Let’s break down what this means for you as an investor and how you should approach the evolving landscape.

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Navigating the Post-Election Landscape

After last week’s whirlwind of national events and the election of Donald Trump as the 47th president, it's easy to feel as though much is out of our hands. However, there’s an empowering truth: The financial choices you make today—no matter the political landscape—are the ones that will most directly shape your future.

While it’s tempting to make investment decisions based on political outcomes or short-term market reactions, especially when the stakes feel high, the key to long-term financial success is maintaining a steady course.

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Last-Minute Tax Deductions to Lower Your Tax Bill for 2024

The end of the year means it is time for festivities and Holiday cheer! It is also time to prepare for a new year and to make sure you didn’t miss any important deductions that could help lower your tax bill for 2024. The clock is ticking but thankfully, we still have time, so read on to learn about the last-minute tax deductions you can still take.

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A Comprehensive Guide to Buying Into a Small Business: Key Due Diligence and Questions You Should Ask

Buying into a small business is an exciting opportunity to take control of your financial future and create lasting success. Whether you're joining an established practice or partnering with a growing company, becoming a business owner offers tremendous potential for growth, innovation, and personal fulfillment. However, this decision also comes with a major financial and professional commitment, requiring thoughtful planning and expert guidance. It’s essential to do your due diligence to ensure that the deal is right for you. In this guide, we’ll walk through the key questions and steps you should take to evaluate the opportunity and protect your investment.

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Markets in Review-What happened in September

Finally! For the first time in more than four years, on September 18, the Federal Reserve (Fed) cut interest rates. While the debate over how big the cut would be was settled (a half point, not a quarter), questions about where the Fed will go from here and what it might mean for the economy and markets will continue.

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Solo 401(k): Financial Self-Care for Entrepreneurs

Don't forget to give your finances some love. As an entrepreneur, your financial health is directly tied to your business's success. By taking steps to improve your financial situation, you're investing in your future and reducing stress.

If you're self-employed or a small business owner looking to maximize your retirement savings, a Solo 401(k) can be a powerful tool.

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Roth Employee Deferrals: A New Option for Your Small Business Retirement Plans

We're thrilled to announce a significant enhancement to SIMPLE and SEP IRA plans: Roth employee deferrals. This new feature, introduced by the SECURE 2.0 Act, offers your employees a powerful tool to save for retirement. Roth employee deferrals allow participants to contribute after-tax money to their SIMPLE and SEP IRA plans. Unlike traditional contributions, which are tax-deductible now but subject to income tax upon withdrawal, Roth contributions grow tax-free. This means you can withdraw your funds penalty-free after age 59½.

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Markets in Review-What Happened in August

The stock market passed a tough test recently. On August 5, the combination of a weaker-than-expected jobs report for July and too much borrowing from some overly complacent traders (much of it in Japanese yen currency) caused a sharp market sell-off. Stocks have since bounced back on subsequent evidence that the economy continues to grow steadily.

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Maximizing the Benefits: How Life Insurance Impacts Taxes

Life insurance serves a vital role in financial planning, providing security and peace of mind to individuals and their families. Beyond its primary purpose of safeguarding loved ones in the event of the policyholder's passing, life insurance also plays a significant role in the realm of taxes. Understanding how life insurance impacts taxes can help you make informed decisions when considering your financial strategy.

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July Market Review

Stocks must have gotten the memo that August tends to be weak historically. July, the eighth positive month in the past nine, was quickly forgotten as the beginning of August greeted us with a selloff. The primary catalyst was August 2’s weaker-than-expected employment report, which ignited concern that the U.S. economy could tip into recession.

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How to Prepare for a Recession

The dreaded R word is being talked about yet again and while we are tired of predicting whether or not we might see a recession in our future, the reality is that economic downturns are a natural part of the economic cycle and can happen at any time. So, here are a few things to consider that can help you stay ahead of the curve and be ready.

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Unlocking Benefits with Executive Bonus Plans

A Strategic Approach to Rewarding Key Employees. An executive bonus plan is a valuable tool for attracting and retaining key executives because employees gain additional life insurance protection— especially valuable to families with dependent children—while accumulating retirement income that grows tax free and can be accessed on a tax-favored basis through policy loans and withdrawals.

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