Gifting Strategies to Save on Taxes

In this episode of Cup of Bull, Michael Dunham and Patrick Fontana discuss effective strategies for gifting to children, particularly through the lens of business ownership. They explore various methods such as putting kids on payroll, utilizing custodial accounts, and the tax benefits associated with these strategies. The discussion emphasizes the importance of financial education […]
Reframing Reality | Lessons on Life and Investing

In this episode of Cup of Bull, Patrick Fontana and Michael Dunham explore the concept of reframing in financial planning and life. They discuss insights from Barry Ritholtz’s book ‘How Not to Invest’, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging uncertainty and valuing time. The discussion transitions into practical financial strategies, including funding Roth IRAs, maximizing HSAs, […]
Navigating Market Downturns

In this episode of Cup of Bull, Patrick Fontana and Michael Dunham discuss the emotional reactions investors face during market downturns and emphasizes the importance of sticking to a well-thought-out investment strategy. They highlights historical market trends, the significance of rebalancing, and smart investment behaviors that can help investors navigate through volatility. Additionally, they provides […]
Financial Planning Considerations when Inheriting Large Sums of Money

In this episode of Cup of Bull, Patrick Fontana and Michael Dunham discuss the complexities of inheriting large sums of money, focusing on the importance of understanding tax implications, strategic financial planning, and the need to approach financial decisions with caution. They emphasize the significance of working with a financial planner to navigate these challenges […]
Common Investing Mistakes

Welcome to Cup of Bull, my name is Michael Dunham, Director of Planning here at Fontana Financial Planning, and with me today is Patrick Fontana, founder of the firm. Welcome to Cup of Bull – Today I want to talk about common investing mistakes. So to start Patrick can you maybe just kick us off […]
How High Earners Can Sneak Money Into a Roth IRA (Legally, Of Course)

If you’ve ever felt left out of the Roth IRA party because you make “too much money,” I have good news. It’s called a Backdoor Roth IRA, and it’s one of the ways for high-income earners to build tax-free retirement income. And before you ask—yes, it’s legal, and no, you won’t get a knock on […]
The 4 Biggest Mistakes People Make with HSAs (And How to Avoid Them)

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) are one of the best financial tools out there—offering tax advantages and long-term growth potential. But unfortunately, most people don’t use them to their full potential, and some make mistakes that cost them serious money. Heck, I could have easily made the mistake with my own family’s medical expenses. Last year, […]
Lessons Learned from Offering a 401(k) Plan

As a business owner, providing a 401(k) plan can be a game-changer for both your company and your employees. While the benefits—such as tax advantages and talent retention—are clear, many business owners have also learned valuable lessons along the way. Understanding these lessons can help you optimize your plan and avoid common pitfalls. Key Benefits […]
10 Ways for Business Owners to Maximize their Tax Deductions

As a business owner, the idea of maximizing tax deductions can be exciting and overwhelming. If you are like most, you may feel that there is money being left on the table but unsure of how. As with anything related to taxation, it is a good idea to consult with your CPA and financial planner […]
What is the Super Catch-Up 401(k) Contribution

As retirement nears, many individuals would like to save more into tax-deferred accounts to meet their financial goals. Fortunately, the Super Catch-Up 401(k) contribution—an enhanced retirement savings feature—offers a unique opportunity to boost your nest egg significantly in the final years of your career. Here’s an overview of what you need to know about this […]