ACap ReCap: Financial and Tax Tips

In this episode, Ara Oghoorian, CFP® explains what to do when you have leftover money sitting in a 529 college savings plan and how to actually use it wisely. College is expensive, and 529 plans are a great way to save while getting some tax advantages. But what if your kid got a scholarship, stayed local, or didn't use the money at all? Now you have extra funds in the account - what can you do with that money? We cover everything from changing the beneficiary to rolling the money into a Ro...

UTMA, UGMA and 529 plans are all great options for parents who want to save up for their child's future. But let's compare them to see which one is better for you. ✅ Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more financial news and tips: @ACapReCap 📍Schedule a Free Consultation: https://www.acapam.com/contact/ Financial Advisor in Los Angeles, CA CPA in Los Angeles, CA Connect with ACap on social media: X: https://www.x.com/acapam/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/acapadvisorsaccountants/ Fa...

Confused by all the fund options out there? In this episode, we break down the core differences between Index Funds, Mutual Funds, and ETFs, so you can decide what fits your financial goals. Learn how each type works, what sets them apart, the pros and cons of active vs. passive strategies, and how fees, flexibility, and performance play into the decision. ✅ Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more financial news and tips: @ACapReCap 📍Schedule a Free Consultation: https://www.acapam.com/cont...

President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill has officially passed, and it comes with sweeping changes that could directly impact your taxes, healthcare, and government benefits. The bill makes the 2017 tax cuts permanent, introduces new deductions for tip income and overtime, imposes work requirements for Medicaid and SNAP recipients, and redirects federal spending toward defense and border security. It also eliminates several clean energy tax credits while expanding fossil fuel incentive...

In this episode, we explore how Treasury Bills (T-Bills) are taxed, how to buy and sell them, what happens when they mature, and how to calculate their tax-equivalent yield. We also compare T-Bills to other fixed-income options like CDs to help you evaluate whether they’re the right choice for your investment strategy. ✅ Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more financial news and tips: @ACapReCap 📍Schedule a Free Consultation: https://www.acapam.com/contact/ Financial Advisor in Los Angele...

If your home was destroyed or severely damaged in the recent California disasters, you may be eligible for a $20,000 grant through the Cal Assistance Mortgage Fund. In this video, I walk you through the program details, eligibility requirements, income limits by county, property and mortgage qualifications, and the full list of documents you’ll need to apply. The application portal opens June 12, 2025, so it’s important to prepare early. Whether you're in Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Francisc...

The S&P 500 index fund is simple, low-cost, and backed by decades of strong performance, but it’s not a complete strategy. Putting all your money into one index could expose you to unnecessary risks and limit your long-term growth. In this episode, Ara Oghoorian, CFP, CFA and founder of ACap Advisors & Accountants, breaks down: - What the S&P 500 really is and how it works - Why it’s a smart investment for many investors - And why diversification is still essential, even i...

In this episode, we cover the most important Social Security changes for 2025 and what they could mean for your future benefits. From the official 3.2% COLA adjustment to updates in earnings limits and monthly benefit amounts, these changes may directly impact current recipients and those planning for retirement. Here’s what you’ll learn: – The 2025 COLA (Cost-of-Living Adjustment) and how it affects your monthly benefits – Increased earnings limit for individuals collecting Social Security b...

Stagflation is an unusual and troubling economic condition where three things happen at once: inflation stays high, economic growth slows down, and unemployment remains elevated. It’s a term that gained attention in the 1970s and continues to be relevant today, especially as concerns about stagflation in 2025 grow. ➞ Stagflation causes Unlike typical economic cycles where inflation rises during growth and falls during recessions, stagflation defies that pattern. It’s often triggered by...

Congress has introduced the highly anticipated One, Big, Beautiful Bill which is a cornerstone of the new Trump tax plan. In this video, we break down every major provision of this proposed legislation and what it could mean for individuals, families, and businesses across the U.S. What's included in Trump's tax new bill: - Individual Income Tax Rate - Standard Deduction Increase - Expanded Child Tax Credit - MAGA Accounts for Kids - QBI Deduction Increase - Estate and Gift Tax Exemption Incr...

Thinking about investing in gold now? Learn the pros and cons of gold, gold ETFs, and gold IRAs. In this episode, Ara Oghoorian and Matt Crisafulli from ACap Advisors & Accountants break down everything you need to know about investing in gold. From coins and bars to gold ETFs, they explore the pros and cons of gold as an investment, its role in a portfolio, tax implications, and whether it belongs in your IRA or 401(k). If you're wondering how to invest in gold or whether gold is a good...

Trump tax cuts are going to be the largest in American history, and they will bring HUGE tax changes for you! President Trump is pushing hard to pass new tax legislation this year, and it could bring major changes to how you pay taxes. Whether you're a service worker, retiree, small business owner, or someone looking to maximize your paycheck, these proposed changes will affect you. In this episode, Ara Oghoorian explains the Trump Tax Cuts top priorities, which tax changes are coming, and ...

Not all dividends are taxed the same, and understanding the difference could save you money. In this episode, we break down qualified and non-qualified dividends, how each is taxed, what to watch for during tax season, and how to tell which kind you’re receiving. If you’ve ever wondered how dividends impact your tax bill, this one’s for you.Tune in for a clear, straightforward explanation that helps you make smarter financial decisions. Schedule a Consultation: https://www.acapam....

In this episode, we break down the essential differences between Exchange-Traded Notes (ETNs) and Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs). While they may seem similar, these investment products have distinct characteristics that every investor should understand. We’ll explore the benefits and drawbacks of ETNs, compare them to ETFs, and help you decide which might be the better option for your portfolio. Tune in to learn more about how these investment vehicles work and which might be right for you! S...

Tax season can be confusing, especially when you're dealing with multiple forms like the W-2, W-9, and W-4. Each of these documents serves a different purpose, and filing the right one is crucial for ensuring your taxes are accurate. A W-2 is issued by employers to report an employee’s earnings and tax withholdings for the year. If you’re a traditional employee, you’ll receive this form to use when filing your tax return. A W-9, on the other hand, is used by independent contractors and freela...