RJA Blog

Oscar Wilde described one of his characters as a man ‘who knows the price of everything, and the value of nothing.’ Even at the turn of the 20^th century it was clear that ‘value’ was becoming synonymous with lower cost. By mid-century we made sure we got the most bang for our buck. A good value was getting a great deal on what you wanted. Nothing against smart shopping, but we all know the best price isn’t always the best value.   read more >

I‘ve had enough stress for a while. Life is relentlessly demand-driven. Where did the joy go? I’ve even lost the happiness I get from singing with the radio on the way to work, because I use my commute to mentally process my nagging to-dos instead. Yesterday I nearly hit a turkey that was playing in the road.  read more >

There are tons of comparisons between money management and dieting. Yes, I get it. I’ve tried enough diets to know that they look a lot easier than they are. And I also know how it feels to try to keep bulges off my body while trying to add bulges to my net worth. It’s hard to say no to things and people I love.  read more >

Tax season can really bring out the worst in people…and I don’t mean taxpayers. Every year we see more scams designed to gain access to the financial assets of unsuspecting taxpayers.  The good news is, protecting yourself from bogus requests and hacking is easier than you think. Here are some very simple ways to protect yourself from people posing as government agencies.  read more >

Whatever side of the political spectrum we inhabit, one thing is certain. No one knows exactly how tax reform will ultimately look under the Trump administration until it happens. The impact on you depends on your income and your situation.  read more >

Dear Diary,

Yesterday I found myself in a sea of unfriendly traffic where everyone around me seemed to be challenging me for poll position. To escape, my route suddenly took a quick right into a convoluted game board of challenges that led to and from 4 distinctly different shopping centers, none of which was the one I was trying to get to. Trapped in my car I was hungry, tired and aggravated and just wanted to land somewhere that I could get out and stretch. It wasn’t to be. Jammed parking lots, shopping lines, and the wrong order at the drive through were killing the holiday spirit in me. Why did I think I could get anything done at lunch time? What was I thinking?  read more >

What a month. It’s as if every time I take a breath, something happens to take it away. The Cubs win their first World Series in 108 years. A newly elected president stuns the world. Tampa and Havana shake hands to save the oceans. Another product is recalled. How good or bad it feels depends on where you stand.  read more >

This is Homecoming season, time for games and parades and reunions. I don’t know how you feel about revisiting your past, but high school reunions can be stressful. The first reunion is the hardest. Everyone is out to impress, and anxious to prove that they’re in a ‘good place’ - happy, successful and beyond their former social status. Indeed, some people were. But most of us were still struggling in relationships and jobs.  read more >

Recently someone jolted me with a statement. Having lost a large sum of money in business, he said dejectedly, “that was my legacy to my kids.” Screech of brakes. Wait. What?
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What does it take to be a CPA?  read more >