1/26/2023
Investors can benefit from understanding that they don’t need to predict which countries will deliver the best returns during the next quarter, next year, or next five years. Why?
1/17/2023
At the end of each year, we like to reflect on what transpired in the previous 12 months. The general tenet of last year’s article was that it was a year to remember for investors as stocks soared again. In contrast, this year was one many investors would like to forget. While we recognize the challenges this year brought, we feel it’s important to look back at what made this year so historic.
1/12/2023
We recently hosted our third Saltmarsh Fundamental Awards Ceremony! This celebration recognizes individuals who live our 33 "Saltmarsh Way" Fundamentals to the fullest and practice the high-performing behaviors that continue building a sustainable and uplifting culture throughout our firm.
1/11/2023
We recently received news that Katherine Creel was recognized as a 2023 Woman of the Year! She received this recognition as the Volunteer Woman of the Year by Scarlett Magazine for all the philanthropic and volunteer work she does in her community.
1/9/2023
We're proud to announce the following internal promotions as of January 1, 2023!
1/5/2023
Over the next couple of months, Saltmarsh Financial Advisors will host a 4-part woman-focused series centered on building confidence and community around the unique financial situations women may face in their lives. Each session will focus on the central themes of navigating loss, divorce, caregiving or philanthropic giving.
12/27/2022
2022 was a great and busy year for Saltmarsh! Every year flies by, especially when we’re busy out in the community, recruiting the best of the best, enjoying team-building events and exceptionally serving our clients. Come look back at our 2022 accomplishments with us!
12/20/2022
Saltmarsh, Cleaveland & Gund is thrilled to announce that the firm has been recognized as one of America’s Best Tax and Accounting Firms in 2023 by Forbes.
12/20/2022
Recently, my wife was scrolling through an online news site and asked me: “What happened to bitcoin?” She showed me a headline that read, “Crypto exchange FTX files for bankruptcy.” I told her that the bankruptcy of FTX ultimately amounted to a simple explanation: FRAUD.
12/15/2022
Get ready, PRF Reporting Period 4 opens January 1, 2023, and will remain open through March 31, 2023. Reporting Period 4 covers PRF payments received between July 1, 2021, and December 31, 2021. Check out the latest Saltmarsh Siren to learn more about this reporting update and upcoming deadlines!
12/14/2022
We often get the question. “Do I need an ACH audit?” The general requirement per the Nacha Operating Rules is that a bank or credit union (DFI) must conduct, or have conducted, an audit of its compliance with these Rules annually. However, other parties involved in processing ACH transactions need an ACH audit, too.
12/13/2022
This BankTech Bytes Newsletter discusses thoughts on resiliency. In a joint issuance to large banks on the subject in 2020, the OCC, FDIC and FED defined operational resilience as, “The ability to deliver operations, including critical operations and core business lines, through a disruption from any hazard.”
12/5/2022
In this webinar, Senior Financial Institutions Consultant, Sallie O’Brien, AAP, APRP, will discuss today’s top audit findings and best practices to stay in compliance with Nacha Operating Rules for financial institutions. Access webinar materials here!
12/1/2022
Communication is a powerful tool that can have a significant impact on the success of a company. Effective communication can increase employee engagement, boost productivity and drive business growth, whereas poor communication can have the complete opposite effect. In this blog, you will learn why communication matters and how to incorporate mindful tips into your everyday correspondence.
11/21/2022
This might sound dark, but there is no greater certainty in life than death. As financial advisors, part of our jobs is to help families create a plan for the future. This role often means having difficult conversations about a topic most of us would prefer not to discuss: death.
11/14/2022
Healthcare is one of the most important expenses to consider as individuals approach retirement. In the U.S., any citizen over the age of 65 is eligible to receive Medicare benefits. Just like Social Security, Medicare funding happens directly through your paycheck. Though most of us have been contributing to Medicare since our first job, it’s not a program we think much about until we approach retirement.
11/10/2022
We are thrilled to share that we've ranked #4 in Accounting Today’s 2022 list of Best Firms for Young Accountants!
“Saltmarsh is a great place to work and a positive environment that helps you grow. There is always a new challenge to tackle, and always a supportive team to help you do it." - Jess Schultz, Staff Auditor
11/7/2022
Today, more than ever, our daily routines are intertwined with a digital world that didn’t exist that long ago. Collectively, we wake up and check our phones. “For missed calls”, you ask? No, for every reason except actual phone calls. Maybe you want to look at last night’s photos, or check your emails, or check out your crypto wallet or just check in on social media. Whatever the reason, your phone has become the gateway to your life. Welcome to the 21st century! But what happens to your digital life when you’re no longer physically alive? The answer has a lot to do with the preparations you’ve made before you pass.
11/3/2022
We believe in making connections – not only with our current and future clients but also with movers and shakers in our communities and surrounding areas. That’s why we encourage our Saltmarsh family members to network, get involved in organizations and invest in relationships! It is Fundamental #29 from our 33 Fundamentals, after all.
10/31/2022
We all know that it's never too early to start planning for retirement or to start building a nest egg for future expenses. Financial security is a goal that we all have in mind, but are you taking advantage of the easy opportunities that can help you accelerate the process? Other than utilizing sensible spending habits, here are some quick strategies to help you reach financial security sooner than you think.
10/27/2022
As we’ve previously noted, most of the CECL-related focus has been on loans receivable, and to a lesser extent, debt securities. Are there any other financial assets that fall under the CECL guidance? The answer might surprise you.
10/26/2022
On October 18, 2022, the IRS announced 2023 contribution limits for medical flexible spending accounts (FSAs), as part of Revenue Procedure 2022-38. Limits are adjusted annually to reflect inflation.
10/17/2022
October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, a global effort to help everyone stay safe and protected when using technology whenever and however you connect. Cybersecurity has become one of the biggest hot topics both inside and outside of technology circles over the last two years.
10/17/2022
Focus areas like employee engagement, workplace relationships, employer branding, employee recognition and retention, and employee learning can all be affected by social media. However, as social media is increasingly becoming the norm in the workplace, companies are faced with tough decisions and “what if” and “why not” debates.
10/12/2022
When you hear the words financial goals, what comes to mind? Perhaps you’re thinking about big goals like buying a home or paying off student loans. While it’s important to have financial goals, it’s more important to have a solid foundation and plan for achieving them. Access webinar materials here!
10/5/2022
As a reminder, Florida’s new $15/hour minimum wage requirement for providers participating in the Medicaid program went into effect on October 1, 2022. The new Florida Medicaid Fee-For-Service Schedules reflecting the increases related to the mandatory $15/hour minimum wage have been published and are available on AHCA’s website.
10/5/2022
There’s nothing scarier than when an OSHA inspector shows up at your door. It’s even scarier when your organization isn’t in compliance… and we’ve all heard horror stories about the organizations that aren’t. Join us for a webinar to share tips on how to mitigate risk and keep your people and organization safe.
10/4/2022
Saving money is a critical component of a successful financial plan. If you don’t know how to begin managing your money, setting up a savings plan is a great way to start. Here are eight tips to kickstart your saving strategy!
10/4/2022
We're excited to announce that Jen Mostert, CPA, has been named Chief Financial Officer of Saltmarsh, effective October 6, 2022. As CFO, Mostert will oversee all areas of the accounting and finance functions of the firm, including managing budgeting, reporting and financial analysis.
10/4/2022
Celebrate Manufacturing Month with us! The goal of Manufacturing Month in Florida is to bring awareness to the manufacturing industry nationwide. We have amazing manufacturing clients at Saltmarsh, so what better time to celebrate them than a month that is dedicated to their industry?
10/3/2022
Steve Jobs once said, “The secret of my success is that we have gone to exceptional lengths to hire the best people in the world.”
In accounting, clients trust us to get the job done – and done exceptionally. Saltmarsh has been around since 1944, which says a lot about our reputation and strength throughout the rollercoaster of recessions, inflations and pandemics.
9/27/2022
Student-athletes can now enter into name, image and likeness (NIL) contracts for compensation. NIL contracts have major federal and state tax implications, including income tax responsibilities, state nexus and reporting obligations.
9/26/2022
On August 24, 2022, President Joe Biden announced his administration’s plan to reduce student loan debt for millions of Americans. The plan consists of three parts: Targeted debt repayment relief, improving the loan system for current and future borrowers and reducing the cost of college by holding schools accountable for rate hikes. While all three parts are relevant, I am going to focus on targeted debt repayment relief – or said more clearly: Student Loan Debt Cancelation.
9/26/2022
Did you know that losses of property due to natural disasters are deductible as personal casualty losses on your tax return? This means if you suffered damage from Hurricane Sally that resulted in your property losing value, you might be entitled to a tax deduction for that loss.
9/26/2022
"I can't believe you like HR." "I could never do what you do." "Please don't ever quit because I would never want to do your job." These are all statements or questions that I have heard many times over from my work colleagues, my friends, my family, and yes....even one of my former bosses. Allow me to take you on a journey of what HR means to me.
9/26/2022
October 12th is National Savings Day – a day to celebrate savings across the nation and reflect on the importance of maintaining healthy financial habits. A disciplined savings strategy is the foundation for building wealth, and often, the impact of saving a small amount consistently over time is underestimated.
9/14/2022
Florida’s budget for Fiscal Year 2022-2023 is providing more than $600 million in new funding for the sole purpose of increasing the minimum wage for employees of Medicaid providers to at least $15 an hour. This new funding, which goes into effect on October 1, 2022, comes with significant new compliance risks, including new requirements for participation in the Medicaid program and a new civil cause of action for non-compliance.
9/2/2022
President Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act into law at a White House ceremony on August 16, finalizing legislation intended to address inflation by paying down the national debt, lowering consumer energy costs, providing incentives to the production of clean energy and reducing healthcare costs. The Act contains several credits that would be of interest to individuals and businesses.
8/31/2022
For the past 17 years, the Saltmarsh Bank Advisors have brought hundreds of financial institution professionals together for community banking events, BankTalk, to learn about advancements in the industry, regulatory updates and much more. With the turn to virtual after 2020, the team hosted the last three annual events virtually – but that didn’t stop them from getting an insightful lineup of speakers and content!
8/25/2022
When considering a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) firm for all your financial needs, whether that be audit and assurance, tax, financial advisory, business consulting, information technology, or a combination of services, there are several benefits to consider if you are teetering between a larger firm like a “Big Four” or a small but mighty firm like Saltmarsh.
8/23/2022
When it relates to information security, social engineering is the use of deception to manipulate individuals into divulging confidential or personal information that may be used for fraudulent purposes - and it can come in many different forms.
8/17/2022
Is your bank approaching $500 million in assets? Have you already crossed that threshold recently? As your bank continues to grow, your reporting needs may change due to FDICIA regulations. Saltmarsh is here to help ensure you remain compliant and that your bank has the resources, time and expertise to meet regulatory requirements.
8/17/2022
We are excited to announce that Pierce Broscious has officially been designated as a Certified Financial Planner™. Pierce’s diligence has paid off as he has completed and passed the seven-course curriculum and final exam to earn the CFP® designation!
8/16/2022
After decades of cable news and nonstop digital postings, I see more opinions these days than news. That’s not a bad thing. But when it comes to investing, it’s crucial to remember the difference between news and opinion, and how they are sometimes used to forecast the future.
8/15/2022
Clients often ask about how a revocable living trust operates during their lifetime, when it becomes irrevocable, how it interacts with their last will and testament and the benefits of creating a revocable living trust.
8/11/2022
Many financial institutions require a written indemnification agreement to be completed in connection with requested ACH returns. This is especially the case when the return of funds cannot be completed using an ACH return entry (i.e., an R06 Return Reason Code) or funds are returned outside the ACH Network (i.e., via wire or check).
8/10/2022
Back-testing has been challenging during this COVID period due to large volume variances and asset yield variances caused by high loan and deposit growth coupled with forecasts not incorporating PPP loan-related fees.
8/9/2022
Saltmarsh Financial Advisors is pleased to present our Client Portal Tutorial video!
8/2/2022
We are proud to share that we have been named one of Accounting Today’s 2022 Best Firms to Work For!
7/29/2022
Being selective about when to buy and sell securities can lead to better execution prices - and better returns for investors.
7/25/2022
When I was asked to repurpose a blog I wrote almost 10 years ago, at first, I thought it would be hypocritical of me. I had written four recommendations to help my business clients achieve peace and strength during a time of unprecedented change, and unfortunately, I had not been practicing my own recommended behaviors, despite being bombarded with changes!
7/21/2022
In this webinar, Financial Institutions Senior Consultant Janice Weisz, AAP, will provide a high-level overview of upcoming rules associated with Micro-Entries.
7/19/2022
In the past six months, there have been many discussions about the bond market. The classic portfolio is made up of 60% equities and 40% fixed income and cash, and for the first time in decades, stocks and bonds are both down at the same time. Why is that?
7/19/2022
Cost allocation for nonprofits is the practice of grouping all costs together in a manner that helps the user determine the actual cost of operating its programs and/or locations. To effectively develop and operate sustainable programs, nonprofit organizations should ensure that they are tracking and planning for the actual cost of each program.
7/15/2022
Last month was a special month at Saltmarsh – it was our 4th annual Level Up Summer Business Development Challenge. We are all competitive at Saltmarsh, so what better way to encourage growth than with a month-long contest? Every year, we split up into teams and keep track of points for internal and external outreach, industry activities, social media interaction, training leading and participation and client relationship building.
7/14/2022
If you received any funding from the Provider Relief Fund (PRF), chances are, you’ve already had to report your use of funds in either reporting period one or two, and you know how complicated the process can be. In fact, according to the 2022 BDO Healthcare CFO Outlook Survey, 35% of the respondents identified CARES Act/PRF reporting as a regulatory concern.
7/12/2022
Micro-Entries are a generally accepted method in the marketplace for an ACH originator to test the validity of a receiver’s account. Although originators have used this low-cost option for quite some time, Micro-Entries are not defined within the Nacha Operating Rules.
7/8/2022
As the growth plans of a business include expanding into new states, there are numerous tax, licensing and permitting issues to consider. Even if your business already operates in more than one state, you should be aware that in recent years many states have become more and more aggressive in enforcing tax and licensing requirements.
7/7/2022
HHS Provider Relief Fund Reporting Period 3 opened on Friday, July 1st, and will remain open through Friday, September 30th, at 11:59 PM (EST).
7/5/2022
Due to the differences in definitions between grantors, nonprofit management and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), the reporting and disclosing of in-kind goods and services can become tricky and sometimes hard to get right. Many nonprofits rely on volunteers and donations of goods and services in order to achieve their missions. As such, it is important that organizations properly record such donations so that users of financial statements can see the true support utilized to operate programs.
6/30/2022
After growing 90% the prior three calendar years, as of the writing of this letter, the U.S. Stock Market has posted a YTD return of -21%, International Developed Markets -19%, and Emerging Markets -16%. Why? In one word: Inflation. More specifically rising oil and gas prices, food costs, housing, and the rippling effects of 2021’s headlines: additional stimulus, lingering supply chain issues, job vacancies, and a hangover from the Great Resignation along with heated 2022 midterm elections.
6/29/2022
There are many tax benefits to owning investment and rental properties that some owners may not be aware of when the time comes to file taxes.
6/21/2022
Alarming financial headlines can challenge investors’ resolve as they weigh their options. It’s tempting to question your approach and reverse course in the face of market adversity, like switching lanes in standstill traffic. Yet evidence has continually shown that investors who remain disciplined during market selloffs benefit from future market gains by staying committed to their financial plan.
6/20/2022
The Greater Pensacola Chamber recently announced its Leadership Pensacola (LeaP) Class of 2023 and we are pleased to announce that two of our Saltmarsh family members were accepted as members of this prestigious group!
6/15/2022
For those of you working diligently in the financial industry, we remind you that June is Elder Financial Abuse month. Elder financial exploitation (EFE), a form of Elder Abuse, is the most common form of elder abuse. EFE is defined as the illegal or improper use of an elderly adult's funds, property or resources by another individual. Sadly, this exploitation is alive and well all year round.
6/14/2022
Since the initial roll-out of ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326), much of the prevailing focus has been on accounting for expected credit losses in loan portfolios. As the CECL implementation date draws near for nonpublic business entities, we are starting to receive new questions about CECL’s impacts to securities portfolios as well.
6/13/2022
Nacha’s Supplementing Data Security Requirements rule expands the existing ACH Security Framework to explicitly require large, non-financial institution Originators, Third-Party Service Providers and Third-Party Senders to protect account numbers (consumer and non-consumer) used in the initiation of ACH entries by rendering them unreadable when stored electronically.
6/10/2022
Saltmarsh Financial Advisors, LLC is honored to be recognized by Accounting Today as a top firm by total assets under management (AUM) once again!
6/2/2022
Keeping your ACH clients informed is critical. In this webinar Senior Consultant Janice Weisz, AAP, will discuss the importance of educating ACH clients and will share tools and best practices to keep ACH clients informed of Nacha Rules and originator responsibilities.
6/2/2022
As the 2021 tax filing season progresses, small businesses and self-employed taxpayers should make certain they are taking advantage of all of the tax deductions and opportunities available to them on their 2021 federal income tax returns. Tax savings increases after-tax cash flow and can mean greater return on investment and more money to fund expansion and the overall growth of the business. The following are 10 top tax breaks for small businesses and business owners to keep in mind when finalizing their tax returns for 2021 and planning for 2022.
6/1/2022
Following the Florida Bankers Association’s annual CFO Symposium, the Saltmarsh Bank Advisors will be hosting a short update to recap hot topics including an industry overview, M&A, balance sheet strategies, ALM and more.
5/31/2022
As of May 1, 2022, banks must now notify their primary federal regulator within 36 hours of determining a "notification incident" has occurred, while a bank service provider is required to notify each affected bank "as soon as possible" if an incident is "reasonably likely" to cause a disruption for more than four hours.
5/26/2022
In periods of uncertainty, the decision to do something rather than do nothing is compelling. This compulsion drives investors to sell stocks as the markets are going down and is challenging to ignore. However, research has shown that even being out of the market for a short time can be profound.
5/20/2022
Health & Welfare Plans provide benefits such as medical, dental and life insurance. In 2002, the Form 5500 filing requirement was amended by the IRS, but many initially believed that the requirement had been fully suspended. However, the requirement was only lifted for some employers. However, for others (those not meeting the exemptions), the requirement remained in place and continues to be an annual requirement. So, you might be asking, “Who is required to file a Health and Welfare 5500?”
5/19/2022
The fiscal year 2023 budget blueprint, released by the Biden administration on March 28, reflects the President’s policy objectives. It consists of a mix of familiar proposals and brand-new initiatives. The proposals are described in more detail in the General Explanations of the Administration’s Fiscal Year 2023 Revenue Proposals, better known as the “Green Book,” that was released with the budget, and include the President’s now-familiar calls for increasing the top corporate tax rate to 28%.
5/18/2022
If you haven’t noticed, Saltmarsh works hard and plays hard. We value time outside of our daily routines to get together, build that family-like camaraderie and take time to relax together. Our team takes care of our clients, and our firm takes care of our team, so we decided to practice some of our 33 Saltmarsh Way Fundamentals by #15 Celebrating Achievement, #22 Showing Meaningful Appreciation, #29 Investing in Relationships and #33 Keeping Things Fun!
5/16/2022
This BankTech Bytes newsletter discusses Incident Notification Requirement updates from The Federal Register.
5/11/2022
Five months into the new year, it’s clear that 2022 will be just as unpredictable as the last five years have been. At the present moment, the S&P 500 Index (Large US Stocks) is down almost -14% on the year. The Bloomberg Barclays Aggregate Index (US Bond Market) is down -10% on the year. Inflation has persisted and has forced the Federal Reserve to tighten the money supply. Though the challenges investors face this year are substantial, it’s important to keep in mind a few things.
5/11/2022
On May 5th, we hosted our second Saltmarsh Fundamental Awards Ceremony! This celebration recognized individuals who live our 33 "Saltmarsh Way" Fundamentals to the fullest and practice the high-performing behaviors that continue building a sustainable culture throughout our firm.
5/10/2022
The Biden administration’s fiscal year 2023 budget blueprint, released on March 28, consists of a mix of familiar proposals and brand-new initiatives that reflect the President’s policy objectives. The proposals are described in more detail in the General Explanations of the Administration’s Fiscal Year 2023 Revenue Proposals, commonly referred to as the “Green Book,” that was released with the budget, and include the President’s now-familiar calls for increasing the top individual rate to 39.6%.
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