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Expert Tips to Maximize Your Construction Job Schedule for Profitability

6/8/2026

Your job schedule is more than just a report; it’s one of the most powerful tools for managing risk, improving margins, and boosting financial visibility.

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Funding Liquidity Without Triggering Capital GainsHow a Pledged Asset Line & the Step-Up in Basis can Work Together at Death

6/8/2026

Clients with concentrated, highly appreciated positions often need cash without wanting to sell. Selling triggers capital gains tax today and removes shares that would otherwise receive a step-up in cost basis at death. 

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ODFI Responsibilities in ACH Originator Onboarding: Compliance, Risk, & Security

6/2/2026

Understanding the responsibilities of Originating Depository Financial Institutions (ODFIs) when onboarding ACH originators is essential.

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Saltmarsh Financial Advisors Hosts Client Appreciation Night at the Ballpark in Pensacola

5/26/2026

Saltmarsh Financial Advisors recently hosted our annual client appreciation Night at the Ballpark in Pensacola, bringing together clients, friends, and team members for an evening of baseball, connection, and community.

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Could You Be Owed a Refund for IRS Penalties or Interest During Covid?A Recent Tax Court Case May Open the Door to Relief for Some Taxpayers

5/22/2026

A recent federal court case, Kwong v. United States, is creating significant buzz in the tax world because it gives some taxpayers the ability to request refunds that were previously thought as unavailable.

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Saltmarsh Receives National Recognition for Integrated Branding Program

5/21/2026

Saltmarsh, a leading full-service accounting and advisory firm in the Southeast, is proud to announce it has been recognized in the 2026 Marketing Achievement Awards presented by the Association for Accounting Marketing (AAM).

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Summer Outreach Heats UpABC BUILDERcon & Supporting Women in Construction

5/21/2026

This month, our team participated in several Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) events throughout the state, reinforcing our dedication to supporting the construction industry through advisory, accounting, and outsourced services.

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Saltmarsh Hosts Accounting & Finance Studentsfor Beacon Summer Leadership Experience

5/20/2026

This month, we were proud to welcome 20 accounting & finance students into our offices for our annual Beacon Summer Leadership Program, an immersive, hands-on experience designed to introduce the next generation of professionals to life inside public accounting.

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IRS Notice CP53E: What Is It & What to Do If You Receive One

5/19/2026

After filing their 2025 federal income tax return, some taxpayers may receive IRS Notice CP53E. This notice is issued when the IRS is unable to process a direct deposit refund and requests banking information before issuing a refund. 

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Beyond the Hype: What the Coming Mega-IPOs Mean for Your Portfolio

5/14/2026

The financial press has been busy this year preparing investors for a wave of initial public offerings unlike anything we have seen before.

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Saltmarsh CEO Lee Bell Named to Forbes Best-In-State CPAs List

5/13/2026

We are proud to announce that our CEO, Lee Bell, has been recognized on the 2026 Forbes Best-In-State CPAs list. 

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Introducing Our New Podcast: Integrated Wealth PerspectivesEpisode 1: Giving Value to Your Money, Why Women Need a Different Financial Plan

5/5/2026

Integrated Wealth Perspectives is our new podcast, created to bring you thoughtful conversations around the decisions that shape your financial future. Episode 1 focuses on the evolving role of women in wealth and why a more personalized approach to planning matters, highlighting the key factors that influence long-term financial confidence, clarity, and control.

 

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Outsourced Accounting for NonprofitsStrengthen Internal Controls

5/4/2026

Every dollar flowing through your organization belongs to the community you serve, and donors, grantors, and regulators expect it to be treated that way. Strong nonprofit internal controls are how you demonstrate that stewardship, but building them typically requires more than one set of eyes on the money.

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Manufacturing Cash Flow Forecasting Services for Volatile Markets

5/4/2026

There is a particular kind of financial anxiety that manufacturing business owners know well. The order book looks healthy. The production floor is busy. And yet, cash feels tight in a way that the profit and loss statement does not quite explain.

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Church Accounting Services for Donor Tracking & Financial Transparency

5/4/2026

 

Every week, congregants across the country give generously to their church, trusting that their tithes, offerings, and designated gifts will be put to good use. That trust is not just a spiritual matter; it has practical and legal dimensions that church leaders need to take seriously.

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Real Estate Accounting Services for Cash Flow Visibility and Portfolio Performance

5/4/2026

Most real estate investors got into the business because they understand property: how to find it, finance it, and manage it. Accounting tends to be secondary, at least early on.

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Maximizing Your Home Office DeductionA 2026 Guide for Business Owners & Entrepreneurs

3/30/2026

Remote work, side businesses, and consulting have made the home office deduction more relevant than ever. Yet, many business owners misunderstand what qualifies, leaving money on the table, or risking IRS scrutiny.

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What CEOs and CFOs Need to Know About Outsourced Accounting Costs

3/27/2026

For many CEOs and CFOs, the question is not just what outsourced accounting services cost. It is whether the financial visibility they gain will help them make better decisions, reduce risk, and scale their organization more effectively. Pricing matters, but it is rarely the whole story.

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How Outsourced Accounting Helps Growing Businesses Scale with Confidence

3/27/2026

If you're a business owner or organizational leader, there's a good chance you've spent time you didn't have reconciling accounts, chasing down receipts, or reviewing financial reports that arrived weeks too late to act on.

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Are You 5500 Compliant? Key Considerations for Health & Welfare Plans

3/27/2026

Many employers and plan sponsors wonder, “Do I have to file a Form 5500 for my Health and Welfare Plans?” While most employers/plan sponsors are very familiar with filing Form 5500 for their retirement plans, many are not as confident about the Form 5500 filing requirement for their health and welfare plans. 

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Cost Forecasting for ContractorsHow to Protect Profit on Every Job

3/24/2026

For contractors, the gap between what you thought you'd earn and what you actually earned usually comes down to one capability: cost forecasting.

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Avoid Costly Bookkeeping Mistakes in Your Construction Projects

3/24/2026

When bookkeeping is solid, contractors can trust their numbers and make informed decisions about bidding, hiring, equipment purchases, and project financing. When it's not, you're basically running your company on optimism and caffeine.

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How Does a Construction Bond Work?A Contractor's Guide (Minus the Panic)

3/24/2026

For contractors, construction bonds are the golden ticket to bigger commercial and government projects. But here's the catch: without bonding capacity, you're not even allowed to sit at the grown-up table. 

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New FNHURS Extension Could Help You Avoid a $10K Penalty

3/13/2026

FNHURS now allows providers to request a new three-month extension in addition to the 30-day option. Learn how to stay compliant and avoid the $10,000 AHCA late-filing penalty.

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Saltmarsh Financial Advisors Welcomes Jeff CrouseGrowing Impact Across Central Florida Markets

3/11/2026

We are excited to share that Jeff Crouse, CFP® has joined Saltmarsh Financial Advisors as a Financial Advisor. As a Financial Advisor, Jeff will work with individuals, families, and business owners to provide comprehensive wealth management, including retirement planning, estate planning, investment management, risk management, and business and succession planning.

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Construction Cost Accounting for Commercial Contractors

3/10/2026

Unlock growth with expert construction cost accounting for commercial contractors. Learn how accurate job costing, WIP schedules, revenue recognition, and retainage management improve financial visibility, support bonding capacity, and prevent project overruns.

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Fueling Contractor Growth with Accounting Insights

3/6/2026

Sustainable growth in construction starts with financial clarity and strategic accounting. This guide explores key strategies, job-level margin analysis, cash flow scheduling, and overhead optimization that help contractors scale with confidence and control.

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What the Best Accounting Outsourcing Companies Provide that Bookkeepers Don't

3/2/2026

Discover the key differences between bookkeeping and outsourced accounting. Learn how a team of credentialed CPAs can provide controller and CFO-level insights, improve compliance, and help your growing business make strategic financial decisions.

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How an Outsourced Accounting Department Transforms Month-End Close

3/2/2026

Struggling with slow, error-prone month-end closes? Discover how an outsourced accounting department brings structured processes, defined roles, and controller-level oversight to help growing businesses close faster, strengthen lender relationships, and support better financial decisions.

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Post-Ruling Trade Strategy for Manufacturers

2/26/2026

The Supreme Court has invalidated IEEPA tariffs. Discover essential strategies to reclaim capital and manage the new global surcharge transition.

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Margins & Mindset: A Contractor's Guide to Smarter Financial Growth

2/24/2026

Contractors ready to grow need more than grit, they need financial systems that scale. This guide explores how shifting your mindset and upgrading your tools can unlock smarter growth, stronger margins, and long-term success in construction.

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Agile Internal Audits: Bringing Speed and Flexibility to Financial Institutions

2/23/2026

Discover how agile, risk-based internal audits help financial institutions stay efficient, adaptable, and aligned with evolving risks and regulations.

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Meals & Entertainment ExpensesUnder the One Big Beautiful Bill Act

2/18/2026

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) changes how businesses deduct meal and entertainment expenses beginning in 2026. 

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Saltmarsh Expands Executive Team with Mercedes Flowers as Chief Growth Officer

2/10/2026

We are excited to share that Mercedes Flowers has joined the firm as Chief Growth Officer. As Chief Growth Officer, Mercedes is responsible for driving the firm’s growth strategy, including client acquisition, market expansion, and go-to-market alignment.

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How Accounts Payable Outsourcing Improves Accuracy, Speed, and Internal Controls

2/9/2026

Many small to midsized businesses unknowingly outgrow their accounts payable controls, creating hidden financial risk until outsourcing turns a back-office weakness into a governance strength.

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The Hidden Benefits of Accounts Receivable Outsourcing for Businesses

2/9/2026

Excess DSO traps cash and raises risk for growing businesses. Learn how accounts receivable outsourcing improves collections, strengthens controls, and signals operational maturity to lenders and buyers.

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IRS Releases FAQ on Paper Check Phase-OutWhat Taxpayers Need to Know

2/4/2026

The IRS just released a new FAQ clarifying how it will move away from paper checks for tax refunds and payments.

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Construction Accounting Methods Explained: Cash, Accrual, and Percentage-of-Completion

1/30/2026

Cash, accrual, CCM, or PCM? Discover how construction accounting methods affect taxes, financial statements, and bonding, and how to choose the right one.

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A Practical Guide to Construction Job Costing for Contractors

1/23/2026

Learn how construction job costing helps contractors track labor, materials, and overhead accurately. Build a reliable process to improve margins, forecasting, and project decisions.

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WIP Construction Accounting: How to Read and Use a Work-in-Progress Report

1/23/2026

Learn how to read and use a WIP schedule to track costs, recognize revenue, and improve project profitability. A practical guide for contractors who want financial clarity.

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Stop the Profit Leaks: 6 Gut checks for Contractors

1/23/2026

Gross profit margins can be misleading if job costs, estimates, and field data aren’t aligned. This guide offers six essential gut checks to help contractors uncover hidden issues, improve forecasting, and protect profitability across every project.

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OCC's New CRA Strategic Plan ProposalWhat Community Banks Need to Know

1/21/2026

The OCC is proposing a simpler, clearer process for community banks to create and use CRA strategic plans, reducing regulatory burden and making it easier to demonstrate community impact. Stakeholders can provide feedback to help shape the final guidance and ensure it supports both compliance clarity and local lending needs.

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FAQs: Working with Saltmarsh's Financial Institution Advisory Team

1/20/2026

Saltmarsh’s Financial Institution consulting team delivers specialized support for banks, credit unions, and fintechs. With decades of experience and deep regulatory expertise, we offer responsive, flexible solutions tailored to your institution’s needs.

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Financial Scams are EvolvingHere's How to Stay One Step Ahead

1/14/2026

Financial fraud can happen to anyone. Learn how to recognize red flags and take steps to safeguard your accounts.

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Celebrating Growth: Congratulations to Our Newly Promoted Team Members

1/9/2026

We’re proud to celebrate our newly promoted team members whose achievements reflect a shared commitment to growth, teamwork, and exceptional client service. Join us in congratulating the professionals helping shape the future of Saltmarsh.

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What the FDICIA's Part 363 Threshold Updates Mean for Banks

1/2/2026

The FDIC adopted a final rule updating FDICIA Part 363 thresholds to account for inflation, providing regulatory relief for community and mid-sized banks. Learn what changed, who’s impacted, and how to right-size internal controls without sacrificing governance.

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Saltmarsh Financial Advisors Earns World-Class Client SatisfactionClient feedback resulted in a Net Promoter Score of 93.4%, highlighting excellence in service, responsiveness, and care.

12/29/2025

Saltmarsh Financial Advisors, the wealth management affiliate of Saltmarsh Advisors & Accountants, is proud to share that it has been recognized by its clients for delivering exceptional service, earning a world-class Net Promoter® Score (NPS) of 93.4%! This recognition is based entirely on direct client feedback and reflects the team’s unwavering commitment to building trusted, long-term relationships grounded in expertise, responsiveness, and personalized care.

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Whole Company Alignment 2025A Milestone Moment

12/22/2025

A look back at Saltmarsh’s first-ever Whole Company Alignment and the values that unite us.

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Leading ALM & IRR Management: Best Practices for Financial Institutions

12/15/2025

Discover key strategies for strengthening asset/liability management (ALM) and interest rate risk (IRR) oversight. Learn how strong policies, realistic assumptions, and sensitivity testing help financial institutions navigate today's rate environment.

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Saltmarsh Leader Suzanne Bach Joins ABC Florida Gulf Coast Board

12/15/2025

Saltmarsh partner Suzanne Bach, CPA, CIT, joins the ABC Florida Gulf Coast Board to champion leadership, mentorship, and industry growth in Tampa Bay.

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The Final Chapter of the Estate PlanAdministering the Estate After Both Parents Pass

12/9/2025

Losing the last surviving parent brings complex legal, financial, and tax responsibilities. Learn key steps for managing trusts and estates, filing final tax returns, handling Form 1041 and Form 706, and preserving your parents’ legacy with confidence.

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What to Know Before Year-End2025 Tax Planning for Individuals and Businesses

12/4/2025

A 2025 year-end tax guide for businesses and individuals covering key developments, planning strategies, and opportunities to prepare for 2026.

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How Upcoming Medicare Cost Report Changes Could Impact Providers

11/3/2025

CMS has issued major updates to the Medicare cost report (Form CMS-2540) for skilled nursing facilities. Learn what’s changing and how to prepare for 2025.

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Job Schedules 101: A Smarter Way to Strengthen Construction Finances

10/24/2025

Discover how a well-managed job schedule (WIP) can transform your construction business. Learn best practices for financial reporting, internal controls, and sustainable growth from Saltmarsh.

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2026 IRS Updates: New FSA, HSA, & QSEHRA Limits AnnouncedCurated insights for your 2026 planning season

10/17/2025

Plan ahead for 2026 with the latest IRS updates on FSA, HSA, QSEHRA, commuter benefits, and adoption assistance. Get curated insights to support your open enrollment and benefits strategy.

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Why Knowing Your

10/2/2025

Studying for the CPA exam isn’t just about flashcards and practice tests—it’s about knowing your personal “why.” This blog shares a powerful story of resilience, showing how purpose can carry you through even the toughest moments on your path to becoming a CPA.

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The End of Paper Refund Checks: Are You Ready for the IRS Digital Shift?

10/1/2025

The IRS has announced a major change that will impact how millions of Americans receive their tax refunds. Starting September 30, 2025, paper refund checks for individual taxpayers will begin to be phased out, marking a significant step toward a fully digital tax system.

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How to Prepare for a Spouse's Passing: Practical Steps for Peace of Mind

9/25/2025

Planning for life after the loss of a spouse is emotionally and financially challenging. This guide explores essential tax strategies couples should know to avoid costly mistakes and ensure financial clarity during difficult times.

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Land Your First Accounting JobA Step-by-Step Guide to Success

9/23/2025

Graduating soon with an accounting degree? Discover practical tips to land your first job from resume and LinkedIn optimization to networking with firms and recruiters.

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TennCare's QuILTSS #18 ChangesWhat the New Care Scorecard Means for Providers

9/22/2025

TennCare’s latest memo outlines key changes to the QuILTSS #18 initiative, including a new national benchmark for satisfaction scoring. Learn how these updates impact your facility’s Medicaid reimbursement and what steps to take before the January 31, 2026 deadline.

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Celebrating 20 Years of BankTalkSaltmarsh's Community Banking Events

9/10/2025

This week, we were thrilled to welcome over 80 bankers from 33 institutions to the University Club of Tampa for our 20th annual Saltmarsh BankTalk—a milestone event that brought together community banking leaders, industry experts, and trusted partners for one and a half days of learning, networking, and forward-looking discussions.

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Inside Saltmarsh's Level UpHow We Delivered Big Results This Summer

9/4/2025

Discover how Saltmarsh teams embraced growth, creativity, and collaboration during the Level Up summer challenge. From elevator pitches to tiny habits, a bold rebrand, and helping our clients grow.

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What to Do After a Windfall? Steps to Financial Security

9/2/2025

Just received a financial windfall? Whether it’s from selling a business, an inheritance, or even winning the lottery, learn how to make the most of it with smart strategies for long-term financial security.

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Celebrating Excellence in Financial Institutions Consulting

8/27/2025

Saltmarsh’s Financial Institutions Consulting team is celebrating two major milestones: Vanessa Feely earned her CFIRS designation, and Angel Roberts achieved her CRCM certification. These accomplishments highlight the team’s deep expertise and ongoing commitment to excellence in serving financial institutions.

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Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Final Rule for 2026

8/14/2025

Last week, CMS issued the final rule for the skilled nursing facility (SNF) prospective payment system (PPS) for the fiscal year 2026 update. To read more...

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Proposed FDICIA Rule Could Eliminate HUD AuditRequirements for Mid-Size Lenders

8/14/2025

A proposed Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) rule change could quietly eliminate a costly audit and reporting requirement for mid-size lenders active in originating and servicing Federal Housing Administration (FHA) insured mortgage loans.

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Tax Law Impacts: One Big Beautiful Bill ActOverview of the New Tax Landscape Impacting Individuals & Businesses

8/12/2025

OBBBA, signed into law on July 4, 2025, makes permanent many provisions from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act while introducing new tax benefits for individuals and businesses. At Saltmarsh, we are continuing to review the new provisions and their impact on your tax strategy. This article highlights some of the most significant changes from our initial review of the OBBBA.

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How Tariffs Are Reshaping U.S. ManufacturingWhat Manufacturers Need To Know Today

8/11/2025

Explore the latest U.S. tariff policies, including Section 232, Section 301, IEEPA, and WTO compliance, and learn how manufacturers are adapting to rising costs, trade disruptions, and refund opportunities in this expert-led webinar.

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BankTalk 2025: Who Is It For & What Should You Expect?Inside Scoop on Saltmarsh's Premier Community Banking Forum

8/4/2025

This September, Saltmarsh celebrates a significant milestone: the 20th anniversary of BankTalk, our flagship community banking event. What began as a regional gathering of banking professionals has evolved into the Southeast's premier forum for addressing the technology and compliance challenges that define modern community banking. BankTalk 2025 represents both a celebration of the resilience that has carried community banks through two decades of change and a strategic planning opportunity for the challenges ahead.

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Saltmarsh Financial Advisors Recognized as Top Wealth Advisory Firm

8/1/2025

Saltmarsh Financial Advisors, LLC, is honored to be recognized by Accounting Today as one of the nation’s top firms by total assets under management (AUM) for the fifth year in a row. As an independent fiduciary, Saltmarsh Financial Advisors provides personalized guidance on investing, retirement, and estate planning while leveraging its team’s collective expertise to manage tax-efficient portfolios and help clients navigate an ever-changing market.

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2025 Fair Lending OutlookNavigating Compliance in a Changing Enforcement Landscape

7/30/2025

Fair lending compliance is once again in flux. President Trump’s second administration has brought new priorities and raised questions about the direction of enforcement across federal agencies. Read more...

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Estate Planning EssentialsHow to Protect Your Family's Legacy

7/29/2025

Whether you’ve built a successful business, have a growing family, or simply want to ensure your final wishes are honored, this post will help you understand the foundational elements of estate planning and how to begin creating a plan that reflects your values. Read why estate planning matters.

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2025 ALM IRR Modeling Tool: Streamline Asset-Liability Management

7/28/2025

We are observing that accuracy in ALM modeling has become an increasing focus area for many of our financial institution clients.  Model accuracy is especially important to those using their ALM models...

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What Community Banks Must Know About the Fed's Interest Rate Policy

7/15/2025

The Federal Reserve’s monetary policy continues to shape the financial landscape, with community banks feeling the impact most acutely. As of June 2025, the Fed has held the federal funds rate steady at 4.25%–4.50% for the fourth consecutive meeting.

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Magnifying Single-Stock Volatility

6/26/2025

These scenarios show why broad diversification can help provide more reliable outcomes over time. A global equity market allocation includes potentially thousands of stocks, mitigating the impact any individual security can exert on one’s portfolio. 

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CFPB's Regulatory Shake-Upand States Ramp Up Consumer Protection Efforts

6/25/2025

Did you hear about CFPB's announcement of the withdrawal of 67 regulatory guidance documents? The potentially withdrawn documents impact a multitude of consumer protection laws including CFPA, FCRA, FDCPA, ECOA, TILA, EFTA and MLA and UDAAP interpretations. As we take time to digest this news, a key question arises: How will this affect prudential regulators? 

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Markets Look Forward. So Should Investors.

6/24/2025

With a stark shift in US tariff policy announced on April 2 and ongoing responses worldwide, many investors are on edge. But when there is real economic uncertainty and information is quickly changing, volatility is a sign that markets are functioning.

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Father's Day: Money Lessons Learned From Dad

6/13/2025

Fathers play an important role in teaching us many things when we are children. For this Father’s Day, I’d like to share some of these lessons and how they can be applied in practical terms. 

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Why You May Need a Revocable Trust

6/11/2025

Estate planning ensures your assets are distributed according to your wishes after death. A will is a common tool for this, but many individuals should also consider adding a revocable trust to their estate plan. Understanding the purposes, benefits, and limitations.

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Cost of Index Reconstitution: Index & Diversification Portfolios

5/15/2025

The appeal of low expense ratios and broad diversification has contributed to the growth of index funds. Yet those appealing qualities can come at a cost. Index funds primarily seek to match the performance of an index. This objective may lead to constraints and implementation costs that are not reflected in the funds’ expense ratios. 

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