Bailey Scarano

10/29/2026

The traditional fraud question is "Is this really our customer?" Social engineering changes the problem entirely. A legitimate customer, on a legitimate device, using real credentials, can be manipulated into authorizing a fraudulent transaction.

Nearly half of financial institutions still rely on SMS OTPs, yet only 18% of consumers consider it secure. For credit unions, moving from detection to prevention, and connecting authentication to real-time risk signals, is no longer optional.

Fraud prevention has traditionally focused on one fundamental question: Is this customer really who they say they are? For banks and credit unions, fraud prevention has traditionally focused on one fundamental question: Is this customer really who they say they are? That question still matters. But....

10/27/2026

Connecticut's CART Act brings a new wave of AI and data privacy requirements into effect October 1. For employers, that means preparing a framework to disclose when and how AI is used in employment decisions, with full compliance required by October 1, 2027. The companion data privacy law adds restrictions on facial recognition, surveillance pricing, and the sale of genetic data.

These aren't distant policy questions. If your business uses AI in hiring or operations, the clock is running.

The bills address AI workforce development, social media use of minors, the use of facial recognition technology and more.

10/22/2026

Law firms, architecture firms, consultancies, marketing agencies: the financial complexity in professional services is real, even when the business looks simple from the outside. Partnership structures, variable cash flow, utilization and realization rates, and compensation decisions affect taxes at the entity and individual level.

We work with professional services firms on the CT Shoreline that need an accounting partner that understands how their businesses actually run, not one that treats them like any other small business client.

Law, architecture, consulting, marketing, advertising & insurance firms trust us to minimize their tax burden and offer financial advice too.

10/20/2026

Real-time visibility across every purchase order and piece of inventory is becoming table stakes in manufacturing, not a competitive advantage.

67% of companies have started supply chain digital transformations in the past 12 months. Only 10% have hit their top three strategic targets. The gap between starting and succeeding is still significant.

Manufacturers and retailers that moved early on their digital transformations and automation strategies are starting to reap the benefits, experts said at Supply Chain Dive’s outlook event.

10/15/2026

Americans say they need $1.2 million to retire comfortably. The problem is that most are too buried in debt to get there. Rising consumer debt levels are eroding retirement savings capacity across income brackets, not just lower earners.

The math only works if people start early and stay consistent. Easier said than done when debt is growing faster than savings.


https://on.mktw.net/461wzoC

10/13/2026

Can your business afford another employee? That’s only the first question you should be asking.

A new hire needs to make financial sense beyond the salary and benefits. How much additional revenue or capacity will the position need to create? How long will it take the employee to become fully productive? And what happens to cash flow in the meantime?

Before adding to your team, take a closer look at the numbers behind the decision and make sure the position supports where the business is headed.

https://bit.ly/4yrQtWl

Before hiring, understand the true cost, break-even point, ramp-up time, and financial impact of adding an employee to your business.

10/08/2026

New IRS business travel per diem rates took effect October 1. For businesses using the high-low method, the daily rate is now $329 for high-cost locations and $230 for other locations.

The annual update is also a good reminder to review your travel and reimbursement policies. Make sure you're using current rates, employees know what documentation is required, and the people processing expense reports understand the rules.

See what changed and what businesses should review now.

https://bit.ly/4rNu7fM

New IRS per diem rates take effect October 1, 2026. See the updated travel rates and what employers should review.

10/06/2026

Trump Accounts have moved from a new tax provision to active accounts for millions of children.

Automatic enrollment is now complete, which means parents may have an account to claim even if they never opened one themselves. Employers also have new guidance to consider if they're interested in offering Trump Account contributions as an employee benefit.

Our latest article looks at what has changed, what families should know, and what businesses should consider before adding this benefit.

https://bit.ly/4ASsFN9

Trump Accounts are now active for millions of children. See what families and employers should know about the latest changes.

10/01/2026

We're hiring a Tax Manager with 7+ years of public accounting tax experience to lead engagements and mentor staff across a broad range of client work: corporate, individual, partnership, fiduciary, and nonprofit returns, plus planning, projections, and compliance.

This is a hands-on leadership role with direct partner access, real advisory work, and room to grow. CPA or EA required. If you're ready to step into something with more scope and fewer layers, we'd like to talk.


https://bit.ly/3RH6l3G

09/29/2026

Choosing an SUV over a minivan might cost more than the sticker price suggests. When you factor in higher insurance rates, more complex repairs, and the opportunity cost of the price premium, the gap compounds over time. Here are the numbers: investing a $5,000 difference in an index fund at 7% grows to nearly $10,000 over a decade.

Vehicle decisions are personal finance decisions. The badge on the grille shouldn't cost you a decade of retirement savings.

Many drivers favor aesthetics over economics. We break down the financial trade-offs of the "SUV tax" and show you how to keep thousands more for your future.