LampPost Planning

05/15/2026

For most people, the word "audit" triggers immediate anxiety. But the reality? It's far less scary than you think.

Between 2010 and 2020, the IRS audited just 0.49% of all individual tax returns. And an audit isn't automatically an accusation — it's simply a formal review to confirm your return is accurate and filed according to current tax law.

How does the IRS choose who to audit? Learn on our latest article:

Facing an audit can be daunting, but it doesn't have to be. Learn how to navigate the process and reduce your chances of being audited.

05/13/2026

You taught them how to read. How to ride a bike. How to treat others with kindness. But have you taught your children how to manage money?

The numbers are sobering: the average student borrower carries $38,375 in debt, and 10.3% of new graduates default within the first three years of repayment.

The good news? If your kids are still at home, you have a real opportunity to change that trajectory. Here's how:

https://www.lamppostplanning.com/post/do-your-kids-know-the-value-of-a-silver-spoon

Teach your kids the real value of a silver spoon by guiding them on smart money management. Discover how to instill financial wisdom early.

05/10/2026

Today we celebrate the women who make everything possible.

The ones who kissed the scrapes, talked us through the hard days, cheered the loudest at every milestone, and loved us even when we made it difficult.

Whether you're celebrating your own mom, honoring her memory, or being celebrated yourself today — we hope this day is filled with love, rest, and all your favorite things. 🌸

To every mom, stepmom, grandma, aunt, godmother, and mother figure — thank you. The world is a better place because of you.
Happy Mother's Day from all of us! 💛

05/08/2026

Here's a surprising stat: only 47% of Americans have completed a home inventory.

Having insurance is a great start, but without documented proof of your possessions, you could face a long, frustrating claims process — and potentially receive less than you're owed.

The good news? It doesn't have to be complicated. Here are 4 tips to get started:

📹 Tip 1 — Make a Video of Your Possessions Walk through every room and storage space with your phone. Narrate as you go — describe items and call out anything noteworthy (e.g., a signed first edition, a family heirloom, high-end appliances). A visual record is your best proof of ownership.

🧾 Tip 2 — Document the Value of Your Items Scan or photograph receipts. Note makes and models. If you own artwork, antiques, or collectibles, keep a copy of any appraisals on file.

☁️ Tip 3 — Secure Your Inventory Off-Site An inventory stored in your house won't do you much good if your house is the problem. Upload your video to a cloud account, or save it to a USB drive kept in a safety deposit box.

🔄 Tip 4 — Keep It Updated New TV? New jewelry? New furniture? Add it to your inventory. An outdated list could mean leaving money on the table during a claim.

💡 Pro tip: Ask your insurance agent if they have a home inventory checklist — it's an easy way to make sure you're not missing anything important.

A little effort now can make an enormous difference when it matters most. Have you started your inventory yet?

https://www.lamppostplanning.com/post/inventorying-your-possessions

Discover why creating a home inventory is crucial for insurance claims. Learn how a detailed inventory can maximize your settlement process.

05/06/2026

Whether you dream of traveling the world, spending time with grandkids, or starting something new — retirement is a chapter worth planning carefully. Here are 9 eye-opening facts to keep in mind:

https://www.lamppostplanning.com/post/9-facts-about-retirement-what-youneed-to-know-for-a-secure-and-fulfillingfuture

If you're unsure where to start, it might be time to build a solid strategy. Feel free to reach out — we're here to help.

Discover 9 essential facts about retirement to ensure a secure and fulfilling future. Learn how retirement trends impact your planning today!

05/04/2026

New research shows a shift in how income is distributed across U.S. households. About 31% of households are now considered upper middle class, making it the largest income group in the country — a significant increase compared to past decades.

This change reflects long-term income growth as more households move into higher-earning brackets. Factors such as dual-income households and increased workforce participation have contributed to this trend.

At the same time, the share of households in traditional middle-income ranges has declined, largely because many have moved into higher categories.

Even with these shifts, perceptions of financial well-being can vary. Rising costs in housing, education, and healthcare continue to shape how households experience economic progress.

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/upper-middle-class-income-us-what-it-takes/

America's middle class is shrinking, but not because people are getting poorer. Instead, more households are climbing the ladder, new research suggests.

05/01/2026

When gas prices rise, small changes in driving habits can make a noticeable difference in fuel use.

Experts suggest that driving at steady speeds around 65 mph and avoiding rapid acceleration or braking can help improve efficiency. Using cruise control on highways may also reduce fuel consumption.

Other adjustments can add up over time, including limiting idling, reducing extra weight in your vehicle, and keeping tires properly inflated. Combining trips, carpooling when possible, and planning routes more efficiently may also help reduce overall fuel use.

While these changes may seem minor, they can help drivers get more out of each tank, especially during periods of higher fuel costs. 🚗

04/29/2026

Thinking about starting a business? One of the first decisions you'll make is also one of the most important — and most overlooked: What business structure should I choose?

The answer affects how you're taxed, whether your personal assets are protected, and how easy it is to grow or bring on investors. Get it wrong, and it can be expensive to fix later.

Here's the quick version:
✅ Sole Proprietorship — Simple, but zero liability protection
✅ LLC — Flexible, protected, and great for most small businesses
✅ S-Corp — Can save you money on self-employment taxes
✅ C-Corp — Built for scaling and raising outside investment

Not sure which one fits your situation? Our latest guide breaks it all down in plain English. Link below! 👇

https://www.lamppostplanning.com/post/choosing-a-business-structure

Explore the pros and cons of different business structures. Learn which business structure best suits your needs and protect your assets today.

04/27/2026

One of the most common questions we hear: Should I buy or lease my next car?

The honest answer? It depends.

Leasing usually means lower monthly payments and the ability to drive a newer vehicle more often. But at the end of the lease, you walk away with nothing — and the payments never stop.

Buying costs more upfront (or monthly), but once it's paid off, that car is yours. No payments, no mileage restrictions, no fees for wear and tear.

From a purely financial standpoint, buying tends to win over the long run. But leasing isn't a bad choice — especially if you value flexibility and predictability.

Our latest guide breaks down the full picture so you can decide what's right for your budget and lifestyle. Link below! 👇

https://www.lamppostplanning.com/post/buying-vs-leasing-a-car

Explore the pros and cons of buying vs. leasing a car. Discover which option fits your lifestyle and financial goals in our comprehensive guide.

04/24/2026

Investors are anxious, and with good reason. The unsettling events in the Middle East are dominating the headlines, which can put even the most seasoned investor on edge. Will the number of corrections for the S&P 500 increase to 27 this year?