by Leif Jensen | Mar 2, 2026 | Running a Business |
For a business expense to be deductible, it generally must be ordinary and necessary or be an investment expense. Investment-related deductions under IRC §212 have largely been eliminated by the TCJA. That puts the emphasis on deductions to be tied to a trade or...
by Leif Jensen | Feb 25, 2026 | Uncategorized |
Repairs Versus Capitalization. Farmers must carefully distinguish between repairs, which are fully deductible in the year paid, and capital improvements, which must be capitalized and depreciated over time. The distinction between a deductible repair and a capital...
by Leif Jensen | Feb 23, 2026 | Uncategorized |
Farmers are the only business that maintains an inventory that may utilize the cash method of accounting, which offers significant flexibility in managing taxable income. Under this method, income is recognized when cash is received and expenses to be deducted when...
by Leif Jensen | Feb 18, 2026 | Rant |
I thought it was hysterical when the Texas Democrats raced to Illinois to stop the Gerrymandering planned for Texas Congressional Districts. Since Illinois is one of the most Gerrymandered states out there. I did not like what was planned for Texas, and I don’t like...
by Leif Jensen | Feb 11, 2026 | Rant |
AI has caused one of my sons who decided to hold off on law school and joined the military to get trained at someone else’s expenses on the current trends. He expects to see AI up front and see how it will replace him and others once he is fully trained. He already...
by Leif Jensen | Feb 9, 2026 | Rant |
The evolving landscape of U.S. electricity is marked by three interconnected trends poised to shape its future over the next few years, influencing both consumers and infrastructure. First, consumers face persistently escalating electric bills, with recent data...
by Leif Jensen | Feb 4, 2026 | Rant |
Data center electricity demand, largely driven by the AI boom, is expected to rise 22% in 2025 and could nearly triple by 2030, straining electric grids and raising serious concerns about reliability and pricing for consumers and utilities alike. Utilities face a...
by Leif Jensen | Feb 2, 2026 | Rant |
Major layoffs were announced in 2025 include: UPS – 48,000 positions Nestle – 16,0000 positions Amazon – 14,000 positions Bosch – 13,000 positions Dell – 12,000 positions Accenture – 11,000 positions Nissan – 11,000 positions Intel – 10,000 positions Microsoft –...
by Leif Jensen | Jan 28, 2026 | Investing |
Estimates suggest that on the order of 100 million people worldwide own some amount of Bitcoin as of 2025, but the exact number is uncertain. Different analyses generally place Bitcoin ownership at a bit over 1% of the global population. Global ownership estimates...
by Leif Jensen | Jan 26, 2026 | Investing |
Most mainstream guidance is to keep Bitcoin (and all crypto) as a small slice of your net worth, usually in the 1%–5% range, and only more if you deeply understand the risk and can tolerate large drawdowns. How much you personally “should” own depends on your total...
by Leif Jensen | Jan 21, 2026 | Advertising |
Economic worry drives much of the angst—81% of the SMBs surveyed are concerned that the current economy could negatively impact their businesses. Key insights from the data Economic anxiety dominates. A striking 81% of SMBs worry that current economic conditions could...
by Leif Jensen | Jan 14, 2026 | Advertising |
Small business owners say they need the most help with social media marketing. Main area of needed help Surveyed small business owners report that social media marketing is the marketing activity where they most often feel underprepared and in need of support. This is...
by Leif Jensen | Jan 12, 2026 | Advertising |
Small businesses, far from needing motivation to market their companies, primarily struggle with a fundamental lack of clarity and direction regarding what actually needs to be done. They unequivocally understand the imperative to attract new customers and recognize...
by Leif Jensen | Jan 7, 2026 | Taxes |
As of October 1, 2025, the IRS and all federal agencies generally no longer accept or issue paper checks, with limited exceptions available for those who cannot use electronic payments. This change is mandated by a presidential executive order to increase efficiency,...
by Leif Jensen | Jan 5, 2026 | Corporate Entities |
I have written in the past that S-Corps are the most popular corporate entity. Now thanks to the U of I Tax School pulling the numbers together to back it up, they account for over two-thirds of all corporations filing federal tax returns. Moreover, the number of S...
by Leif Jensen | Dec 17, 2025 | Rant |
Illinois residents pay the highest property taxes in the nation. Illinois Policy Institute research shows Cook County property tax bills have risen 78% since 2007, despite median property values rising just 7.3%. The treasurer reported last year’s collections were...
by Leif Jensen | Dec 15, 2025 | Money Management |
Early career workers need to set up a financial foundation. This will assist them on the path to financial security. Like retirement, the idea is to start early and maintain throughout their careers. Currently 56% of workers early in their careers do not have 3 to 6...
by Leif Jensen | Dec 10, 2025 | Money Management |
I was surprised to find in this day and age that yes, women are still paid less than men, although the gap has narrowed over time. In 2024, women working full-time, year-round earned about 81 to 85 cents for every dollar men earned, a figure that can be even lower for...
by Leif Jensen | Dec 8, 2025 | Money Management |
ADP was sharing that many workers are financially fragile. 27% of workers do not have any emergency savings. Over time the question was asked if your furnace broke down would you be able to replace it. The question now is a hot water heater. People don’t have the...
by Leif Jensen | Dec 3, 2025 | Money Management |
I know it is truly surprising that workers are stressed about money. The costs of existing in Illinois are constantly increasing. I personally am thrilled that my property taxes went up 30% with no increase in services or any other benefit that a money grab out of...
