Blog
Financial Checklist for New Parents
If you're a new parent or about to become one, congratulations! Your life just changed in ways you probably didn't fully expect, and along with all the joy and exhaustion comes a whole set of financial decisions you need to make. If...
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Selling Hay vs. Feeding Hay
Calving season is behind you, and in a few weeks, you'll be putting up hay again. Now's the time to think about what you'll do with it: sell it or feed it? For most Montana cattle ranchers...
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The Post-Calving Financial Review Your Ranch Needs
The ranchers I work with who handle calving season cash flow without the stress are the ones who know their numbers. They track what things actually cost. They plan based on reality, not optimism. They set aside enough cash in the fall to..
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Spring Financial Planning
Most people set up their financial plan once and then don't look at it again for years, but elements like beneficiary designations, insurance policies, and emergency savings shouldn’t be forgotten. Life changes, but the financial...
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Should I Put My Children on the Farm or Ranch Payroll?
Your kids are already working on your farm or ranch. They're feeding cattle, fixing fences, and helping during calving season. So, should you be paying them for it?The answer is yes, and if you set it up right, you can receive tax...
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Ranch Retirement Planning: SEP-IRA vs Solo 401(k) for Cattle Operations
You've decided to set up a retirement plan for your ranch. Good! Now comes the question every cattle operation faces: SEP-IRA or Solo 401(k)?I talk to ranchers who've spent months researching this decision, trying to figure out which...
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Winter/Spring Cash Flow: Managing Money When Income Stops but Expenses Spike
When you sell calves in the fall, there's always pressure to pay down debt or buy that piece of equipment that's been limping along. I get it. Every rancher feels that pull, but you need operating cash to get through winter and spring...
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Beyond Equipment: Year-End Tax Planning for Farm and Ranch Families
December's always a busy time on the ranch. Between managing livestock through winter, wrapping up the year's books, and planning for next season, it's easy to focus only on the obvious tax deductions. Most agricultural families...
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Why Long-Term Care Planning Matters for Farm and Ranch Families
Long-term care planning isn't just another item on your financial to-do list. It's about protecting everything your family has built over generations. I've seen this firsthand, both in my own family and in the farming and ranching...
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Government Shutdown: What It Means for Your Farm or Ranch
Late night on September 30th, the federal government officially shut down. If you're like most of the farming and ranching families I work with here in Montana, you're probably wondering: "What does this mean for my operation?"
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When Should We Start Talking to Our Kids About Taking Over the Farm or Ranch?
One of the most common questions I get from farming and ranching families..."When should we start talking to our kids about taking over the operation?"
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The Montana Property Tax Rebate: What You Need to Know
What Is the Montana Property Tax Rebate? The Montana Property Tax Rebate is a state program designed to provide financial relief to homeowners. For 2024, qualified residents can receive either $400 or the full amount of property taxes...
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