Tax, business, estate and investment planning from Ryan Firth, CPA/PFS, CFP®.https://mercerst.com/https://mercerst.com/blog/asset-sale-vs-stock-sale/https://mercerst.com/blog/asset-sale-vs-stock-sale/When selling a business, one of the biggest issues to negotiate is whether the transaction will be structured as an asset sale or a stock sale.Wed, 09 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://mercerst.com/blog/build-a-family-office/https://mercerst.com/blog/build-a-family-office/Do I need a family office? The answer depends on your financial situation, the complexity of your assets, and the amount of coordination required to manage your family's financial life. Wed, 09 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://mercerst.com/blog/deferred-compensation/https://mercerst.com/blog/deferred-compensation/If you've accumulated deferred compensation during your career, retirement is the point where years of planning become reality—or where costly mistakes can occur.Sun, 09 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://mercerst.com/blog/texas-residency-planning/https://mercerst.com/blog/texas-residency-planning/Moving to Texas with substantial wealth, multiple homes, or business interests? Why residency planning should start long before you relocate, from a Houston CPA and CFP®.Sun, 09 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://mercerst.com/blog/trying-to-supersize-your-retirement-savings-a-mega-backdoor-roth-ira-conversion-could-come-in-handy/https://mercerst.com/blog/trying-to-supersize-your-retirement-savings-a-mega-backdoor-roth-ira-conversion-could-come-in-handy/Mega backdoor Roth IRAs are complicated retirement savings strategies. But for the right person, they could offer a big tax advantage. Sun, 05 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://mercerst.com/blog/reduce-capital-gains-taxes/https://mercerst.com/blog/reduce-capital-gains-taxes/Learn proven strategies Texas business owners use to reduce capital gains taxes when selling a business.Tue, 09 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://mercerst.com/blog/private-equity-rollups-in-houston-what-business-owners-need-to-know/https://mercerst.com/blog/private-equity-rollups-in-houston-what-business-owners-need-to-know/Houston business owners: Learn everything you need to know about private equity rollups, from how this acquisition strategy works to the critical tax planning and financial planning steps you must take before selling your business to maximize your wealth and secure your retirement.Wed, 20 May 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://mercerst.com/blog/what-happens-if-you-sell-your-houston-business-for-dollar25-million/https://mercerst.com/blog/what-happens-if-you-sell-your-houston-business-for-dollar25-million/If you’re a Houston business owner who just received a $25 million offer for your company, congratulations — and slow down.Mon, 18 May 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://mercerst.com/blog/how-can-i-reduce-taxes-for-my-small-business/https://mercerst.com/blog/how-can-i-reduce-taxes-for-my-small-business/Wed, 20 Aug 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://mercerst.com/blog/financial-tips-for-business-owners-7-step-guide/https://mercerst.com/blog/financial-tips-for-business-owners-7-step-guide/Guide to basic financial planning strategies for business owners.Wed, 18 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://mercerst.com/blog/if-your-insurance-rates-went-up-youre-not-alone/https://mercerst.com/blog/if-your-insurance-rates-went-up-youre-not-alone/If your auto, homeowners, or health insurance premiums increased, you’re not alone. Learn more about why this is happening and what you can do about it. Sun, 23 Mar 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://mercerst.com/blog/just-received-an-inheritance-be-aware-of-these-5-tax-implications/https://mercerst.com/blog/just-received-an-inheritance-be-aware-of-these-5-tax-implications/Between state and federal regulations, discover how you can navigate inheritance tax from deductibles to gift tax.Thu, 14 Sep 2023 00:00:00 GMThttps://mercerst.com/blog/8-step-summer-financial-checkup/https://mercerst.com/blog/8-step-summer-financial-checkup/If you find yourself with a bit of extra time on your hands in the upcoming months, you may want to use this time to check in with your family’s finances.Thu, 06 Jul 2023 00:00:00 GMThttps://mercerst.com/blog/are-you-prepared-for-an-estate-tax-sunset/https://mercerst.com/blog/are-you-prepared-for-an-estate-tax-sunset/#EstateTax is set to return to pre-2018 levels in 2025. Is your strategy prepared for possible changes?Tue, 23 May 2023 00:00:00 GMThttps://mercerst.com/blog/why-you-should-plan-taxes-2-years-at-a-time/https://mercerst.com/blog/why-you-should-plan-taxes-2-years-at-a-time/Rather than procrastinate this tax season, learn why you should think ahead and plan your taxes two years at a time. Preparation is key to seamless tax planning.Tue, 04 Apr 2023 00:00:00 GMThttps://mercerst.com/blog/think-flood-safety-this-spring/https://mercerst.com/blog/think-flood-safety-this-spring/Here's how to react before, during, and after a flood occurs in your area.Mon, 13 Mar 2023 00:00:00 GMThttps://mercerst.com/blog/how-march-madness-is-like-investing/https://mercerst.com/blog/how-march-madness-is-like-investing/Have you ever wondered how to apply March Madness to your financial well-being? There may be parallels between your bracket selection and investing.Wed, 01 Mar 2023 00:00:00 GMThttps://mercerst.com/blog/how-you-can-purchase-i-bonds-directly-from-the-treasury/https://mercerst.com/blog/how-you-can-purchase-i-bonds-directly-from-the-treasury/With inflation hovering near 40-year highs, you may want to consider an investment that can keep up with prices. Here’s how to get started with I Bonds.Thu, 02 Feb 2023 00:00:00 GMThttps://mercerst.com/blog/secure-act-20-an-overview/https://mercerst.com/blog/secure-act-20-an-overview/Confused about SECURE Act 2.0? Take a look at our rundown of the new legislation and how it changes your retirement. Thu, 12 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMThttps://mercerst.com/blog/tax-planning-basics/https://mercerst.com/blog/tax-planning-basics/Tax planning is a year-round effort. Here's how you can plan ahead with your tax strategy so you’re prepared all year long.Wed, 16 Nov 2022 00:00:00 GMThttps://mercerst.com/blog/the-ultimate-cryptocurrency-tax-and-financial-planning-guide/https://mercerst.com/blog/the-ultimate-cryptocurrency-tax-and-financial-planning-guide/The ultimate cryptocurrency financial and tax guide: everything you need to know to manage your crypto wealth.Thu, 20 Oct 2022 00:00:00 GMThttps://mercerst.com/blog/why-everyone-needs-an-inheritance-strategy/https://mercerst.com/blog/why-everyone-needs-an-inheritance-strategy/Many people dream of coming into an inheritance, but not all that glitters is gold. This article will help you understand the complexities of inheriting wealth—and why you need a strategy. Read more.Thu, 29 Sep 2022 00:00:00 GMThttps://mercerst.com/blog/how-to-invest-in-crypto-without-actually-buying-cryptocurrency/https://mercerst.com/blog/how-to-invest-in-crypto-without-actually-buying-cryptocurrency/Do you want to invest in crypto but don't want to buy actual coins? Here are some of the best ways to profit from cryptocurrency indirectly.Tue, 03 May 2022 00:00:00 GMThttps://mercerst.com/blog/crypto-etf/https://mercerst.com/blog/crypto-etf/Many investors are looking to ETFs as a way to invest in cryptocurrency. However, not all ETFs are created equally. Learn more about the pros and cons of the existing crypto ETFs.Mon, 04 Apr 2022 00:00:00 GMThttps://mercerst.com/blog/what-are-stablecoins/https://mercerst.com/blog/what-are-stablecoins/A stablecoin is a digital currency that is much less volatile than other cryptocurrencies. Keep reading to learn more about stablecoin.Fri, 11 Mar 2022 00:00:00 GMThttps://mercerst.com/blog/nft-taxes/https://mercerst.com/blog/nft-taxes/If you're interested in buying, trading, or selling NFTs, you need to understand how these non-fungible tokens are taxed.Wed, 09 Mar 2022 00:00:00 GMThttps://mercerst.com/blog/what-are-cryptocurrencies/https://mercerst.com/blog/what-are-cryptocurrencies/New to the crypto space? This post will provide you with the basic need-to-know information that will allow you to dive deeper into cryptocurrencies.Mon, 07 Mar 2022 00:00:00 GMThttps://mercerst.com/blog/blockchain/https://mercerst.com/blog/blockchain/Blockchain has been in the news a lot recently. But, what actually is it? Read this article to learn what blockchain is and why it's important.Thu, 10 Feb 2022 00:00:00 GMThttps://mercerst.com/blog/what-is-an-nft/https://mercerst.com/blog/what-is-an-nft/NFTs are one of the latest buzzworthy investment trends - but what exactly are they? We've got your biggest questions answered.Mon, 31 Jan 2022 00:00:00 GMThttps://mercerst.com/blog/tax-implications-of-investing-trading-and-transacting-in-cryptocurrencies/https://mercerst.com/blog/tax-implications-of-investing-trading-and-transacting-in-cryptocurrencies/Investing and transacting in cryptocurrencies can create a complicated tax situation for individuals. Failure to report transactions could cost individuals lots of money and potentially even prison time! Stay in compliance of tax laws by working with a tax profession...Sun, 16 Jan 2022 00:00:00 GMThttps://mercerst.com/blog/december-is-identity-theft-protection-awareness-month/https://mercerst.com/blog/december-is-identity-theft-protection-awareness-month/It’s important to keep your personal data safe, both on- and offline. Learn some important identity theft prevention tips here.Wed, 01 Dec 2021 00:00:00 GMThttps://mercerst.com/blog/estate-planning-awareness-month-rethink-these-8-estate-strategy-myths/https://mercerst.com/blog/estate-planning-awareness-month-rethink-these-8-estate-strategy-myths/With Fall in full swing, did you know it's National Estate Planning Awareness Month? If you've made assumptions about the estate planning process in the past, check out these 8 myths debunked.Sun, 03 Oct 2021 00:00:00 GMThttps://mercerst.com/blog/the-economic-impact-of-hurricanes-protecting-yourself-and-your-home/https://mercerst.com/blog/the-economic-impact-of-hurricanes-protecting-yourself-and-your-home/Hurricane season is here, and it's important to be prepared. Ensuring that you and your family are ready if disaster strikes is key to keeping your loved ones safe.Sat, 18 Sep 2021 00:00:00 GMThttps://mercerst.com/blog/llc-c-corp-or-s-corp-a-guide-to-protecting-your-business-assets/https://mercerst.com/blog/llc-c-corp-or-s-corp-a-guide-to-protecting-your-business-assets/Without the right business structure, many entrepreneurs could be putting their personal assets at risk. Read on to learn how each structure handles taxes and personal financial liability, and to discover which one might be best for you.Wed, 07 Apr 2021 00:00:00 GMThttps://mercerst.com/blog/top-6-bookkeeping-tips-for-business-owners/https://mercerst.com/blog/top-6-bookkeeping-tips-for-business-owners/Bookkeeping is a tough but essential part of being a business owner. Make sure you're implementing these strategies when it comes to records, receipts and expenses.Mon, 22 Mar 2021 00:00:00 GMThttps://mercerst.com/blog/before-purchasing-your-forever-home-here-are-some-things-you-might-want-to-consider/https://mercerst.com/blog/before-purchasing-your-forever-home-here-are-some-things-you-might-want-to-consider/How much house can I afford to buy? There's no quick and easy answer, unfortunately. You should take several things into consideration before buying a home. Read on to find out more.Sat, 29 Jun 2019 00:00:00 GMThttps://mercerst.com/blog/what-is-financial-planning/https://mercerst.com/blog/what-is-financial-planning/What is your idea of a fulfilling life? Are you on track financially to get there? Personal financial planning, in combination with life planning, can help you answer these important questions.Sat, 05 May 2018 00:00:00 GMT