Wealth Management Partners, LLC

09/02/2026

This Monthly Recap summarizes market performance, major events and news from August 2026. Read more here:

U.S. stocks returned to gains in August after the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite both ended negative the prior two months while the Dow Industrials capped a…

09/02/2026

Owning assets jointly with your adult child can invite unwelcome tax consequences that may outweigh potential benefits. For example, owning an asset together as “joint tenants with right of survivorship” can open up transfer tax exposure. If you add your child to the title of property you already own, it may be considered a taxable gift of half the property’s value. And when you die, half of the property’s value will be included in your taxable estate. A properly designed trust can be a more tax-efficient option. Call us at (334) 230-9676 for details.

09/01/2026

Donating artwork, antiques, collectibles or other tangible personal property that has appreciated in value can produce very different tax results depending on the charity’s use of the item. If the use directly supports the organization’s mission — such as an antique donated to a museum for its collection — you may be able to deduct fair market value. But if the item will be used for another purpose, such as being sold at a fundraising auction, your deduction may be limited to what you originally paid for it. Contact us at (334) 230-9676 before making a donation to discuss your potential deduction and the applicable substantiation requirements.

08/31/2026

What will this week's economic data mean for rate hike odds?
Join Chief Market Strategist Brian Klimke on this week's episode of as he breaks down key reports on manufacturing, services, employment, and Friday's closely watched jobs report. With the Fed meeting just two weeks away, markets will be looking to see whether the data strengthens or weakens the case for another hike.

“Cetera Financial Group” refers to the network of independent retail firms encompassing, among others, Cetera Advisors LLC, Cetera Advisor Networks LLC, Cetera Investment Services LLC (marketed as Cetera Financial Institutions or Cetera Investors), and Cetera Financial Specialists LLC. All firms...

08/31/2026

Are your bills piling up? Managing accounts payable can be challenging for small businesses — especially when payment obligations aren’t clearly tracked. QuickBooks Online tools can help by organizing upcoming bills, automating bill entry, and simplifying electronic or check payments. Stronger payables management may reduce missed deadlines and late fees and improve cash flow visibility. We can help your business use QuickBooks Online more efficiently and streamline your payables process. Contact us at (334) 230-9676 to learn more.

08/28/2026

Scholarship awards can provide significant financial relief to families of college-bound students. Most, but not all, of the awards are tax-free. To qualify for tax-free status, scholarships must meet three criteria: 1) The student must be a degree candidate at an eligible educational institution, 2) the award must be used to pay for tuition and fees, books, and certain supplies (not room and board or travel), and 3) the award can’t represent wages for teaching or research. Many graduate student awards have employment compensation components, so they may be taxable. Also, taxable scholarship money could potentially be subject to the “kiddie” tax. Contact us at (334) 230-9676 for more information.

08/26/2026

Whether your business sponsors a 401(k) plan or is considering it, automatic enrollment deserves a fresh look. This feature automatically enrolls eligible employees in the plan unless they opt out or choose a different contribution rate. Under the SECURE 2.0 Act, many 401(k) plans established on or after December 29, 2022, must include an auto-enroll feature for plan years beginning after December 31, 2024. (Some exceptions may apply.) Older plans generally aren’t required to add this feature, but doing so can benefit both employers and employees. Call us at (334) 230-9676 for more information.

08/25/2026

Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or a long-time homeowner, mortgage interest may save you taxes. If you itemize deductions rather than claim the standard deduction, interest you pay on mortgage debt to buy, build or substantially improve a primary or second home generally is deductible. Points paid related to your primary residence may also be deductible. Beginning in 2026, mortgage insurance premiums potentially can be deducted as mortgage interest. The $750,000 debt limit for most mortgage debt incurred after Dec. 15, 2017, is now permanent. Contact us at (334) 230-9676 to discuss your tax situation.

08/24/2026

Markets face plenty of uncertainty, but investors may be looking past the next rate decision and toward Jackson Hole.
In this week's episode of , CIO Gene Goldman discusses what to expect from the first Jackson Hole symposium under Fed Chair Kevin Warsh, including the future of Fed communications, the message behind rising Treasury yields, and how policymakers are navigating an economy that is sending mixed signals.

“Cetera Financial Group” refers to the network of independent retail firms encompassing, among others, Cetera Advisors LLC, Cetera Advisor Networks LLC, Cetera Investment Services LLC (marketed as Cetera Financial Institutions or Cetera Investors), and Cetera Financial Specialists LLC. All firms...

08/24/2026

If your estate might exceed the federal estate tax exemption ($15 million for 2026), you’re probably concerned about future estate tax liability. A spousal lifetime access trust (SLAT) may help. A SLAT can allow you to remove wealth from your estate tax-free while providing a safety net if your needs change in the future. Essentially, a SLAT is an irrevocable trust you establish for the benefit of your spouse plus your children or other relatives. Your spouse is granted limited access to the trust’s funds during his or her lifetime, giving you indirect access. Call us at (334) 230-9676 to discuss whether a SLAT makes sense for you.