Brookside Tax Season Updates
One Big Beautiful Bill Act Signed into Law
Your Comprehensive Aging Checklist
Start The Year With a Clean Slate And a Smarter Estate Plan
The Road to Retirement Check Out Our Top 5 Episodes!
Have You Heard? The Herd Mentality Should Be Avoided
Catch Up With Our Team
Upcoming Client Appreciation Events
In This Edition 01 A Message From Our President 02 Team Updates 05 Upcoming Client Appreciation Events 06 Have You Heard? The Herd Mentality Should be Avoided 07 Top 5 Road to Retirement Episodes of 2025 08 Start the Year with a Clean Slate (And a Smarter Estate Plan) 09 Understanding Asset Protection With Ohio LLCs
Check us out on social media! Anselmo & Company Law @AnselmoLaw Anselmo & Company Law
10 One Big Beautiful Bill Act Here’s What You Need to Know
@Anselmo.Law
11 Brookside Tax Season Updates
Linkedin.com/Company/AnselmoLaw/
@AnselmoLaw
12 Your Comprehensive Aging Checklist
Brookside Tax & Financial Group
Important Dates January 1 - March 31
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment
January 15
Deadline for self-employed tax filers to make 2025 Q4 estimated tax payments
January 31
@BrooksideFinancial Brookside Tax & Financial Group @BrooksideFinancial
@BrooksideFinancial
Linkedin.com/Company/BrooksideFinancial
Deadline for employers to send tax forms: W2, 1099-MISC, 1099-NEC Delivery deadline for SSA-1099
February 2
Brookside tax filing period begins
April 15
Ordinary Income Tax Filing Deadline Deadline for Prior Year IRA Contributions
October 15
Medicare Open Enrollment Period Begins (runs through December 7) Deadline for filing taxes if you requested an extension
Your One-Stop Advisors Annual Newsletter | Sixth Edition
Welcome to our sixth annual edition of Your One-Stop-Advisors Newsletter! As we step into 2026, we want to take a moment to say thank you for trusting us with your planning, your questions, and some of the most important decisions you make for yourself and your family. 2025 was an exciting year for our firm. Our team grew so we can continue to provide the level of service you have come to expect, and we truly enjoyed spending time with many of you at our client appreciation events. From Amish Country and the Red Wagon Fall Festival to the Goodtime III Cruise and our Chili Cook-off, it was a joy connecting with you and your families outside the office. We hope to see you again at our events in 2026. Be sure to scan the QR code later in this newsletter to sign up for upcoming events. Even as we grow, our commitment remains the same. The relationships we have built with you are the foundation of everything we do, and none of this would be possible without you. A new year is always a great time to pause and check in. Life changes as kids grow up, families expand, careers shift, retirements get closer, and priorities evolve. When life changes, your financial and estate plan should evolve with it. If it has been a while since your last review, now is a great time to revisit your plan. Even small updates such as a new account, a new home, or a new grandchild, can make a big difference if documents or beneficiary designations are not current. As we look ahead to 2026, we also know there are continued questions around taxes, markets, and long-term planning. Coordinating your financial and estate plans can bring clarity, reduce stress, and help protect what you have worked hard to build for the people you care about most. You do not need to have everything figured out before reaching out, that is what we are here for. Sometimes a quick conversation is all it takes to confirm you are on track or to identify a few simple updates. As always, we are grateful to work with you and your family, and we look forward to helping you move confidently through 2026 and beyond. Wishing you a healthy, happy, and well-planned new year.
Warm Regards,
Christopher Anselmo Christopher A. Anselmo President & CEO Anselmo & Company LLC Brookside Tax & Financial Group
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UPCOMING CLIENT APPRECIATION EVENTS Check out some of our upcoming events, and don’t forget to join the waitlist for the event you’re interested in attending!
Scan the QR code to see when events are posted! If events haven’t been posted, stay tuned...
JOIN THE WAITLIST Events are subject to limitation, so be sure to join the waitlist as soon as possible!
Call (440) 886-3550 or visit onestopadvisors.com/2026-events/ *If you haven’t been receiving our emails, let us know and we will add you to the list!
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Have You Heard? The Herd Mentality Should Be Avoided Holiday investing tips fuel herd mentality; smart investors align decisions with personal goals, research risks, avoid hype, stay disciplined through market swings, and work with fiduciary advisors when stakes grow.
During the just-passed Christmas time, and the holiday season in general you probably attended some gatherings, had drinks, or meals, and have heard people offer investing advice, or specific tips. I have been in the financial industry for 20 years now, and an advisor for ten, and it never ceases to amaze me how willing people are to listen to their peers, even if they do not have the proper context. I often get asked something along the lines of, “Got any hot investing tips?” I usually respond somewhat sarcastically with “Sure, buy low and sell high”. In all honesty, when taking recommendations from anyone, it is best to avoid herd mentality by asking yourself if this proposed idea is in line with your goals, strategy, and time frame. This is a good place to start regardless of who is trying to give you advice. A lot of times peers are not trying to give advice as much as they are trying to show you how much (or how little) they know about something. I have had clients take our risk assessment, admit to being relatively risk averse, and ask me about investing in Bitcoin because their grandson told them too. In most cases, the other person has no vested interest in your success or failure. Another question to ask around a “hot” tip is what makes this so appealing to so many people? If there is little or no data to back any of the positive attributes up, (think meme stocks), let other people who want to brag to their friends make the mistake and stay out of it. Taking blanket investing advice is certainly different than asking a friend or family member about whom they work with on their estate or financial planning needs.
At Brookside, we often receive referrals from clients, and it is honestly the best possible compliment. Working with a fiduciary advisor like us will ensure your interests are aligned with ours. The best way to avoid herd behavior is to know what you are getting into. Mike Tyson once famously said “everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth”. If you have researched your course of action, stick to it unless new data has emerged. Be prepared for the mouth punch, so to speak. This can apply to investing in the sense that you research a particular investment, know the risks and rewards, and be prepared. The worst thing to do is jump ship and get hurt. A lot of times people will invest money, then get out of it when it loses value. You would never sell your house and move out just because the real estate market is down, so the same concept applies with your money. If you are unprepared and panic sell, you will realize a loss. When reading this, you may be interpreting it as a recommendation to avoid investing on your own (aka self-directing) but that is not the case. I think self-directing investing can be beneficial, especially when getting started. When your goals become more clear, and you have more at risk, it becomes more beneficial to work with an advisor. If you do work with us, and you are wondering what we think you should do, you’ll already know.
“The best way to avoid herd behavior is to know what you are getting into.”
Tony Marlette Jr. is an Accredited Asset Management Specialist & Investment Advisor with Brookside Tax & Financial Group. Schedule your personal Strategy Session with Tony via the link below:
WWW.CALENDLY.COM/TONYMARLET TEJR | (440) 8863550 6
Have you heard our podcast,
Road to Retirement? Check out our top 5 episodes from the past year: Webinar
Episode 156
The Big Beautiful Bill Act
Power of Attorney
Missed the live webinar? Catch the replay of Tony & Jeff’s breakdown of the Big Beautiful Bill—and learn how this new legislation could affect your retirement, income, and taxes.
We discuss why everyone, regardless of age or wealth, needs a Power of Attorney. We'll cover the different types of POAs, what they authorize, and how to set one up. Protect yourself and your loved ones by understanding this essential legal document.
Episode 159
Episode 162
Things Change- Plans Should Too!
Taxes and Volatility
We explore why rigid estate and financial plans can crumble under life's inevitable curveballs. We'll discuss how to build flexibility into your planning, adapting to changes in family dynamics, market fluctuations, and evolving personal goals.
We discuss how market swings can create both challenges and opportunities for tax planning, from capital gains and losses to tax-loss harvesting techniques.
Episode 175
Use These Tips to Avoid Probate and Nursing Home Costs Deep dive into one of the most misunderstood areas of retirement planning: asset protection. Chris breaks down the real risks retirees face from long-term care costs, the difference between revocable and irrevocable trusts, how Medicaid’s five-year lookback works, and why proper planning can preserve hundreds of thousands of dollars for your family.
Here’s How to Listen or Watch: Watch on
Just say “Alexa, play Road to Retirement Podcast.”
Tune In Weekly for New Episodes!
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Start the Year with a Clean Slate (and a Smarter Estate Plan) January is reset season. While some people are tackling new routines, many haven’t looked at their estate plan in years. If your will, powers of attorney, or beneficiary forms live in a dusty folder somewhere, you’re not alone—and now is the perfect time for a quick legal tune-up. 1. Your Will or Trust: Does It Still Fit Your Life?
Think of your estate plan like your favorite pair of jeans. If it hasn’t been updated in years, there’s a good chance it doesn’t fit quite right anymore. Major life events, marriage, divorce, kids, grandkids, buying a home, or starting a business can all shift what you need your plan to do. Even small changes, like a move to a new state or a new investment account, can make a difference. If your plan leaves assets to people who are no longer in your life or forgets to include new loved ones, it’s time for a change.
3. Advance Healthcare Directive: Say It Before You Can’t
This one’s simple: you get to decide what kind of care you’d want if you were ever unable to speak for yourself. It’s one of the kindest things you can do for your family taking the guesswork out of a difficult moment.
4. Beneficiary Designations: The Fine Print That Matters
Retirement accounts, insurance policies, and some bank accounts follow beneficiary forms—not your will. If those haven’t been updated in years, the wrong person could inherit. If an ex is still listed on your 401(k), it’s time to make a change.
5. Business Owners: Revisit the “What If” Plan
As your business grows, your legal documents should keep up. New partners, assets, or goals may require updates—and a quick review now can prevent big problems later.
A Fresh Start You’ll Actually Keep
Most resolutions fade, but reviewing your estate plan is a quick, impactful task. Include it in your new year reset and start 2026 with one less worry—and one more win.
Secure Your Legacy With Our Legacy Protection Program Regularly reviewing an estate plan is essential for anyone. It ensures that the plan remains relevant, legally compliant, and aligned with your goals. Whether prompted by changes in personal situations, financial status, health, or legislative updates, a proactive approach to estate planning can help you secure your legacy and provide peace of mind for you and your loved ones. With our Legacy Protection Program, you gain peace of mind and exclusive benefits, including a free Power of Attorney for family members ages 18-30, free workshops and events, complimentary annual reviews upon request, and free assistance with asset transfers and beneficiary forms. Plus, we offer free annual trust amendments, 15% off additional updates, and a no-probate guarantee for members enrolled for at least three years. Protect your legacy—contact us today to learn more!
Zachary Padden is an attorney focused on estate planning, probate, business law, elder law, real estate and asset protection. Schedule your Personal Strategy Session with Zach via the link below:
WWW.CALENDLY.COM/ZACHPADDEN | (216) 4851040 8
Understanding Asset Protection with Ohio LLCs In Ohio, a Limited Liability Company (LLC) offers individuals a way to protect their personal assets by legally separating them from business finances. By transferring assets into an LLC, ownership shifts to the business entity rather than the individual, generally shielding those assets from personal creditors or lawsuits. However, this protection is not guaranteed and requires diligent planning and compliance with established procedures. LLCs offer what’s called “Inside Protection” against business creditors. If someone sues the LLC, they typically have access only to the assets held by the company, not to the owner’s personal property—similar to how corporations operate. For example, if you hold shares in IBM and the company faces legal action, your liability usually extends only to your stock value, while your other personal assets remain safe. On the other hand, LLCs also provide “Outside Protection” from personal creditors. This means that your business assets within the LLC are generally shielded even if you face a lawsuit personally—for instance, following a car accident. In such cases, only your personal assets are exposed, not those belonging to your LLC. Ohio law permits the formation of LLCs for any legitimate purpose, including the management of investments, real estate, or valuable personal possessions. You can set up separate LLCs to hold personal and business assets. If you are sued personally, creditors are usually limited to pursuing your share of the LLC’s distributions rather than the underlying assets, such as properties or investments.
Thinking about asset protection?
An LLC may help—but only when structured properly. Call Chris or Zach to discuss your options.
Christopher A. Anselmo is an attorney & CPA. His primary focus is in financial planning, estate planning, and asset protection. Schedule your Personal Strategy Session with Chris via the link below:
WWW.CALENDLY.COM/CHRISTOPHERANSELMO | (216) 4851040
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One Big Beautiful Bill Act Signed into Law Here’s What You Need to Know Signed into law on July 4, 2025, OBBBA ushers in sweeping tax-law reforms designed to extend and expand prior cuts, while introducing new deductions and credits for individuals.
Call us anytime to Schedule a Tax & Financial Planning Review As the tax environment evolves, your financial strategy should too. Whether it’s optimizing your retirement withdrawals, maximizing tax benefits from your investments, or navigating Medicare surtaxes, we’re here to guide you. Let’s work together to protect your retirement savings and maximize your financial security.
Jeff Corrigan is a seasoned Advisor with Brookside Tax & Financial Group. His primary focus is on taxation & retirement planning. Schedule your personal Strategy Session with Jeff via the link below.
WWW.CALENDLY.COM/JEFFCORRIGAN | (440) 8863550 10
Tax Season Updates Tax Season at Brookside officially begins on February 3, and we’re so excited to see all your smiling faces! As in previous years, you have a few options when it comes to having your taxes done. Check out the details below!
Tax Season Hours
Tax Preparation Options
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
How to Schedule Your Appointment
Sunday Please note: Anselmo & Company’s hours will remain unchanged.
Tax Season at a Glance What’s New
• Updated income thresholds and contribution limits • Increased IRS focus on reporting accuracy • Continued emphasis on early and electronic filing
What Hasn’t Changed
• Filing deadlines remain the same • Extensions provide more time to file—not to pay • Proper documentation is still critical
Who Should Pay Attention
• Business owners and self-employed individuals • Households with life changes in 2025 • Anyone with investment or additional income
Your retirement dreams can come to life with careful planning! Want to discuss how to make these dreams a reality? Reach out to our office to schedule a planning session tailored to your goals, at (216) 485-1040 or (440) 886-3550.
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Your Comprehensive Aging Checklist Now is the ideal time to review your current situation, and ensure that you have everything in place for your golden years. Use this integrated checklist to gauge your overall wellness in the estate, financial, tax and insurance planning categories.
Estate Planning & Elder Care Estate planning is one of the most important things you can do to protect your legacy, provide for your loved ones and save them time and money, reduce taxes, and ensure that your wishes are honored in the future. Beyond advanced directives, it's important to ensure you have a plan in place when it comes to your health and aging. The average cost of a nursing home or long-term care in Ohio is almost $120,000 per year. Planning ahead can help ensure that you don't lose your hard-earned assets to cover the cost. Remember, 2 out of 3 people over age 70 will end up in a nursing home or need some form of long-term care within their lifetime. □ Last Will & Testament □ Trust □ Durable Power of Attorney □ Beneficiary Forms □ Funeral Instructions
□ Asset Protection Trusts □ Advance Directive □ Healthcare Power of Attorney □ Living Will □ Long-term Care Insurance
□ Medicaid Pre-Planning □ Medicare Insurance □ Supplemental Health Insurance □ End-of-life Housing Arrangements
Financial Planning Financial planning is essential to ensure a stable, comfortable future that aligns with your goals and lifestyle. By carefully managing assets, assessing income needs, and accounting for potential risks, you create a roadmap that helps protect your financial security. Effective retirement planning also gives you the flexibility to handle unexpected expenses and make the most of your retirement years without financial stress. Review the items on this list with our financial planners, at minimum, annually. □ Retirement Accounts □ Taxable Brokerage Accounts □ Investment Goals & Strategy □ Portfolio Positions
□ Risk Assessment □ Asset Allocations □ Income & Savings Needs □ Outstanding Loans & Mortgages
□ Dividend Distributions □ Employee Stock Options □ Insurance Policies □ Social Security
Tax Planning Tax planning is necessary for minimizing tax liabilities and preserving wealth, especially as you enter retirement. By strategically managing income, deductions, and distributions from retirement accounts, you can avoid surprises at tax time and keep more of your hard-earned savings. Effective tax planning also ensures that your financial plan aligns with changing tax laws, helping you maximize your retirement income. □ Income Tax Withholding & Estimated Payments □ Retirement Account Withdrawals □ Required Minimum Distributions □ Roth Conversion Opportunities □ Tax-Loss Harvesting Opportunities □ Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) □ Capital Gains Tax Management 12
□ Tax Implications of Social Security □ Tax Implications of Medicare Premiums □ State & Local Tax Obligations □ Eligibility for Tax Credits & Deductions □ Charitable Giving Strategies □ Gifting Strategies to Reduce Taxable Estate
Insurance Planning Insurance planning provides a crucial safety net, protecting your assets and ensuring financial stability for you and your loved ones. As you age, the right insurance coverage—from life insurance to long-term care—helps cover potential healthcare costs and liability risks, which can be significant in retirement. Regularly reviewing your insurance needs guarantees that you’re adequately protected against life’s unexpected events. □ Life Insurance Coverage Review □ Long-Term Care Insurance □ Health Insurance & Medicare Review □ Disability Insurance
□ Beneficiary Designations on Insurance Policies □ Health Savings Account (HSA) Contributions & Utilization □ Insurance Policies for Dependents □ Policy Riders and Adjustments
Your Next Steps The next steps are essential for turning planning into action, helping you secure your financial future and stay prepared for life’s changes. By following through on these steps, you ensure that your financial, tax, estate, and insurance plans are fully aligned with your goals and provide lasting peace of mind. Regularly updating and communicating your plans also keeps your loved ones informed, creating a clear roadmap for years to come. □ Schedule a Strategy Session or Annual Review □ Consult With Our Tax Professionals □ Update Beneficiary Designations □ Organize and Secure Important Documents □ Review and Update Healthcare Plans
□ Adjust Investment and Risk Strategies □ Create or Refresh Your Legacy Plan □ Set a Timeline for Regular Reviews □ Communicate Plans with Family Members
Each category in this checklist—estate, financial, tax, and insurance planning—serves as a cornerstone in building a secure, comfortable future. Estate planning goes beyond a simple will; it’s about safeguarding your legacy, ensuring a smooth transition of assets, and protecting your loved ones from unnecessary financial and legal burdens. Additionally, estate planning addresses your healthcare wishes through advanced directives, such as a healthcare power of attorney and living will. These documents are essential to ensure that your healthcare choices are respected if you become unable to make them, providing clarity and comfort to both you and your family in difficult times. By planning in advance, you reduce the risk of unexpected healthcare costs impacting your estate, helping to preserve your assets and honor your intentions. Financial planning is equally essential, as it aligns your assets, income, and investments with your goals, allowing you to navigate both the expected and unexpected. A well-rounded financial plan prepares you for significant life changes and unexpected expenses, giving you the freedom to enjoy retirement without financial strain. Tax planning further enhances your retirement security, helping you avoid surprises by managing liabilities related to retirement income and distributions. By carefully coordinating tax strategies with your financial and estate plans, you keep more of your savings working toward your future. Finally, insurance planning provides a critical safety net, offering protection for healthcare costs, long-term care needs, and liability risks that often arise later in life. Taken together, these areas create a comprehensive roadmap to help you preserve your wealth, protect your loved ones, & enjoy peace of mind in your golden years.
In Need of an In-Depth Review? Give us a call to schedule your complimentary strategy session, or schedule through our website:
Anselmo & Company Law (216) 485-1040 | www.AnselmoLaw.com Brookside Tax & Financial Group (440) 886-3550 | www.BrooksideTax.com 13
Schedule a Strategy Session or Annual Review Consult With Our Professionals. Update Beneficiary Designations. Organize and Secure Important Documents Review and Update Healthcare Plans. Adjust Investment and Risk Strategies Create or Refresh Your Legacy Plan Set a Timeline for Regular Reviews Communicate Plans with Family Members
Scan QR code to schedule your appointment.
Or go to: OneStopAdvisors.com/schedulebrooksidetax
Is It Time For Your Annual Review? Schedule Your Strategy Session or Annual Review at (216) 485-1040 or (440) 886-3550. AnselmoLaw.com | BrooksideTax.com | 10150 W. Sprague Road | Parma, Ohio 44130
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Individual Corporate & S-Corp Partnerships & LLCs Trusts & Estates Gift Tax
Life Insurance Annuities Medicare Long-Term Care Funeral Trust