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Looking for something useful to read? Browse CPA at Large articles by category below, from practical money and business guides to product reviews and everyday living. You can also scroll down for a selection of posts to explore. Some older articles reflect the information available when they were published, so check their dates when details may have changed.

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Know-How

When One Real Estate Partner Does the Work: How Should They Get Paid?

Two people buy a pair of duplexes together. Each owns 50%, and both names appear on the deeds. But their roles are different: one owner also performs substantial construction work to renovate the properties. Suppose that work is reasonably worth $100,000. Does the other owner simply write the working owner a $50,000 check? After all, […]

Reviews

TurboTax: When Doing Your Own Taxes Makes Good Financial Sense

For many individuals, investors, freelancers and small-business owners, preparing your own tax return can be about more than saving a preparation fee. It can also help you understand your finances. After more than 25 years of using TurboTax myself, I think that may be one of the software’s greatest strengths. I am a CPA and […]

Better Living

10 Great Wines Under $25 for Fall and the 2026 Holiday Season

From cool fall evenings and football gatherings to Thanksgiving dinner, holiday parties and New Year’s celebrations, this is the time of year when it pays to have a few dependable bottles of wine on hand. Fortunately, a good bottle does not have to cost $40 or $50. For this 2026 seasonal guide, we reviewed current […]

Reviews

AeroPress: A Better Way to Make One Really Good Cup of Coffee

Affiliate disclosure:This article contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Sometimes the Simple Solution Really Is Better I like coffee, but most mornings I don’t need—or particularly want—to make an entire pot of it. What I usually want is one really good cup. That’s why the AeroPress has become one […]

Decoded

Buying Real Estate With a Partner: LLC, Joint Venture, S Corporation or Direct Ownership?

Two people find a duplex that needs work. One has more cash; the other has construction experience and time to supervise the renovation. They might plan to rent the building for several years before selling, or renovate it quickly and put it back on the market. The investment sounds straightforward, but choosing how to own […]

Know-How

How to Build an Emergency Fund That Actually Earns Money: A Step-by-Step Guide

An emergency fund is one of the least exciting financial accounts you will ever open. Until the day you need it. The transmission fails. The air conditioner quits in July. The dog needs emergency veterinary care. Your employer cuts hours. A medical bill arrives that you were not expecting. Or your income simply stops for […]

Piggy bank with Social Security card, coins and U.S. currency illustrating retirement savings
Decoded

Social Security: The Piggy Bank That Helps

Updated September 19,2026 You have probably seen Social Security coming out of your paycheck for years. Maybe decades. But how much do you really know about where that money goes, how your eventual benefit is calculated, when you can claim it—or whether Social Security will still be there when you retire? Those questions matter. For […]

Clock surrounded by scenes of meaningful work, human connection, and outdoor experiences.
Better Living

Time Well Spent: A Guide to Using Time Wisely for Well-Being

Introduction Time is an ever-present force in our lives, dictating our schedules, influencing our decisions, and shaping our experiences. Yet, despite its omnipresence, our understanding and use of time remain complex and often elusive. This article explores the multifaceted nature of time, blending perspectives from physics, philosophy, psychology, and daily practice to show how to […]

Better Living

9 Reasons for a Change to Cruelty Free Products

Cruelty-free isn’t a niche kindness play anymore—it’s a full-stack value engine that boosts animal welfare, lowers environmental liabilities, streamlines R &D, cushions your wallet, and grows shareholder value all in one swing. Below is a stakeholder-by-stakeholder breakdown of the benefits, supported by the latest data and regulatory shifts. 1. Test Animals: A Life Literally Saved […]

Better Living

Mediterranean Meal Plan on $60: 7 Days of Real Food, Recipes, and a Cost-Per-Meal Breakdown

If you’re juggling health goals and a tight budget, the Mediterranean way of eating is one of the best returns on investment you can make. It’s flexible, flavorful, and backed by strong evidence for heart and brain health. It also doesn’t require specialty foods. With a smart list and some batch cooking, you can feed […]