Washington Watch: Making Sense of the 2025 Government Shutdown
October 2, 2025 The headlines are dramatic: “Government Shuts Down as Budget Talks Collapse.”But if you’re an investor, a business owner, or a nonprofit leader, the real question isn’t about the drama in D.C., it’s about what this means for you. Let’s walk through what’s happening, why it matters, and what you should be paying attention to in the days ahead. How We Got Here The short version is that Congress missed the deadline to pass the 12 appropriations bills that fund the government. Usually, when lawmakers run out of time, they pass a short-term “continuing resolution” to keep the [...]
New Rules for 529 Accounts: More Than Just College Savings
Introduction 529 plans have come a long way, from narrowly defined college savings accounts to truly flexible education savings accounts. In recent legislation, the tax-favored rules have expanded dramatically, allowing families to fund not only college but also K–12, vocational credentials, and even continued education for adults. The changes inject much-needed flexibility for families, especially those worried their 529 contributions would go to waste if a child didn’t attend college. What Are 529 Accounts? 529 accounts—known legally as "Qualified Tuition Programs" are state‑administered savings plans designed to help individuals accumulate funds for educational costs. Managed by states (sometimes in partnership [...]
What Individual Investors Should Know About the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA)
What Individual Investors Should Know About the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) Signed into law on July 4, 2025, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) introduces sweeping tax reforms, new deductions, and key policy shifts that could significantly impact how individuals and families plan, save, and file taxes. At McNeill Capital, we're breaking down what matters most to you and your household finances. 1. Permanent Tax Cuts and a Bigger Standard Deduction The individual tax cuts introduced in the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act were previously set to expire after 2025. OBBBA makes those cuts permanent. In [...]
October 2, 2025 The headlines are dramatic: “Government Shuts Down as Budget Talks Collapse.”But if you’re an investor, a business [...]
Introduction 529 plans have come a long way, from narrowly defined college savings accounts to truly flexible education savings accounts. [...]
What Individual Investors Should Know About the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) Signed into law on July 4, 2025, [...]
