Posts in category: Uncategorized

5 Things to Start Doing in the New Year

New Year’s resolutions usually involve stopping things like eating, drinking and spending too much – and so on. You know the drill. However, according to U.S. News & World Report, 80 percent of New Year’s resolutions fail by the second week in February. Why not switch things up this year? Instead of setting yourself up for disappointment by attempting to abolish negative behavior, why not start doing some positive things? You’ll improve your quality of life and maybe even help the world. Here are few ideas to kick things off. 

Start Recycling 

This is so easy and so doable. All you have to do is get an extra trash can and throw your plastic and aluminum cans into it. Then look up where your local recycling drop-off point is and enter it into your GPS. Put it on your to do list, swing by on the way to or from the grocery store and boom, you’re done. 

Start Taking Regular Tech Fasts 

You can start with social media. According to a study funded by the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH), people who used social media the most were about 2.7 times more likely to be depressed than participants who used social media the least. Not taking your phone to the dinner table and limiting the amount of television you watch are good ideas. You can clear your headspace of the drama and pain that’s going on in the world and focus on your loved ones and most important, your own mental, spiritual and emotional health. 

Start Learning a New Language 

In addition to expanding your world perspective and understanding another culture, there are many other incredible benefits of learning a new language. These include improving decision-making, memory and multitasking skills, as well as increasing your attention span and cultural sensitivity. 

Start Laughing More 

In addition to providing instant joy and changing your mood, laughter also has some very real health benefits. First, it boosts the immune system, decreases stress hormones and increases immune cells and infection-fighting antibodies, which improve your resistance to disease. Second, it triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals that provide an overall sense of well-being and can even temporarily relieve pain. Third, laughter protects the heart, improves the function of blood vessels and increases blood flow, which can help protect you against having a heart attack and other cardiovascular problems. Finally, laughter burns calories, diffuses anger and, according to a study in Norway, just might help you live longer. Clearly, laughter is the best medicine. 

Start Focusing on What You Have 

In a world dominated by social media, celebrity worship and materialism, it’s easy to zero in on what you don’t have and focus on scarcity. Instead, start noticing, appreciating and celebrating what’s currently in your life. If you need to, make a gratitude list and review it when that ache of lacking rears its ugly head. Your spirit will be refreshed and you might just realize that you have more than enough. 

These are just a few of the many good things you can start doing in 2019. Keep your ears and eyes open for other opportunities to build on the positive and cherish the life you’ve been given. 

Sources

https://www.businessinsider.com/new-years-resolutions-courses-2016-12

https://tinybuddha.com/blog/19-things-to-start-doing-for-yourself-in-the-new-year/

https://www.bhpalmbeach.com/are-depression-and-social-media-usage-linked/

https://www.helpguide.org/articles/mental-health/laughter-is-the-best-medicine.htm

https://www.iwillteachyoualanguage.com/blog/9-health-benefits-of-learning-a-foreign-language

Government Shutdown Impacting US Businesses

The government shutdown is creating problems for more than government businesses, as private businesses are also experiencing the consequences of a government shutdown.

This article discusses potential consequences small business owners should be aware of.

To view this article, click the following link to access the original content.

https://www.inc.com/guadalupe-…

IRS Releases 2019 Mileage Rates

The Internal Revenue Services (IRS) recently released updated optional standard mileage rates for 2019. These rates are used to calculate the deductible cost of operating an automobile for business, charitable, medical, or moving purposes. The term “automobile” includes any car, van, pickup, or panel truck. As of January 1, 2019, the standard mileage rates are as follows:

1. For business use of an automobile, the 2019 rate is 58 cents per mile (up 3.5 cents from the 2018 rate).

Please note that since the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) suspended the miscellaneous itemized deduction for unreimbursed employee business expenses from 2018 to 2025, the standard mileage rate cannot currently be used to claim a deduction for those expenses. The TCJA did, however, include an exception for members of the U.S. armed forces reserves, state or local government officials who are paid on a fee basis, and some performing artists.

2. Driving for medical or moving purposes may be deducted at 20 cents per mile (up 2 cents from the 2018 rate).

Please note that the TCJA suspended the moving expense deduction for individual taxpayers from 2018 to 2025. However, the tax code update did include an exception for members of the U.S. armed forces on active duty whose moves are precipitated by a military order.

3. The rate for service to a charitable organization is unchanged, set by statute at 14 cents per mile.

4. The portion of the business standard mileage rate that is treated as depreciation is 26 cents per mile for 2019 (up 1 cent from the 2018 rate).

 Please feel free to contact us with any questions you might have about mileage rates. 

Reynolds, Bone & Griesbeck, PLC is pleased to announce that audit partner Joseph Callicutt, Jr., CPA recently participated in the JDRF Ride to Cure Diabetes in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

“It was an honor to be able to participate in the ride and contribute towards this important cause,” said Callicutt. “The JDRF is a fantastic organization, and their mission is near and dear to my heart. I’m proud to support their efforts to find a cure for type 1 diabetes.” 

Established in 1970, JDRF is a global organization that supports the search for treatment, prevention, and, ultimately, a cure for type 1 diabetes. Their efforts include funding research, advocating for government support, helping new therapies come to market, and engaging with the type 1 diabetes community. The JDRF Ride to Cure Diabetes is a charitable event that takes place six times throughout the year, in various locations. To date, the ride has raised more than $47 million to support type 1 diabetes initiatives.

“At Reynolds, Bone & Griesbeck, we’re always thrilled to see our team members giving back to the community,” said John Griesbeck, CPA, managing partner. “Joseph’s involvement with and support of JDRF truly embodies the spirit of our firm.”

Callicutt joined Reynolds, Bone & Griesbeck in 2007 and currently serves as an audit partner in the firm’s financial institution niche. He holds Bachelor of Accountancy and Bachelor of Business Administration in Banking and Finance degrees from the University of Mississippi. Callicutt is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the Tennessee Society of CPAs (TSCPA). He currently resides in Memphis with his wife and two daughters. 

Hiring Millennials Will Pay Off

Finding and retaining millennial talent will help small businesses compete with bigger businesses.

This article discusses how small businesses can attract millennials, and why hiring millennials is the right move for small businesses.

To view this article, click the following link to access the original content.

https://business.financialpost…

The Memphis-based accounting and business advisory firm Reynolds, Bone & Griesbeck is thrilled to welcome Madeline Morgan to the RBG team.

“I’m happy to extend a warm welcome to Madeline,” says John Griesbeck, CPA, managing partner of RBG. “I know she will be a great addition to the firm and our clients will enjoy working with her.”

Morgan graduated Magna Cum Laude from Mississippi State University in 2017 and completed her Master of Professional Accountancy in 2018. Previously an intern, Morgan will now be a member of the audit staff at the firm. Her main area of focus will be in the manufacturing and distribution industries, though she will assist with other industries as well. She is a current member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). A resident of Midtown, Memphis, she enjoys traveling, listening to live music, tasting at local breweries and participating in Mississippi State tailgating.

Reynolds, Bone & Griesbeck PLC Announces Addition of Audit Staff Member

The certified public accounting firm of Reynolds, Bone & Griesbeck, PLC (RBG) is pleased to announce that James (Will) Landry has been added as a full-time staff member to the firm.

“I am thrilled to welcome Will as a full-time staff member,” said John Griesbeck, CPA, managing partner of RBG. “His dedication and hard-working nature will be a valuable asset to the firm and our clients.”

Landry graduated from the University of Memphis in 2018 and interned with the firm while he completed his degree. He transitioned as a full-time employee at RBG in May. As part of the audit department, his primary responsibility is to serve financial institution clients in the areas of financial audits and compliance engagements. Will is a member of American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA).

Landry grew up in Somerville, Tennessee, and now resides in Memphis. In his free time, he enjoys hunting, going to the lake, and cheering for the Memphis Grizzlies.

RBG's Young Professionals Group (YPG) organized our first Spring community involvement project. Following up on a successful project in Fall 2012, we returned to Memphis Athletic Ministries golf course to help with course maintenance. Each of the teams was led by a member of the YPG, and we helped with refurbishing the 7th hole, mowing, raking debris, laying sod, club house flower planting and hanging net at the driving range. It was great to get out of the office for a worthy cause like MAM and help prepare the course for MAM's summer youth program.