Beating the August Heat: Prepping the Fall & Winter Greenhouse

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August in Alabama is notoriously hot, but if you want a thriving fall and winter harvest, right now is exactly when you need to start getting your hands dirty. Having a greenhouse is a huge advantage for extending the growing season, so I am rolling up my sleeves this weekend to get the fall crop preparation underway. Here is a look at what is going into the dirt this weekend, what is on the schedule for later this fall, and the long game for spring. 🌱 What I’m Planting This Weekend The planting window is perfectly timed right now, so these are the priority seeds going into the setup: Baby Broccoli: I just picked up these seeds, and they are going straight into the dirt! The window for broccoli closes by mid-August, and it is well-suited for direct seeding into the soil rather than using transplants. Spinach: The window also closes by mid-August. Because spinach has shallow roots, these seeds are going straight into the vertical stackable planters. Leaf Lettuce: Perfect for plantin...
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What the “Big Beautiful Bill” Means for Your Taxes

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What the “Big Beautiful Bill” Means for Your Taxes

President Trump’s newly signed “Big Beautiful Bill” is more than a political headline—it’s a sweeping tax overhaul that reshapes how Americans earn, save, and file. Whether you’re a W-2 employee, business owner, or retiree, here’s what you need to know about the tax-wise changes coming your way.

📉 1. Permanent Extension of 2017 Tax Cuts

The bill locks in the lower tax rates from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), which were previously set to expire in 2025. That means:

  • Lower individual income tax rates remain in place
  • Higher standard deductions are now permanent
  • Expanded child tax credit continues beyond 2025

This move is expected to save high-income households tens of thousands over time, while middle-income families see modest relief.

💰 2. No Tax on Tips and Overtime (With Limits)

One of the most talked-about provisions: tips and overtime pay are now partially tax-exempt.

  • Up to $25,000 in tips and $12,500 in overtime can be deducted per year (double for joint filers)
  • Applies to income earned after December 31, 2024
  • Phase-out begins at $150,000 income for individuals

This change could significantly benefit service workers and hourly employees—though it’s temporary, ending in 2028.

🏡 3. SALT Deduction Cap Raised

For taxpayers in high-tax states, the State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction cap jumps from $10,000 to $40,000, adjusted for inflation through 2029.

  • Begins in 2025
  • Phases down for incomes over $500,000
  • Reverts to $10,000 in 2030

This is a big win for residents of states like California, New York, and New Jersey.

🧓 4. Senior “Bonus” and New Deductions

The bill introduces targeted relief for older Americans:

  • A $6,000 deduction for taxpayers over 65
  • A new tax-advantaged savings account for children
  • Expanded estate and gift tax exemptions

These provisions aim to ease retirement planning and intergenerational wealth transfer.

🏭 5. Business & Corporate Changes

  • Foreign income rules revamped for multinational corporations
  • Clean energy tax incentives terminated
  • Auto loan interest deductions expanded

These changes may shift corporate tax strategies and impact industries relying on green energy credits.

⚠️ What’s the Tradeoff?

While many taxpayers will see cuts, the bill also includes:

  • $1 trillion in Medicaid reductions
  • Stricter work requirements for SNAP and other benefits
  • Projected $3.4–$6 trillion increase in national debt over the next decade

Low-income households may face reduced support, even as they receive modest tax relief.

📌 Final Thoughts

The “Big Beautiful Bill” delivers bold tax changes with wide-reaching effects. For most Americans, it means lower taxes—at least temporarily. But the long-term impact depends on income level, location, and how you earn.

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