SEPTEMBER NEWSLETTER | Radical Kindness for IRS + Tax Folks
Hi friends,
As days turn cooler post-Autumnal Equinox, we’re enjoying the shifting seasons, the beginning of sweater weather, and year-end tax planning for our clients.
This year we’re talking about the The Big Brutal Tax Act’s (aka the OBBBA) negligible tax benefits and horrifying social impacts. We’re offering ways to resist (donate your savings, please!) while reminding all of us to please be kind and patient with the accounting and IRS folks in your life. These changes plus systemic disinvestment will make for a doozy of a tax filing year!
In care and action,
Team Modernist
INVESTING INSIGHTS
Will the Magnificent Seven (see yellow box above) stay on top?
Looking back to 1980 reminds us that industries ebb and flow, which is why broad global and market diversification is key to sharing in the success of both current and future market leaders.
from the team:
We’re experiencing all the stages of grief about the OBBBA. We’re especially mad, sad, disappointed, and frustrated to see that the tax cuts in the OBBBA were paid for by canceling the Clean Energy Credits. As evidence-based investors, we still believe in science!
In an effort to inspire you to go solar NOW and buy an EV yesterday (ahead of the September 30 deadline), Alejandra and Tracy teamed up to create this resource to help you purchase an electric vehicle and add solar to your home before the tax rebates disappear!
Structure Your Wealth Around Your Values
One way we’re taking action these days is combating misinformation about the Big Brutal Tax Act (aka OBBBA). While the messaging from the Administration is that everyone will see big tax savings, they are mostly going to the top 5%. Even our clients are not saving much!
Use our Big Brutal Tax Act-ion PDF to identify areas of impact and how you can help!
Modernist Takes It Outside
Alejandra was at the BLD NW conference earlier this month speaking on purpose and profit! She joined The Power in Your Pocket: Aligning Your Money with Your Values panel, and shared the following insight:
“Consider where you have the most power to affect change. What is the best impact lever you have access to: is it your work? Or your community participation? Structure your banking and investments to support your values, for example bank locally and consider index funds with reduced fossil fuels. But focus your attention on the impact lever in your life that will most support your community or advocate for your values.”
Fund Your Heroes
Save the date for York Fest!
In 1805, an enslaved man named York reached what is today Portland as part of the Lewis and Clark Expedition.
220 years later, people from Oregon and beyond will gather to celebrate York and his legacy at six events across the city!
York Fest is organized by Oregon Black Pioneers and is taking place October 17-23. Buy your tickets now!
With myriad pressures on the industry (thanks, 2017 TCJA + Covid + the Big Brutal Tax Act + DOGE’s firing of 20% of the IRS), many tax preparers are leaving the industry.
The new IRS head is attempting to stop free tax prep likely reducing refundable tax credits for low income families to pay for tax savings for the wealthiest Americans.
CASH Oregon offers free tax prep services for low income families, a critical service within an inequitable system. Donate to help them continue this important work! Or find your local United Way chapter offering free tax prep!
Good News
In this episode of The Detour from Oregon Humanities, former National Park Service director Chuck Sams talks about public lands, our relationship to them, and what national parks are for. It’s a beautiful reflection on integrating indigenous ways into how we care for the land (and any resource).
Take a food tour of Portland with Greg Gourdet! 📽️
Condé Nast interviewed local celeb chef (four time James Beard winner, recovery advocate, and local fashion plate) and he included a stop at Nodoguro, where we recently celebrated our 10th birthday with an incredible team dinner.
It’s a must-visit next time you have a special occasion to celebrate in Portland!
a song That’s Really About humanity
The dose of joy we all need right now! In David Byrne’s latest “Everybody Laughs”, reminds us of our shared lived experience and interconnectedness. And we love the way the charming, colorful video teases us all for our phone use.
Everyone you love
And every kind of way
And everything you know
And every single phase
Every change of heart
And every saving grace
Every song we sing
And every kind of place
Also, check out David Byrne’s excellent good-news-letter, Reasons to Be Cheerful! DB for President!