Blog
Thank you for visiting us at our blog. Would you like to know what’s on our mind? You can read about it here. Whether it’s current topics from the accounting and tax industry or a discussion about emerging trends within the global markets, we look forward to engaging you here. We’re glad to have you reading along.
Virtual Family Office
For many people, the work they’ve done throughout their entire lives has been to establish a solid foundation for their family.
Read MoreFamily Office Startup Investment
Startups are companies at the very earliest stages of development, where there’s the highest potential for growth.
Read MoreFamily Wealth Planning
Protecting wealth is just as important as making it in the first place, if not a little more important.
Read MoreWhat Can a CPA Do That an Accountant Can't?
The question of whether to hire a CPA vs. an accountant depends highly on what your business needs. Overall, for straight-forward, financial documentation and tax preparation, you may be able to get away with a non-CPA accountant.
Read MoreAccounting for Startups: 5 Things You Need to Know
The number of startups is on the rise in the United States, which is great news for the business environment at large. More competition inspires better strategy, better marketing, and better customer service.
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Team Iverson's Inaugural Philly Revolution Golf Outing!
You are cordially invited to attend Team Iverson’s Philly Revolution Charity Golf Outing at Commonwealth National Golf Club, sponsored by the Sharp Financial Group. The Philly Revolution AAU is a non-profit...
Read MoreThe Sharp Financial Group Economic Report: 04/01/22
For the first quarter, all of the major US indexes and international markets finished on the downside as commodities had a great first quarter of 2022. The U.S. economy added a robust number of jobs in March with the unemployment rate...
Read MoreThe Sharp Financial Group Economic Report: 03/11/22
All US markets decreased last week as the large cap S&P 500 was roughly 14% off its high but managed to rebound and end down -2.9%. Inflation surged to its highest level since the 1980s last month as the Bureau of Labor Statistics...
Read MoreThe Sharp Financial Group Economic Report: 03/04/22
All US indexes decreased in the month of February as commodities soared because of the crisis in Ukraine. In addition, Americans are seeing gas prices as high as $4.00 per gallon, the highest since 2008 with no indication of it...
Read MoreThe Sharp Financial Group Economic Report: 02/25/22
The major U.S. indexes saw a week of historic volatility with intraday swings as high as 6.8% at one point. All in all, the results concluding the week were mixed. The number of Americans filing first-time unemployment benefits...
Read MoreAnnie Turnbo Malone: One Of The First African American Woman Millionaires
In order to honor Black History Month this February, The Sharp Financial Group would like to shine the spotlight on African-American trailblazers in the financial services industries. We will be highlighting a different individual each...
Read MoreAzie Taylor Morton: The United States' First African American Treasurer
In order to honor Black History Month this February, The Sharp Financial Group would like to shine the spotlight on African-American trailblazers in the financial services industries. We will be highlighting a different individual each...
Read MoreThe Sharp Financial Group Economic Report: 02/18/22
Inflation continues to weigh heavy on US Markets due to concerns over Russia and Ukraine, with the DOW, NASDAQ and S&P 500 experiencing significant declines. Sales of existing homes continued to surge in December and January as the...
Read MoreReginald F. Lewis Completed Record-Setting Transactions In Business
In order to honor Black History Month this February, The Sharp Financial Group would like to shine the spotlight on African-American trailblazers in the financial services industries. We will be highlighting a different individual each...
Read MoreSports Betting Reached New Heights During Super Bowl 56
As exciting as the finish of this year’s Super Bowl was, sportsbooks across the country had to be excited with the uptick in wagers made on the big game. BetMGM said a record number of first-time users signed up to its app on...
Read MoreThe Sharp Financial Group Economic Report: 02/11/22
Another volatile week in US Markets with the NASDAQ and S&P 500 declining while mid caps and small caps saw a slight increases. In an effort to curb inflation, The Fed is expected to raise interest rates for the first time in four...
Read MoreThe Sharp Financial Group Economic Report: 02/04/22
The week closed on a positive note for US Markets, but the monthly report card is in – a sharp decline in all markets, even for international benchmarks. A key trend observed during the first two weeks of January...
Read MoreClifton Wharton Jr.: A Pioneer In Radio, Business And Education
To honor Black History Month this February, The Sharp Financial Group would like to shine the spotlight on African-American trailblazers in the financial services industry. We will be highlighting a different individual each week, in...
Read MoreThe Sharp Financial Group Economic Report: 01/28/22
The US Markets rallied to finish even or in the green as the international markets finished in a sea of red. The US economy grew 6.9% in the fourth quarter and 5.7% for the entire year, the biggest gain since 1984. Get the latest on...
Read MoreThe Sharp Financial Group Economic Report: 01/21/22
No mixed bag this week, as most US markets finished with sharp declines while commodities ended the week with the only bright spot. The Labor Department reported the number of Americans filing for first-time employment hit a...
Read MoreThe Sharp Financial Group Economic Report: 01/14/22
Market volatility remained high with a mixed bag of results between the NASDAQ, Dow Jones, S&P, commodities and international markets. Banks kicked off the earnings season last week with generally solid results and although it’s...
Read MoreOur Founder And Chairman Mike Sharp Joins Mark Iorio On Rain Maker's RoundUp!
Our Founder and Chairman Mike Sharp joined Mark Iorio on the Rain Makers RoundUp and covered many topics. Mike and Mark talked effective office culture, Mike's background in coaching elite level basketball and how that...
Read MoreThe Sharp Financial Group Economic Report: 01/07/22
Market volatility picked up as we entered the new year with the NASDAQ making the most headlines. The jobless rate reached a new pandemic low and despite cases at an all-time high, the hospitality industry led the way in new hires last...
Read MoreThe Sharp Financial Group Economic Report: 12/31/21
The NASDAQ, Dow Jones and S&P 500 saw uneven movement over the last week and Phoenix once again led the country in terms of home-price growth. Two Florida cities came in second and third, respectively. Can you name them? Get...
Read MoreWhat You Need To Know About The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act
There is a lot information to unpack in the latest Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act that was passed in August. It is a good time to consult with your tax adviser given all of the changes and moving parts with the bill. One big...
Read MoreTaking The Proper Steps For Successful Succession Planning
Have you wanted to take more time off to pursue a new hobby or other interests? How about the winter months? Would you like spend them in a warmer climate? If you’re starting to have these thoughts, maybe taking a step back from...
Read MoreCash Basis vs. Accrual Basis Accounting Method: Which Is Right For You?
There is never a good time to talk about taxes and it isn’t the most exciting subject in the world. But when it comes to your business, there could be a way for you to mitigate significant taxes and create flexibility for your...
Read MoreMichael Sharp Honored for 2021 Community Hero Award By Good Grief
On behalf of The Sharp Financial Group, we are happy to announce that Mike Sharp, our Founder and Chairman, will be presented with the Community Hero Award by Good Grief on October 14, 2021 at the Park Savoy Estate in Florham Park, NJ....
Read MoreThe Sharp Financial Group August Infographic: Catching Up To The United States
Good Afternoon and we hope this distribution finds you well. Much like the Olympic medal count, companies around the world are trying to catch up to the United States. Although countries like China have gained some steam over the last...
Read MoreThe Sharp Financial Group May Infographic: The Electricity Required to Power Bitcoin
Good Morning and we hope this distribution finds you well. Cryptocurrencies have garnered more attention over the last few months than most traditional asset classes, as retail investors and some high-profile CEO’s have jumped on...
Read MoreWhat You Need To Know About President Biden's American Family Plan
In a public address on Wednesday night, April 28, 2021, President Biden spoke to a joint session of Congress and proposed the American Families Plan. Due to this being the introduction of the plan not all details have readily available...
Read MoreHow's Your 2020 Tax IQ?
Pop quiz, hotshots. The National Opinion Research Center (NORC) at the University of Chicago recently published a poll consisting of just FIVE questions regarding the tax code. The questions were all TRUE-or-FALSE, and still most...
Read MoreThe Sharp Financial Group April Infographic: The Rise Of Women On Boards
Regardless of political affiliation, the election of Kamala Harris as Vice President is an important milestone in America’s journey towards gender parity in the workforce. An important aspect of attaining this goal is rising...
Read MoreThe Sharp Financial Group March Infographic: Breaking Down Government Debt Globally
Ever stop and wonder what total government debt looks like globally? Perhaps broken down by country in a colorful infographic that is both aesthetically pleasing and mentally stimulating? What a crazy coincidence because we were...
Read MoreDroves of Early 2020 Tax Filings Reflect Continued Woes of Main Street
The divergence in realities between Wall Street and Main Street have been well documented since the pandemic began, and the number of taxpayers filing in the first few weeks of tax season (the IRS started accepting and processing...
Read MoreTSFG’s Black History Month Series: Nathan T. Garrett & Walter C. Davenport
In 1992, NASBA (National Association of State Boards of Accountancy) elected its first African-American president (now referred to as the Board Chair), Nathan T. Garrett. Originally from Durham and growing up during the Great...
Read MoreTSFG’s Black History Month Series: Establishment of the National Association of Black Accountants
Over 50 years ago the establishment of the National Association of Black Accountants created an organized effort to reform and level the playing field for African-Americans interested and seeking to become CPA’s and accountants...
Read MoreTSFG’s Black History Month Series: The First African-American CPA, John Wesley Cromwell, Jr.
This week, we would like to highlight the first African-American Certified Public Accountant, John Wesley Cromwell, Jr. A remarkable man with an incredible mind, one cannot appreciate his journey without mentioning his father –...
Read MoreHow The Super Bowl And Sports Betting Affects Tax Implications
From an overall entertainment standpoint, last night’s Super Bowl wasn’t all that impressive. But if you placed a bet on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, you were pleased with the outcome and woke up with some extra money! The...
Read MoreTSFG's Black History Month Series: The First Female African-American CPA, Mary T. Washington Wylie
In order to honor Black History Month this February, The Sharp Financial Group would like to shine the spotlight on African-American trailblazers in the accounting and financial industries. We will be highlighting a different...
Read MoreThe Sharp Financial Group February Infographic: The Top 50 Websites That Dominate Global Traffic
We hope this distribution finds you well! Over the last year the pandemic has converted most of the few remaining ‘analog’ holdouts among us to digital shoppers, streamers, and zoom-ers. We thought it might be interesting...
Read MoreWe're going to miss you this year!
TGIF from TSFG! The American rock band Cinderella was formed in 1982 in the suburbs of Philadelphia. Some call them the songbirds of our generation, and we tend to agree…Particularly these lyrics from their most successful hit...
Read MoreHaving Questions About Second Draw PPP Loans?
On January 19th the SBA and Treasury issued an 18 page document detailing how PPP borrowers should calculate revenue deduction and maximum loan amounts for second-draw PPP loans. As an integrated financial services firm with decades of...
Read MoreMore Flexibility In Spending With Round Two Of Government PPP Funds
A second round of government PPP Loans are expected to be finalized soon, and the application process could start as early as the week of Monday, Jan. 18, according to Forbes. The first round of PPP loans distributed in April of 2020...
Read MoreThe December 2020 NFIB Report: Imminent Tax Hikes Unsettle 2021’s Outlook
The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) latest report indicates concerns about imminent tax hikes under the Biden administration as the Small Business Optimism gauge drops below the average in December. “This...
Read MoreThe Sharp Financial Group January Infographic: Looking Ahead To Recovery In 2021
With the vaccine rollout currently underway, a palpable sense of optimism is growing this winter in anticipation of the much-awaited ‘return to normal.’ However, as evidenced by Main Street’s continued struggles in...
Read MoreThe Sharp Financial Group December Infographic: Looking At The World's Holiday Spending
We have arrived at the last infographic of the year, and anything that signifies the closing of 2020 is cause for celebration. Generally, we utilize these infographics to illustrate something meaningful or insightful in the numbers...
Read MoreOctober 2020 Market Commentary: A Second Month Of Market Declines And Heightened Volatility Ahead
October began with broad gains across all eleven equity sectors, which rallied on stimulus assumptions and the positive backdrop of corporate earnings. Earnings estimates had been generally reduced by 29.9%, allowing 85.2% of companies...
Read MoreThe Sharp Financial Group November Infographic: The Impact of the Largest Metro Areas in the U.S.
The United States holds the title as the world’s largest economy at $21 billion, which accounts for over a quarter of the global GDP. Thanks to our friends at www.visualcapitalist.com, the attached infographic depicts the metro...
Read MoreSeptember 2020 Market Commentary: Volatility Dominates Headlines
The market built on strong August performance in the first few days of September, with all three major indices touching all-time highs as stimulus hopes and optimism surrounding a potential COVID-19 treatment buoyed equity prices. The...
Read MoreThe Sharp Financial Group October Infographic - The Pandemic's Negative Impact on Small Businesses
The pandemic has disproportionately affected small businesses across our country, evidenced by shuttered store fronts, restaurants and bars across the US. Small businesses employ nearly half of the private workforce, and continued...
Read MoreThe Sharp Financial Group's New Corporate Headquarters and Expanded Capacity
When construction commenced on our new office space last year, there was no way to anticipate the challenges 2020 would bring or the ‘new normal’ COVID-19 would create. As a country we’ve all had to adjust, and as an...
Read MoreThe Sharp Financial Group September Infographic -Fortune 500 profits/employee, winners and losers!
The Fortune 500 is an elite club of the largest American businesses ranked by total revenue in a given fiscal year. In 2019, these companies combined to generate profits of over $1.2 trillion. It’s easy to get lost in the...
Read MoreThe Sharp Financial Group August Infographic - Concern Mounts As Commercial Delinquency Jumps
Despite historic stimulus measures deployed to combat the pandemic’s economic interruption, many small businesses are still struggling to remain open. If this trend continues, properties could eventually fall into foreclosure,...
Read MoreThe Sharp Financial Group COVID-19 Response Message
The Sharp Financial Group (“Sharp”) is an integrated financial management firm that has unified business advisory, accounting and tax, mergers and acquisitions, wealth management, family office, and capital sourcing...
Read MoreThe Sharp Financial Group July Infographic - The Astounding Growth of Amazon
You would be hard-pressed to find someone in this country who has not utilized Amazon at one point or another. COVID-19 has accelerated Amazon’s presence considerably, as the convenience of shopping from mobile devices combined...
Read MoreAn Important Independence Day Message From The Sharp Financial Group
This year, Independence Day is different for many reasons. Some differences are obvious – smaller crowds, social-distancing guidelines, and face shields being utilized to protect ourselves and our loved ones from the spread of...
Read MoreThe Sharp Financial Group June Infographic - Future of Retail, Winners and Losers in the New Normal
We’ve all had to adjust to the new realities brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the negative economic impacts have affected all sectors of the market. The retail sector has been hit particularly hard, as consumers turn to...
Read MoreCelebrating our Heroes this Memorial Day
Memorial Day is for reflecting and honoring members of the military who have paid the ultimate sacrifice to ensure and protect our American way of life. As the country struggles with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve...
Read MoreImplementing the Fed’s Facilities: Moving at Maximum Speed with Maximum Care
Daleep Singh, Executive VP of the NY Fed, discusses the current economic landscape and the Fed’s efforts to keep the American economy on track Alain Van Loo, Chief Investment Officer of The Sharp Financial Group, moderated a...
Read MoreSharp Thoughts - Business Interruption Insurance
Most businesses have it, but can it help during the COVID-19 crisis. We shared this information with our clients and thought you might find it helpful. Business interruption insurance is fast becoming a major issue to consider. Guided...
Read MoreThe Sharp Financial Group April Infographic - CARES ACT Funding - Who Gets What?
Last week, President Trump signed the CARES Act into law. The economic stimulus provided in the bill will be utilized to offset the numerous business and supply chain disruptions caused by the Coronavirus pandemic. Considering the...
Read MoreThe Sharp Financial Group March Infographic - What's the Value of an Intangible Asset?
In 2018, intangible assets for S&P 500 companies hit a record value of $21 trillion. These assets, which are not physical in nature and include things like intellectual property, have rapidly risen in importance as the evolution of...
Read MoreThe Sharp Financial Group Celebrates 27 Years of Operation and Success at Client Appreciation Party
The Sharp Financial Group (“Sharp”) recently kicked off the new year by hosting its Annual Client Appreciation Party at The Museum of the American Revolution, located in Philadelphia's Historic District. The annual event,...
Read MoreThe Sharp Financial Group February Infographic - Global Wealth, Where Is It?
Defining a person’s ‘wealth’ goes beyond the typical measures of bank accounts and real estate, including many smaller things you might not immediately consider. Anyone who has been involved in the closing of a family...
Read MoreThe Sharp Financial Group Reviews the Economic Moment: Q4 2019
“The market can remain irrational longer than you can remain solvent.” That iconic quote from the immortal John Maynard Keynes, father of Keynesian economics, is as relevant today as when he spoke the words in the 1930s....
Read MoreThe Sharp Financial Group January Infographic - How Do the Biggest Tech Firms Make Their Money?
With the holiday shopping season in the rearview (phew), retail and revenues make for timely conversation topics. The dynamics of how and where we shop have shifted significantly, the crowded mall parking lots of yesteryear have given...
Read MoreThe Sharp Financial Group December Infographic -The Looong History of Interest Rates
The cost of borrowing money is something that affects us all, be it via a mortgage, credit card balance, or car payment. But can interest rates actually be…interesting? Most would say no. But most people couldn’t tell you...
Read More6 Factors to Consider when Calculating your Business Cash Flow Reserves
How Should You Calculate Your Company’s Cash Reserves? Consider These Six Factors As a business grows and matures and founders take a more critical look at their business finances, they will wonder: how much should there be in...
Read MoreThe Sharp Financial Group November Infographic - Which Slice of Pie is Your Start-up Funding?
As we enter the holiday season, cocktail parties mean you will likely hear someone mentioning a friend who ‘got in early on uber,’ or how a friend of a friend was an angel investor in Facebook. Invite both of these people...
Read MoreThe Sharp Financial Group Reviews the Economic Moment: Q3 2019
For most, running a business is an all-consuming endeavor. And in the face of everyday demands, staying current with the latest economic and market trends can be difficult. That's why The Sharp Financial Group hosts recurrent webinars...
Read MoreSharp Founder and Executive Chairman Talks Integrated Financial Management on “Behind the Numbers”
As a pioneer of integrated financial management, The Sharp Financial Group offers clients both traditional accounting and tax services as well as business advisory, wealth management, and capital services all in a unified, coordinated...
Read MoreSuccession Planning and Transitioning Your Business Leadership to the Next Generation
After years or even decades at the helm of a business, all business leaders must eventually pass the torch to someone else. For business leaders who are also parents, the “someone else” is very often a son or daughter....
Read MoreThe Sharp Financial Group Reviews the Economic Moment: Q2 2019
One of the biggest challenges business owners face is to balance their deep understanding of their own micro world with larger macro trends. It’s important to know that the price of a commodity has risen or fallen or whether a...
Read MoreTop Three Myths That Stop Business Owners from Setting Up a 401k
Many business owners open their doors with the belief that they will control their future and increase the likelihood of being able to enjoy a comfortable retirement with profits from the sale of a business. But when business owners...
Read MoreThe Sharp Vision: Integrated Financial Management
When Michael H. Sharp founded The Sharp Financial Group in 1993, he realized that its long-term success would hinge on the firm’s ability to be more than just another financial services firm. At the onset of the firm’s...
Read MoreThe Sharp Financial Group Reviews the Economic Moment: Q1 2019
When you’re busy running your business, it can be difficult to stay current with the latest market trends. Subsequently, that means it can also be difficult to know what decisions you should make to maximize your return and...
Read MoreThe Sharp Financial Group October Infographic - Global Extreme Poverty
We would like to share with our LinkedIn audience the latest installment of The Sharp Financial Group's monthly client infographic. "As we turn the corner into Q4 and get ready to enter the holiday season, its important to take some...
Read MoreThe Sharp Financial Group September Infographic
As we strive to engage with our clients on topical and noteworthy ideas, we are pleased to present to our larger audience The Sharp Financial Group's September infographic. "Good Afternoon and we hope everyone enjoyed Labor Day weekend...
Read MoreHello World!
Welcome to our inaugural post, we look forward to utilizing this platform as a means to engage with you.
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