The Wealth Equation

Strategic Tax & Business Moves for 2025: Avoiding Common Pitfalls with CPA Albert C. Hurston Jr.

In Part 2 of this insightful conversation, The Wealth Equation Podcast host Maurice L. Wilson continues his discussion with financial expert Albert C. Hurston Jr., CPA. This episode focuses on the importance of business structure, tax strategies, and the financial mindset required for long-term success.

Maurice and Albert debunk common misconceptions about LLCs and S-Corps, highlight smart tax-saving moves, and explore the mindset shifts necessary for business owners to thrive in 2025.

 

Key Topics Covered:

 

1. Business Structure Myths: Why LLCs Shouldn’t Be Overlooked

•LLCs vs. S-Corps Debate:

•Many entrepreneurs rush to elect S-Corp status too soon, assuming it’s the best tax-saving move.

•Albert explains why staying an LLC longer can be beneficial due to its flexibility.

•Real estate investors, trucking companies, and high-net-worth individuals often prefer LLCs because they allow for more strategic financial moves.

•The “Tax Rate Trap” Many Entrepreneurs Fall Into:

•Some business owners mistakenly believe that the corporate tax rate (21%) is always better than personal tax rates.

•Albert shares cases where business owners making under $30,000 mistakenly filed as a corporation, only to end up paying more in taxes than they would have as an LLC.

•A Case for Custom Financial Planning:

•Instead of making generic decisions based on social media advice, entrepreneurs should consult professionals to tailor strategies to their specific needs.

•Example: The “$60,000 Rule” for switching to an S-Corp isn’t universal—factors like spouse involvement, hiring family members, and marketing expenses can shift the best approach.

 

2. The Cost of Doing Business: “Pay to Play” Mindset

•Maurice highlights how 401(k) plans and other business benefits come with a price.

•Business owners must understand that saving money on taxes often means spending money upfront (e.g., setting up retirement plans, hiring professionals).

•Investing in tax strategy and business structure upfront saves more in the long run than trying to fix costly mistakes later.

 

3. The Weight Loss Analogy: Preventing vs. Fixing Financial Mistakes

•Albert makes a powerful analogy between weight loss and financial management:

•It’s easier to maintain financial health than to fix financial mistakes later.

•Many business owners make hasty decisions to “save money” on taxes without fully understanding the consequences.

•Like weight loss, prevention is easier than correction—working with a financial professional from the start helps avoid major setbacks.

 

4. The Reality of Wealth-Building: No Shortcuts to Success

•Maurice and Albert discuss the illusion of quick success and the importance of embracing the long-term journey.

•Successful business owners and investors understand that wealth takes time, patience, and consistent effort—there are no “cheat codes” to success.

•The difference between wealthy individuals and struggling entrepreneurs often comes down to strategic planning and execution rather than just raw talent or luck.

 

5. The Importance of Having a Strong Financial Team

•Wealthy individuals always have a trusted CPA, attorney, and financial advisor on call.

•Entrepreneurs should stop treating financial guidance as an expense and instead see it as an investment in their future.

•Example: Jay-Z and other high-net-worth individuals make business moves only after consulting their financial and legal teams—small business owners should adopt the same mentality.

 

Key Takeaways:

 

✅ LLCs offer more flexibility—don’t rush to elect S-Corp status without a full financial review.

✅ **Business taxes aren’t just about “saving”—**smart spending and strategic investments are key.

✅ Financial mistakes are costly—preventing them with expert advice is cheaper than fixing them later.

✅ Long-term success requires discipline—there are no “hacks” or shortcuts to building lasting wealth.

✅ Wealthy people prioritize financial strategy—follow their lead and build a trusted team of advisors.

 

Final Thoughts & Resources:

 

Albert and Maurice wrap up the episode by encouraging business owners to take control of their finances with intentional, informed decisions.

 

For more insights on wealth-building strategies, visit wilsonwealth.com.

 

🎙️ Thank you for tuning in to The Wealth Equation Podcast. See you next time!

How to Bet on Stocks and Not Get Burned

Summary:

Welcome to The Wealth Equation podcast! On this episode of the podcast, your host, Maurice L. Wilson, tells you how to bet on the stock market and not get burned. Maurice clarifies that it’s not wrong to speculate on stocks and you don’t have to invest in just one way. When it comes to buying stocks, a mix of strategies is good.

Then, he discusses three things you need to invest and not get burned: First, you need the ability to do fractional share investing. Second, you need to be able to invest 25% of your portfolio. Third, you’ll need research and monitoring tools so that you can know what to buy, what to keep, and what to get rid of. Maurice goes more in depth on each of these points.

Lastly, Maurice explains a strategy for investing. You’ll learn about the 25, 50, 100 strategy that helps you get rid of loser stocks and focus on winners!

 

Key Quotes:

“It’s important to understand that it’s not wrong to speculate on stocks. I find in the financial world there is this tendency to make people invest one way.”

“First, you need the ability to do what’s called fractional share investing.”

“Investing 25% allows you to only risk a quarter of your money and therefore let’s say that quarter goes down 50%. You’re looking at less than a 13% loss for the portfolio. Conversely, if that gamble pays off, you’re looking for a 25% gain or more.”

“If you aren’t trying to double your money then you’re probably not speculating in the right areas of the market and you’re wasting your time.”

“You need a way to screen for stocks based on a certain criteria to create a list of stocks that you want to bet on. Then you need monitoring tools because you’re going to need a way to monitor the performance of these stocks, so you know which ones to keep and which ones to get rid of.”

“Ultimately, with betting on stocks, you want to get all of your money in one stock if possible. Because that’s what’s going to allow you to maximize the performance of a great investment.”

“There’s a tendency in the stock market to focus on overly complicated processes. That’s not how we do it over here.”

 

What We Covered:

0:35 – It’s not wrong to speculate on stocks, there is no one way to do it

2:25 – How should we bet on stocks?

3:14 – Fractional shares

3:38 – Invest 25% of your portfolio

4:29 – Research and monitoring tools

5:28 – The 25, 50, 100 strategy for investing

 

 

Connect with Maurice:

https://www.wilsonwealth.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mauricewilson

Things to Do When The Market Goes Down

On this episode of the The Wealth Equation, Maurice discusses the recent volatility in the stock market and what to do when the market goes down.  He outlines three steps investors can take to position themselves for success.  

 

Connect with Maurice:

https://www.wilsonwealth.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mauricewilson

Maurice L Wilson (@therealmauricelwilson) • Instagram photos and videos

Smart Financial Moves for the New Year: Tax Strategies & Wealth Building with CPA Albert C. Hurston Jr.

In this episode of The Wealth Equation Podcast, host Maurice L. Wilson welcomes CPA and business strategist Albert C. Hurston Jr. to discuss essential financial strategies for entrepreneurs as they close out the year and prepare for tax season. They dive into tax-saving strategies, financial planning for business owners, and common misconceptions about wealth-building.

 

Key Topics Covered:

 

1. Importance of Year-End Financial Clarity

•Albert emphasizes that the first quarter of the year is a crucial time for financial planning, tax preparation, and setting financial goals.

•The key focus should be ensuring books are accurate, updated, and clear to make informed decisions.

•Many business owners wait too long to review their numbers, limiting their ability to optimize tax strategies before deadlines.

 

2. Avoiding the Common “Write-Off” Mistakes

•One of the biggest misconceptions is the idea that purchasing an expensive vehicle (e.g., Tesla or luxury car) is always a good tax write-off.

•Instead, Albert suggests investing in business growth activities like marketing campaigns rather than making unnecessary purchases for the sake of tax deductions.

•He stresses that strategic tax planning should align with business growth, not just tax avoidance.

 

3. Tax Strategy & Business Structure Considerations

•Albert explains the different tax strategies applicable to business owners based on their entity structure (LLC, S-Corp, etc.).

•S-Corps vs. LLCs: Many business owners rush into forming an S-Corp, but Albert warns that it may not always be the best option.

•If structured incorrectly, an S-Corp can complicate hiring family members and create tax inefficiencies.

•Hiring Family Members: Business owners should be strategic about employing their children or spouses and ensure proper documentation to remain compliant.

 

4. Retirement Planning & The Roth 401(k) Shift

•Maurice and Albert discuss how the government is subtly shifting financial incentives toward after-tax retirement savings (Roth 401(k), Roth IRA).

•The removal of the “stretch IRA” provision means non-spouse heirs now have only 10 years to withdraw inherited retirement funds, increasing the tax burden.

•Maurice speculates that tax rates will rise in the future, making Roth accounts more attractive as a long-term wealth-building tool.

•Albert agrees that business owners should integrate retirement strategies into their tax planning, working closely with financial professionals.

 

5. Business Registration & Potential Government Oversight

•Discussion on new business registration requirements and potential government efforts to track businesses more closely.

•Albert speculates that some of these regulations stem from PPP loan fraud and government efforts to ensure businesses are legitimate.

•Maurice suggests these new rules might also be part of a broader strategy to convert more 1099 contractors into W-2 employees, increasing tax revenue.

 

6. The Danger of DIY Financial Strategies

•Albert warns against taking financial advice from social media or generic online sources without consulting a professional.

•Many entrepreneurs implement tax strategies incorrectly, which can cost them more in penalties and legal fees than they would have saved by hiring a CPA.

•He stresses that paying for professional tax and financial advice upfront is a much better investment than dealing with IRS audits later.

 

Key Takeaways:

 

✅ Know your numbers – A clear understanding of financials is crucial for making smart business decisions.

✅ Don’t rush into tax write-offs – A flashy vehicle might not be the best tax move; focus on business growth instead.

✅ Be strategic with your business structure – LLCs and S-Corps work differently when it comes to tax planning and hiring family members.

✅ Think long-term about retirement – Roth accounts may be more advantageous in the face of rising future tax rates.

✅ Stay compliant with new regulations – Business registration rules are evolving, and ignoring them could have consequences.

✅ Consult professionals – Online advice and “one-size-fits-all” strategies can be misleading and costly in the long run.

 

Final Thoughts & Resources:

Maurice and Albert conclude by emphasizing the importance of staying proactive with financial planning and working with trusted advisors to navigate tax laws and build long-term wealth.

 

For more insights on wealth-building strategies, visit wilsonwealth.com.

 

🎙️ Join us next time for Part 2 of this insightful conversation!

Explore High-yield Savings Accounts with Maurice L. Wilson

In this enlightening episode of The Wealth Equation Podcast, seasoned financial advisor and host, Maurice L. Wilson, explores the world of high-yield savings accounts. Given the rising inflation rates and the shift in the banking environment, understanding high-yield savings accounts can be pivotal in achieving financial growth and freedom.

Let Maurice guide you on the ins and outs of high-yield savings accounts, how they can earn you a substantially higher interest than traditional savings accounts, and how to leverage their potential in both stable and recessive economic times. With comprehensive discussions on the functioning of the central banks, the role of interest rates, and inflation control, gain unprecedented insights into the financial world.

Furthermore, learn about the benefits of using brokerage accounts for both high-yield savings and stock investments. Whether you're a first-time investor or an experienced entrepreneur, find out about key financial vehicles like Vanguard and Interactive Brokers that are offering competitive returns on cash investment. Discover what an Altruist cash account can do for you and learn how you can effortlessly switch between savings interest and stock market opportunities.

But the lessons don't stop there. Maurice even takes you through the comparative analysis of Certificates of Deposit (CDs) and high-yield savings accounts, offering expert insight into choosing the right option based on your financial needs, circumstances, and market predictions. By unravelling the intricacies of the financial realm, Maurice shows you how to unlock the power of high-yield savings accounts in your wealth acceleration journey.

Dive into this wealth of knowledge, and start solving your wealth equation today!

Stocks are lower after the Fed

Maurice discusses how stocks have performed since the Fed speech at the Jackson hole economic forum.

Recessions, Inflation, and the Signal

Maurice discusses the aftermath of Jerome Powell's comments on inflation at Jackson Hole as well as a recession indicator that may help listeners concerned about the future.

 

The Sell High Equation

On this episode of the Wealth Equation podcast, the first of the new year, Maurice briefly acknowledges the roiling of current events before turning to investment advice in the current market environment. With stocks trading high, he focuses on the wisdom required to know when it’s time to sell.

While it may take courage to buy when stocks are low, a different sort of strategy and discipline is required in determining when it’s time to let go. At some point even the most astronomical stocks have a “mean reversion,” a return to prices that are more in line with their “normal” valuation. Maurice highlights three possible options for ensuring your portfolio is set up to maximize opportunity:

• House Money Option. Reduce risk by selling down to your original investment, then pre-determining a point at which to sell the rest. This protects your original investment and reduces exposure to a fraction rather 100% of your gains.
• The Seatbelt Option. A higher risk strategy that includes setting up a trailing stop-limit order at 10% below your investment’s highest price. But beware a caveat: A stock can close at one price on Friday and open Monday at a substantially lower price, leaving your stock open to a sale well below the price point you had in mind.
• The Sensible Rebalance Option. This one is for the long-term investor who is buying famously enduring, evergreen stocks (think McDonalds or Nike). This investment approach involves taking a pause when stocks hit all-time highs and selling in order to re-invest in other elements of your portfolio that have perhaps not performed as well.

To hear more about the “buy low equation” that Maurice references in this podcast, check out Episode 2 of The Wealth Equation: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-02-the-buy-low-equation/id1492810571?i=1000469254731

 

Key Quotes:

“Money is made when you buy good stocks – good investments – at low prices.”

“Wisdom comes from experience and a sober look at what’s going on. You have to be wise in selling great investments at high prices. And the first step is making the right assumption.”

“Take advantage when prices are high so you can replenish your portfolio at some great prices. You make a fortune in the market by buying good investments at low prices.”

“The only way to have money to buy at low prices is to begin to take gains at junctures like this in the stock market.”

 

What We Covered:

0:40 – New Year welcome and quick catch-up on what’s going on at Wilson Wealth.

2:44 – When is it time to get out of the market?

3:28 – The importance of timing in your decision to sell – and the wisdom required.

4:32 – How to figure out when to get out of stocks/investments that have done well.

7:08 – Three options for profiting from and re-allocating investments.

7:30 – The House Money option.

9:28 – The Seatbelt option.

13:30 – The Sensible Rebalance option.

 

Connect with Maurice:

https://www.wilsonwealth.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mauricewilson

Maurice L Wilson (@therealmauricelwilson) • Instagram photos and videos

 

 

 

The Mighty Roth IRA

Summary:

On this episode of the Wealth Equation podcast, Maurice discusses the mighty Roth IRA and explains why he thinks everyone should invest this way. The Roth IRA was originated by two US senators in 1989, but it didn’t become accessible to the public until 1997. This type of retirement account was created to allow people to contribute money after taxes and not be taxed on the earnings acquired through the investments or when they withdraw their funds.

These accounts are advantageous because of these tax savings, the ability to withdraw the funds whenever you’d like as long as the account is at least 5 years old and you are 59.5, and the function of being able to contribute for the previous year all the way up to the tax deadline. The drawbacks mainly revolve around income limits, but Maurice will discuss the ways to get around those limits on a future episode. Maurice recommends that people invest in Roth IRAs sooner rather than later because he wouldn’t be surprised if the IRS puts more stringent restrictions on these accounts in the coming years.

 

Key Quotes:

“If you could pay less money in taxes, would you take home more money?”

“The accounts have gotten popular, but, in my opinion, not popular enough.”

 

What We Covered:

0:42 – Introduction to the mighty Roth IRA

1:11 – History of the Roth IRA

2:32 – What is an Individual Retirement Account?

4:26 – Benefits of the Roth IRA

6:28 – What kinds of investments should you put into it?

7:53 – Downsides of the Roth IRA

8:49 – The future of the Roth IRA

 

Connect with Maurice:

https://www.wilsonwealth.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mauricewilson

 

 

The Value of Mispriced Assets

The Wealth Equation Episode 3

Summary:

     In this episode of The Wealth Equation Podcast, your host, Maurice L. Wilson, discusses the value of mispriced assets and how to find them. He begins by defining assets and value, saying that “an asset is something that grows in value, generates income, or both” and “value is a fair return for something exchanged.” He then explains mispriced assets, using education as an example.

     Maurice talks about how to find mispriced assets, identifying the mispriced assets in the last two recessions: dotcom companies and houses. He explains that during the current pandemic, the mispriced assets are basically everything! However, there are three areas that are faltering the most: entertainment, travel, and fine dining. Maurice goes over the stock market and its role in identifying mispriced assets. An investor does not have to enter blindly into a sector of business if there are publicly traded businesses in that sector.

     At the end of the episode, Maurice advises investors on how to discover companies that are struggling from the pandemic and invest wisely in them. In the space of one morning, an investor can take a look at the Wall Street Journal to find the companies that are faltering, search for privately held businesses in the same sectors, and start conversations with those businesses about investment — taking on a silent partner or having a new majority owner, for example. If you find an asset that is mispriced due to the pandemic but will return to its pre-pandemic value in the future, then you have found a valuable asset at a great price.

 

Key Quotes:

“An asset is something that grows in value, generates income, or both.”

“Value is a fair return for something exchanged.”

“In the last two recessions, the mispriced assets were obvious. In the dotcom bubble or the technology meltdown, the mispriced asset was the dotcom companies themselves… In 2008, the mispriced assets were houses.”

“The stock market is merely a public record of a business.”

“There are about three areas that are faltering due to the pandemic: entertainment, travel, and fine dining.”

“The investor needs to be able to determine: what is the actual value of that mispriced asset?”

“If you can find an asset that is mispriced as a result of the pandemic, but will return to its pre-pandemic value in the future, then you have found a valuable asset at a great price.”

 

What We Covered:

0:33 – Introducing the topic: the value of mispriced assets and how to find them

1:30 – What is an asset?

2:24 – What is value?

4:44 – How to find a mispriced asset and the mispriced assets of recessions

7:44 – Three areas that are faltering due to the COVID pandemic

10:00 – Steps a prudent investor can take

 

 

Connect with Maurice:

https://www.wilsonwealth.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mauricewilson