The Financial Incline

A Monthly Newsletter from Incline Wealth Advisors

May 2026

Business Owners  |  Wealth  |  Retirement  |  Markets

From the Desk of John Bovard

"May was a strong month in the markets — but the real opportunity for business owners wasn't on Wall Street. It was in how they're structured, how they're compensated, and how they're building toward a retirement that gives them choices. That's what this issue is about."

— John Bovard, CFP® | Incline Wealth Advisors

★ Featured This Month

S Corp Owners: Are You Splitting Salary and Distributions Correctly?

How you divide compensation between W-2 salary and owner distributions is one of the most impactful — and most misunderstood — tax decisions an S Corp owner makes. Too much salary and you overpay payroll taxes. Too little and you risk IRS scrutiny. Getting this right keeps you compliant and keeps more of your money working for you.

Watch the Video →

Business Owner Taxes

The Year-Round Tax Strategy Most Business Owners Ignore

Most business owners only think about taxes in April — and by then, it's already too late to change the outcome. Effective tax planning is a 12-month discipline. The right strategy doesn't just reduce your bill; it changes what you can do with the money you keep.

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Wealth Planning

Tax-Efficient Investing: 3 Things Every Investor Should Understand

Building wealth isn't just about what you earn — it's about what you keep. Three concepts that can make your portfolio meaningfully more efficient over time:

  • Qualified vs. Ordinary Dividends — not all dividend income is taxed equally
  • Short-Term vs. Long-Term Capital Gains — holding period matters more than most investors realize
  • Asset Location — putting the right investments in the right account types
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Your Portfolio Should Fit You — Not the Market

A customized portfolio aligns your investments with your specific goals, risk tolerance, and timeline. When every dollar has a clear purpose, your plan becomes more resilient — and easier to stay committed to through volatility.

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Home Buying

How Much House Is Too Much House?

The purchase price is only the start. Factor in the down payment, closing costs, emergency reserves, and ongoing monthly expenses. The real question isn't "Can you afford it?" — it's "Can you afford it comfortably?"

Watch →

Wealth Building

Wealth Is Built Through Consistency, Not Luck

Invest regularly, avoid holding excess cash, live below your means, and let time do the compounding. The formula isn't complicated — but it requires showing up every year, especially in the bad ones.

Read →

Retirement Planning

Retirement Isn't What It Used to Be

The all-or-nothing retirement model is fading. "Soft retirement" — part-time consulting, passion projects, selective work — is reshaping how business owners think about their exit. The goal isn't to stop working. It's to build a life where work becomes a choice, not a requirement.

Read the Article → Watch the Video →

"Where you save matters just as much as how much you save."

Are You Building a Retirement Tax Bomb?

If most of your retirement savings are in pre-tax accounts, required minimum distributions (RMDs) could push you into a higher bracket at exactly the wrong time. Roth conversion strategies are worth exploring now — before RMDs begin and the window narrows.

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Investment & Market Update

May Market Summary: New Highs, Familiar Leaders

The S&P 500 reached new all-time highs in May, supported by strong earnings, improving GDP data, and softening oil prices. NVIDIA continued to lead the AI conversation, while Treasury yields remained elevated — a reminder that interest rates still shape portfolio outcomes in meaningful ways.

We also addressed concerns about the ongoing conflict with Iran and its potential market impact. Our view: geopolitical headlines shift week to week, but long-term portfolios are built on discipline, not reaction. Looking ahead, we're watching the Fed's next move, the potential IPOs of SpaceX and OpenAI, and Ford's surprising strength as summer approaches.

Gas prices, grocery costs, and everyday services continued to put pressure on household budgets. Inflation isn't just one data point — it's something people feel every week.

Watch This Month's Investment Trends →

Cincinnati Corner

513 Day: The Business Leaders Who Built Cincinnati

513 Day was a perfect moment to look back at the entrepreneurs who shaped this city — from Procter & Gamble and Kroger to Cintas and beyond. These weren't just business builders. They were community builders whose legacies still define Cincinnati's economic identity.

Read the Story → Watch the Video →

A Small Favor

If We've Made a Difference, We'd Love Your Review

If Incline Wealth has made a difference in your financial life, a Google review helps us reach more families and business owners in Cincinnati. It takes about 60 seconds — and it means a great deal to us.

Leave Us a Google Review ★

THE FINANCIAL INCLINE

Incline Wealth Advisors  |  Cincinnati, OH

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Incline Wealth Advisors is a fee-only, fiduciary financial planning firm based in Cincinnati, Ohio.
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