For Individuals

College Financial Planning

How Can You Pay for Your Kid to go to College, Spend and Save as You Are Now, and Increase the Amount of Money You have for Retirement?

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Elder Care Financial Care

Finally… Worry Free Financial Management for Your Aging Parent or Family Member.

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Estate Planning Done Right

Make Sure Your Family Transitions Prepare Your Children and Your Family for Financial Freedom.

10 Simple Fraud Protection Safeguards Frederick Companies Should Implement

by Jennifer Allen | April 9, 2018 | Blog | 0 Comments

Things have been cranking at the J Allen & Associates offices of late! We have had a steady stream of new Frederick clients calling, emailing and coming through our doors. But it's also because of all of the questions we are fielding about the new tax law changes,...

Three Financial Statements Frederick SMBs Need To Get Right

by Jennifer Allen | May 21, 2022 | Blog | 0 Comments

If you’re a successful Frederick business owner in this high-pressure time, you’ve learned to master the art of the pivot. Pivot on pricing, pivot on operations, pivot on hiring, pivot on supply, pivot on financials... Successfully pulling it off is...

J Allen & Associates on Managing Small Business Loan Options

by Jennifer Allen | January 22, 2022 | Blog | 0 Comments

The big, emergency SBA loan programs for small businesses (like yours) that were launched (PPP) and expanded (EIDL) over the last couple of years are moving back from the radar or wrapping up.That said, there are still great options for funding your Frederick...

Brand Clarity is Your Frederick Business’s Advantage

by Jennifer Allen | August 12, 2025 | Blog | 0 Comments

First, a quick reminder if you own an S-corp or partnership: If you filed an extension back in March, your deadline for filing your 2024 taxes is coming up fast — Sept 15. Grab a spot on my calendar to wrap that up: calendly.com/jallencpaNow, as summer wraps up,...

J Allen & Associates’s Take: How Much Cash Should A Business Have On Hand?

by Jennifer Allen | October 19, 2026 | Blog | 0 Comments

Quick Answer: Keep three to six months of baseline operating expenses in liquid reserves, alongside a separate tax account holding 15% to 30% of weekly gross receipts. Having that buffer with a Quick Ratio of at least 1.0 means you'll protect daily operations without...

Jennifer Allen’s Four Steps To Properly Handle Upset Customers

by Jennifer Allen | June 2, 2020 | Blog | 0 Comments

2020 has been ... something.Maybe, if we're all fortunate, the SpaceX launch will be the best thing to come out of this season.Because there is simply pain all around right now. I said this in another place, but it's overwhelming, as someone who has to communicate to...

Practicing Thankfulness in Your Frederick Business

by Jennifer Allen | November 22, 2023 | Blog | 0 Comments

Does your Frederick family sit around the table at Thanksgiving dinner and share something they’re thankful for?I’ve been at those holiday meals many a time. I appreciate the intent, and will admit it’s usually effective in getting me to feel more grateful, but I do...

How Long Can Employers Keep Employee Records? A Record Retention Guide for Frederick Small Business Owners

by Jennifer Allen | April 14, 2026 | Blog | 0 Comments

Key TakeawaysHow long you keep a document depends on what it is, which law applies, and sometimes your state’s rules as well. A practical baseline is to keep general personnel records for at least two years, payroll tax records at least four years, benefits...

2018 Tax Season Reflections From A Frederick Tax Professional

by Jennifer Allen | April 23, 2018 | Blog | 0 Comments

As I write, it's the day before tax day (which is Tuesday the 17th), and we are pushing hard during this final stretch. Procrastinators in Frederick are streaming through our doors, both virtual and actual (after all, we welcome them here), the phone is ringing off...

Customer Service Retention Strategies That Save Frederick Businesses

by Jennifer Allen | September 4, 2025 | Blog | 0 Comments

"Courteous treatment will make a customer a walking advertisement." —James Cash Penney Quick Answers: Customer Service Retention StrategiesFollowing up after every sale or service can dramatically increase loyalty and uncover issues before they become...

How You’re Missing Legal Tax Deductions

Here’s a certain truth: the State and Federal Government would love to have more of your hard-earned money in their accounts. Sure, even though it’s painful, none of us begrudge paying our legal and fair share of taxes.

But the problem is that regular taxpayers, like you, are missing out on legal and safe deductions, to the tune of hundreds of millions of dollars in unclaimed refunds every year!

Learn More