Blog: Insights From the Fastlane

Not every business can afford a full-time CFO—but every business deserves CFO-level insight. Here are five simple tips that our clients use to get control of their numbers and strengthen their bottom line.

🚨 California Expands Retirement Plan Mandate 🚨

California has expanded its retirement mandate to the smallest employers. If you have even one W-2 employee (other than the owner or owner’s spouse) and do not sponsor a qualified plan, you must either (a) adopt a private plan (e.g., 401(k), SIMPLE IRA) or (b) register for CalSavers by December 31, 2025.

Action required by December 31, 2025.

Most entrepreneurs start with passion and grit. What they usually don’t start with is a seasoned CFO in their corner. That’s where the cracks begin to show: cash flow headaches, tense bank conversations, stalled growth, or even a looming sale that could leave money on the table.

A boutique CFO firm like ours exists to fix that gap. We bring executive-level financial leadership to smaller businesses that otherwise couldn’t justify—or afford—a full-time CFO. The result? Owners get the same forward-looking financial discipline that large corporations rely on, without the cost of hiring in-house.

As the year winds down, savvy agri-business owners have a critical opportunity to make strategic decisions that can have a significant impact on their taxes, future growth, and asset protection. Whether you’re looking to maximize deductions with Section 179, monitor your eligibility for USDA programs, plan your land sales to minimize capital gains, or structure your estate to preserve wealth across generations, this guide breaks down actionable steps for every area of your business.

Keep reading to learn how you can leverage tax strategies, financing tips, and asset management techniques to not only save money today but also secure the long-term success of your operation.

In our earlier overview, we covered the major provisions of the OBBB Act that matter to agriculture. Now, let’s focus on practical applications — ways to align your purchases, sales, and income with the new law to optimize cash flow, preserve eligibility for programs, and reduce long-term tax exposure.

The One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB Act), signed into law on July 4, 2025, contains some of the most significant tax and agricultural provisions we’ve seen in years. Here’s a breakdown of the key points, with a focus on what they mean in practical terms for ranchers, farmers, and rodeo professionals.