THOUGHTS ON MONEY [T.O.M.] is a place to find simple truths on money. Everything from budgeting to investing to decision making. A great place to come for answers to your own personal financial questions or to spark thought on how to improve your financial life. Enjoy an easy to read, application focused commentary.

The NYC Pied-à-Terre Tax: Who Pays and Will It Happen?

What NYC’s pied-à-terre tax could mean for second-home owners—and the planning questions worth revisiting.
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When Should You Claim Social Security?

A practical guide to choosing when to claim Social Security based on longevity, taxes, cash flow, and survivor benefits.
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Blue-Collar Aristocracy

College is not the only path to success. Skilled trades offer paid training, strong wages, and a practical route to financial independence.
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Share It. Now.

You may not need to wait until you're gone to make an impact—smart gifting strategies can help family now and later, too.
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Why Planning for Aging Has to Start Before There’s a Crisis

One overlooked sign of aging can expose years of risk, making long-term care planning more important than most families often realize.
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Temptation or Temperament?

Isaac Newton beat gravity but lost to greed, revealing why long-term investing depends more on temperament than intelligence.
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About the Authors

Trevor Cummings

Private Wealth Advisor, Partner

Trevor is a Partner and Director of our Private Wealth Advisor Group.

As the author of TOM [Thoughts On Money], Trevor endeavors to write and speak about financial concepts and principles in a kind of “straight” talk demeanor and posture.

He received his Bachelor’s degree in Organizational Leadership from Biola University and his MBA from California State University, Fullerton.

Blaine Carver, CFP®, CKA®

Private Wealth Advisor

Desiring to be a financial advisor since high school, Blaine has continued this passion by stewarding client capital for over a decade. A patient educator, he enjoys aligning clients’ financial resources with their values, particularly through creative charitable gifting strategies.

Blaine holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from Seattle Pacific University, where he also led the soccer team as captain.

Brett Bonecutter

Private Wealth Advisor

Brett’s career spans real estate, mortgage, and alternative investments, culminating in a wealth advisory practice at TBG. His faith-based, worldview-centric philosophy aligns closely with David Bahnsen’s thought leadership.

He earned a B.A. in Biblical Studies, an M.B.A., and CFP® education from Pepperdine and is licensed as a real estate and mortgage broker in California.