12/19/2024
We are thrilled to share that director Stacey Craig, CPA, and senior manager, Cristine Torrefranca, CPA, have successfully graduated from ConvergenceCoaching’s 2023-2024 Fall Transformational Leadership Program™ (TLP).
12/9/2024
Quality improvement is an essential process for post-acute healthcare organizations. It allows them to enhance resident outcomes, increase operational efficiency, and maintain financial stability. But it’s not as easy as simply deciding to improve. In fact, implementing quality improvement initiatives—and keeping the momentum going—often comes with significant challenges.
12/9/2024
In today's healthcare landscape, regulatory compliance is crucial for operational success and resident care. Healthcare organizations face complex regulations that can be challenging to navigate. Healthcare regulatory compliance consultants provide essential guidance to help organizations be proactive about meeting standards, avoiding penalties, and improving operations in general.
12/5/2024
Phishing scams have become one of the most prevalent and dangerous forms of cyber attacks. These scams often involve tricking individuals into providing sensitive information, such as login credentials or financial details, by masquerading as a trustworthy entity. The sophistication of these attacks has increased significantly, making them harder to detect and prevent.
12/5/2024
Post-acute healthcare organizations constantly strive to enhance patient outcomes, increase operational efficiency, and maintain regulatory compliance. However, many struggle to implement effective quality improvement initiatives due to a critical yet often overlooked factor: stakeholder communication. This article explores how stakeholder communication impacts quality improvement efforts and how you can leverage it to drive successful initiatives.
12/5/2024
Post-acute healthcare organizations today grapple with a variety of complex challenges, including rising operational costs, increased regulatory scrutiny, and the pressing need to enhance resident care amidst staffing shortages. These issues can lead to inefficiencies, errors, and diminished resident satisfaction if not addressed proactively. Process improvement can help providers streamline operations and ensure high-quality care... read more!
11/20/2024
Just as airline safety instructions advise securing your own oxygen mask first, clients should prioritize their financial stability before focusing on giving. With the right guidance, clients can build a personalized plan that aligns with their life goals—including charitable giving—while reducing tax impacts and ensuring they have enough funds for their lifetime.
11/1/2024
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has released the latest Skilled Nursing Facility Provider Preview Reports for the Post-Acute Care Quality Reporting Program. If you are a skilled nursing provider, this is your opportunity to review your facility’s quality data before it goes public on Care Compare during the January 2025 refresh.
10/29/2024
Long-term care providers face a unique challenge: how do you deliver consistent, high-quality care while maintaining financial stability? The Baldrige Criteria for Performance Excellence, also known as the Baldrige Excellence Framework, provides a systematic approach that can help healthcare organizations sharpen leadership, achieve strategic goals and improve overall performance. In this guide, we’ll explore what the Baldrige Excellence Framework is and its potential benefits for long-term care providers.
10/25/2024
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has recently issued updates to the Advance Beneficiary Notice of Non-Coverage (ABN), Form CMS-10055. This form is critical for healthcare providers to notify Medicare beneficiaries when services they are receiving may not be covered by Medicare, and that the patient may be responsible for paying out-of-pocket.
10/22/2024
As the November election approaches, it's normal for investors to become anxious about how the outcome may impact their investments. The president wields tremendous power, so it’s reasonable to assume that the election of a particular party or candidate will have a direct and significant effect on the stock market. While this is an understandable conclusion, it is not correct. In this article, we'll explore election year market trends from 1928 to 2023, to illustrate why sticking to your investment strategy is the best approach, regardless of election results.
10/16/2024
Are you looking for ways to minimize variances, improve financial reporting, and manage the business better? The following strategies can help you update and maintain standard costs to minimize the impact of manufacturing inventory variances on the financial statements and improve financial reporting.
10/8/2024
Effective January 1, 2024, all unregulated business entities that have domestic sales of less than $5,000,000 are required to electronically file a Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) Report. This informational report discloses data about the business entity and its significant owners, stakeholders or officers.
10/7/2024
We're excited to welcome Michael C. Hall, CFP as a director at Saltmarsh Financial Advisors, LLC.
10/1/2024
Beginning in October and continuing through December 2024, CMS is requiring action from all SNF providers to report additional data on ownership, managerial, and related party information not previously required during the revalidation process. Importantly, this new requirement may dramatically expand the definition of who must be considered an additional disclosable related party.
9/27/2024
As of October 1, 2024, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is introducing new measures to its SNF Value-Based Purchasing (VBP) program for FY 2026 with a performance period FY 2024 (10/1/23-9/30/24), signaling a shift towards a broader evaluation of SNF performance.
9/26/2024
Every business needs a good accountant. You need someone who can translate your business activity into organized (and useful) financial data. Finding this person or persons can be challenging, and determining the cost-benefit of an external or internal accountant can be a difficult decision - you will be trusting someone with your sensitive data, hoping that they have the expertise to translate your business activity correctly, and needing them to be there when you cook up another strategic business move.
9/10/2024
If you're a contractor working on projects that stretch across multiple months or years, you've probably faced the challenge of figuring out how to record revenue and expenses for tax purposes. You may have billed a customer, but does that mean you should recognize the revenue? This is where percent of completion comes in, and it can be a bit tricky to navigate—especially if you're not sure how to connect the costs incurred with the revenue earned. Let’s break it down.
9/9/2024
At the start of August, the U.S. stock market experienced an unexpectedly sharp decline, losing over 7% in just the first three trading days. While those losses were eventually recovered, many investors were left wondering what caused such a dramatic sell-off. The answer lies in something known as the "carry trade," specifically, the Yen carry trade. But what exactly is the Yen carry trade, and why did it have such a significant impact on equity markets?
8/30/2024
The recent data breach at the Social Security Administration has raised concerns about identity theft and the potential compromise of personal information. Here are some steps you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones in an increasingly digital world.
8/19/2024
Your Saltmarsh Family spent the summer flexing our ‘business development muscles’ during the firm’s annual Level Up competition! The entire firm split into twelve teams and went head-to-head competing for a spot on the coveted Level Up podium.
8/14/2024
New, revised guidance for the CMS Facility Assessment tool requirement (F838) is now in effect, and providers need to be prepared to avoid non-compliance. While this tool was initially designed to be reviewed annually and include information on both the resident population and the resources required to provide adequate care, additional provisions have been defined which expand the scope of the tool and impose new expectations on providers.
8/8/2024
As one of the largest CPA-led business advisory firms in the southeast, Saltmarsh is known for its ‘one-firm’ people-focused workplace that prioritizes professional development, culture and work-life balance. Because of that, we have been named one of Accounting Today’s 2024 Best Firms to Work For!
8/6/2024
Last week, CMS issued the final rule for the skilled nursing facility (SNF) prospective payment system (PPS) for the fiscal year 2025 update. Below are some of the key highlights of the final rule:
8/5/2024
Hello, fellow number crunchers!
As an operations staff who has worked closely with accountants for a couple years now, I’ve picked up some essential time management tips that can help streamline your workflow and reduce stress. I know how demanding your job can be, with deadlines looming and clients relying on your expertise. So, let’s dive into some practical advice to help you manage your time more efficiently and achieve that elusive work-life balance.
7/30/2024
The 2025 Proposed Rule for Home Health Agencies (HHAs) set forth by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) suggests significant changes for HHA providers. Continue reading to view the proposed changes.
7/26/2024
On June 6, in Connelly v. United States, the Supreme Court ruled that the valuation of a closely held company for federal estate tax purposes must include life insurance proceeds received by the company used to redeem a deceased shareholder’s stock. This unanimous opinion has considerable implications for federal estate tax calculations and has the unfortunate potential of increasing an estate’s overall tax burden. This shift in how life insurance proceeds are treated will significantly affect corporations and their shareholders.
7/18/2024
Since the 2023 collapse of Silicon Valley Bank, we have observed heightened examiner scrutiny of the liquidity practices with our financial institution clients. While liquidity policies, contingency funding plans (CFP), and related reporting differ significantly among clients, we are observing “better practice” similarities and consistencies. We suggest considering the following liquidity management practices:
7/12/2024
We're proud to announce the following internal promotions as of July 1, 2024!
7/10/2024
With busy season in the rearview mirror, June has been a vibrant and engaging month for the Saltmarsh team! Keep reading to see how we have been spending our summer…
6/27/2024
Did you know that the current estate tax exemption will be reduced by more than 50% beginning January 1, 2026?
What this means is you have less than two years to utilize the current $13.61 million lifetime exemption (which will increase each year with inflation) to transfer assets out of your estate - tax-free.
6/25/2024
Attention Florida healthcare providers! Medicaid payments typically scheduled for Thursday, July 4th, will not be available until Monday, July 8th due to the Department of Financial Services being down for fiscal-year-end closing processes and the July 4th holiday.
6/20/2024
Saltmarsh Financial Advisors, LLC, has been recognized by Accounting Today as a top firm by total assets under management (AUM) for the fourth year in a row!
6/12/2024
Fathers play an important role in teaching us many things when we are children. A few common lessons include how to hold a flashlight steady, how to arrive at the airport early, and that “it’s not the heat that gets you, it’s the humidity.” Another common topic fathers teach us about is money. This is an area I learned a lot about from my dad. Having spent most of his career as a regional business developer for Firehouse Subs, he helped franchisees succeed by guiding them on smart money and business decisions. The money lessons I learned while sitting in his office as a kid inspired me to pursue a career in finance. For this Father’s Day, I’d like to share some of these lessons and how they can be applied in practical terms.
6/3/2024
In May, we hosted our annual Beacon Summer Leadership series, a unique program designed for accounting students to experience what a career in public accounting is like. Now in its 8th year, Beacon attracted more than 30 students representing universities throughout the southeast for two days of leadership training and team building in our Pensacola and Tampa offices.
5/31/2024
The Automated Clearing House (ACH) system has become integral to electronic payments in today's fast-paced payment environment. With the increasing reliance on ACH transactions, both Third-Party Senders and Third-Party Service Providers play crucial roles in facilitating secure and efficient payment processing. These entities must undergo regular ACH Compliance Reviews annually to ensure compliance, mitigate risks, and maintain trust by December 31st. Let us explore the requirements and benefits of ACH Compliance Reviews for Third-Party Senders and Service Providers, along with examples of their roles in the financial ecosystem.
5/29/2024
The S&P 500 hit a new all-time high 22 times during the first quarter of 2024. Since 1957, the index has reached a new high every 14.3 days. These higher prices are great for investors in the market, but present a hurdle for investors on the sidelines. Let’s look at how investors should approach this hurdle to get their funds invested for the future.
5/10/2024
Nearly every year, a handful of securities generate headlines for delivering eye-popping returns. A challenge for investors is determining what portion of that return is a one-off windfall and not something to expect going forward. Viewing expected returns through the lens of cost of capital may help benchmark what constitutes a reasonable expected return from the market.
4/30/2024
You’ve finally settled on your startup idea and you’re ready to share your passion with the world… but getting an accountant before your startup officially takes off can greatly benefit your company in the short and long term. Check out the top 5 reasons why YOU need an accountant for your startup:
4/8/2024
April & May are busy months for financial compliance and particularly for Florida Skilled Nursing Providers! Check out these upcoming deadlines for financial reporting.
4/8/2024
It’s March 2024 and it’s been almost 2 years since our last inflation deep dive, when inflation was at decades-long highs. Since then, the Fed aggressively raised rates to combat inflation but has recently paused as inflation slowed. Current inflation data look good in recent context, so many are hopeful the Fed will lower interest rates. However, inflation is rising at concerning rates in a few key categories, which may force the Fed to delay cuts. Let’s review the current state of inflation and areas of concern, and discuss what can be done to help reduce its impact.
4/8/2024
We are thrilled to welcome Jennifer Ziolkowski, MBA, CLSSYB, and Kelly Smith, PhD, CPHQ, CLSSBB, as directors in the firm’s existing healthcare consulting practice!
4/4/2024
Throughout 2023 and 2024, Saltmarsh Financial Advisors will host a 4-part women-focused series centered on building confidence and community around the unique financial situations individuals may face in their lives. Featured segments will focus on the central themes of navigating loss, divorce, caregiving and philanthropic giving.
3/29/2024
At Saltmarsh, we take numbers seriously… especially if they involve desserts! For Pi Day 2024, our team was treated to plethora of delicious pies to celebrate the mathematical constant – but don’t ask what our favorite pie is because we’re a firm that’s split between Key Lime Pie and Peanut Butter Chocolate Pie!
3/27/2024
Compounding is one of the most powerful forces in the world. Just ask Albert Einstein, who’s said to have called it the “eighth wonder.” The seemingly small decisions we make every day gain power over time. That’s why it’s important to take the long view and come up with a plan—in both wellness and investing—that creates momentum in the direction of our goals. Don’t squander the power of time when you can recruit it to work in your favor.
3/20/2024
Are they Employees or Independent Contractors?
This is a classification question that I am asked frequently. Fortunately, recent guidance from the Department of Labor (DOL) can give us all some clarity. Many people believe that the designation of employee or independent contractor is a choice, but it is based on facts and circumstances. The following article from the DOL goes through a step-by-step process to help you determine the status of an individual.
3/13/2024
As the need for faster payments increases, financial institutions and businesses face an ever-growing threat of cybersecurity risks and ACH (Automated Clearing House) fraud. ACH fraud can have devastating consequences, including substantial financial losses and irreparable damage to a company's reputation. Financial institutions and businesses must take proactive measures to mitigate the risk of ACH fraud. This article outlines ten essential steps that can help protect financial institutions and businesses from falling victim to ACH fraud and provides additional information surrounding the topic.
3/13/2024
It is natural for investors to want more exposure to last year’s top-performing market segment. The challenge is determining what portion of that return was a one-off windfall and not something to expect going forward. Viewing expected returns through the lens of cost of capital may help benchmark what constitutes a reasonable expected return from the market.
3/4/2024
Credit cards can be a powerful tool in your financial toolkit. Using them properly can help build credit and provide exciting rewards. As is the case with most powerful tools, improperly using it can cause significant harm. This article will discuss some do's and don'ts of credit card use.
2/28/2024
As many of you are still digesting the CRA Modernization final rule that was published in the Federal Register February 1 of this year, it is important not to take for granted that many of the mandatory compliance dates are not effective until January 1, 2026. It is also more dangerous than not to expect that the recent filing from various trade groups challenging the legality of the rule itself will simply make this all go away. The effective date of the final rule is April 1, 2024, and you need to be ready for certain provisions that will become mandatory on this day. Two provisions require immediate action, one of which applies to all banks, regardless of size.
2/26/2024
Trade executions prioritize among three key parameters: price, quantity, and timing. Dimensional’s top trading priority is price. It is the focal point throughout our investment process, given that prices incorporate the aggregate views of market participants, and that differences in prices have significant explanatory power for differences in expected returns. In fixed income, we use current market prices to calculate expected returns, to determine the most attractive term, credit, and currency positioning, and to monitor credit quality in real time. Our fixed income trading process has also been designed with the goal of realizing competitive pricing to help lower transaction costs and to potentially capture the targeted return premiums.
2/22/2024
Key performance indicators (KPIs) are used to evaluate the success of an organization or a particular activity in which it engages. They supply a quantifiable way to track and assess progress toward strategic goals. The choice of KPIs is crucial, as it helps organizations focus on the most important aspects of their performance.
2/19/2024
The Magnificent 7 stocks continue to capture the focus of investors as these large growth names have outpaced the bulk of global equities. Their outperformance is notable because eye-popping returns for top stocks tend to occur before they reach the top of the market. Once there, subsequent returns tend to lag the market.
2/9/2024
We're excited to announce that we have won ClearlyRated's Best of Accounting® Award for providing superior service to their clients for the second year in a row!
2/5/2024
Late last year, the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services announced the release of CMS Form 287-22, better known as the Home Office Cost Statement. The new form is effective for cost reporting periods beginning on or after October 1, 2022, and supersedes the previously used form, 287-05. Learn more!
2/1/2024
We’re proud to announce the following internal promotions as of January 1, 2024!
1/26/2024
This past year had its share of financial uncertainty, from inflation and rising interest rates to volatile stock and bond markets. Headlines added to the unease, from the growth of artificial intelligence (AI) to the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank and other lenders to the threat of government shutdowns. So it’s no surprise some people feel anxious right now. When it comes to investing during trying times, it can be easy to lose track of how well markets function. Spoiler alert: They’ve been working just the way we’d expect.
1/25/2024
The IRS has updated the filing requirements for W-2s and 1099s. This change reduces the threshold for electronically filing these forms from 250 returns to 10 or more returns for the 2023 tax year. Therefore, if your business has 10 or more W-2s and 1099s, you are required to file electronically. The new threshold is effective for information returns required to be filed in calendar years beginning with 2024. The new rules apply to tax year 2023 Forms W-2 because they are required to be filed by January 31, 2024.
1/17/2024
The Automated Clearing House (ACH) network has revolutionized how financial transactions are processed in today's digital age. With the increasing reliance on ACH payments, ensuring the security and integrity of these transactions becomes essential. The National Automated Clearing House Association (Nacha) has established rules and guidelines to govern the ACH network, including ACH risk assessment requirements. Let us explore the significance of ACH risk assessments and how they contribute to maintaining a safe and efficient payment ecosystem.
1/12/2024
As investors rang in the New Year of 2023, there was a lot to be apprehensive about. Inflation was still high as the Fed was aggressively raising rates, leading to a historically bad year for combined stock and bond investors. Though 2022 had ended with a late-year rally, almost every economist gave some probability that the US was headed for a recession in 2023. It seems the markets did not get the memo. The S&P 500 (large companies) finished up 24%, The Russell 2000 (small companies) was up 15%, and the Nasdaq 100 (technology companies) finished up 43% on the year. Leading the charge were 7 household names affectionately known as…
12/28/2023
I’ve been in the financial industry for nearly 20 years and have worked for many different firms. In those roles, I had different types of clients. When I came to Saltmarsh over three years ago, most of my prior experience was servicing large institutional clients. Now that I’ve been here a few years, I can reflect on my career and my various experiences. The most prominent difference between my role at Saltmarsh and roles at other firms is my current fiduciary responsibility versus my previous suitability duty.
12/27/2023
Earlier this month, our Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) Outreach Committee partnered with Sarah Horne and Pierce Broscious, of Saltmarsh Financial Advisors to present to students at West Florida High School in Pensacola.
12/15/2023
In November, our Saltmarsh Family celebrated Week of Thanks, a week-long show of appreciation for the incredible people who make Saltmarsh great! From November 6th through 10th, the firm participated in various activities and experiences to celebrate gratitude and community!
12/15/2023
Professional money managers have offered their services for centuries, but until the 1960s, there was no empirical way to hold them accountable for their results. When computers became powerful enough to analyze immense amounts of data, researchers could start gathering and learning from historical stock returns. Now economists could measure the success of different investment strategies compared with the performance of the broader market. The science of finance took off.
11/21/2023
Consumer fraud has become a growing concern, particularly concerning financial transactions and investments. In light of recent fraud trends, including high-profile cryptocurrency fraud cases, Nacha has recognized the need to address the risks associated with false claims of unauthorized ACH debits. To protect consumers and educate them about the potential consequences of making such claims, Nacha has updated its sample Written Statement of Unauthorized Debit (WSUD) to include language outlining the penalties for misrepresentation.
11/20/2023
A financial advisor can provide the perspective investors need to tune out the daily noise and stay focused on a long-term plan.
11/17/2023
In October, our shareholders stepped away from the office to enjoy a refreshing dose of camaraderie and strategic planning with the future in focus at our annual Shareholder Retreat in the vibrant city of Atlanta! The timing couldn't have been better, as the crisp autumn air welcomed our team and served as the perfect transition into fall. Over four days, our shareholder group engaged in meaningful conversations and generated innovative ideas that will shape the future of our firm.
11/15/2023
Webinar On Demand! In 2022, 2.4 million consumers reported losing money to fraud – totaling nearly $8.8 billion in lost wealth. The most prevalent was imposter fraud. Watch this webinar for a short storytelling of imposter fraud stories and learn the best practices to protect you and your family’s wealth.
11/14/2023
The Employee Retention Credit (ERC) was created to incentivize companies to maintain their payroll during the COVID-19 pandemic and consequential economic shutdown. However, due to numerous falsified claims, the Internal Revenue Service issued a moratorium on new ERC claims effective September 14, 2023, through December 31, 2023. Keep reading for recent ERC updates and how they could affect your business.
10/31/2023
Many investors see yield curve inversions—when short-term bond yields exceed long-term yields—as foreboding. Do they signal a stock market downturn? Data from the US and other major economies show yield curve inversions have not historically predicted equity market downturns. As markets incorporate news and events around the world, bond yields change, which causes yield curves to change. Historically, the US Treasury yield curve has generally been upward-sloping; however, during several periods, the curve inverted. What can we learn from these examples?
10/26/2023
While most individuals understand the importance of good credit and having a high credit score, they are often unsure of how this is measured. The difference between a good and bad score could potentially equate to thousands of dollars in interest savings over the long term. Let’s take a closer look at credit and discuss some ways to improve your credit score.
10/20/2023
Are you a business owner based in the US? Is your business organized with a Secretary of State? If so, the filing requirements under the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) may affect your business. This blog is written to provide a better understanding of your obligations under the Act and answer questions you may have.
10/5/2023
We are proud to share that senior manager, Sarah Oliver, CRCM, is a part of ConvergenceCoaching’s 2022-2023 Summer Transformational Leadership Program™ (TLP) graduating class!
10/3/2023
For Medicare Part A providers, bad debt can be an important yet tricky subject. Since bad debt is a key area of focus for the clients we serve, the Healthcare Team at Saltmarsh wanted to highlight some of the crucial points from Chapter 3 of Part 1 of the Medicare Provider Reimbursement Manual.
9/18/2023
Our 18th annual community bank event, BankTalk, in Tampa, brought together over 100 community bankers and subject matter experts to discuss the challenges facing the industry and also opportunities from technology and innovation to shape the future of the industry. This year's BankTalk is something to rave about, and if you missed out, don't worry – we're here to take you on an exclusive journey through the highlights!
9/15/2023
Point of View: You own a small business. Business is starting to pick up, and you are getting overwhelmed with the day-to-day operations as a one-man show. You are debating hiring an employee or two to help out, but you are struggling to decide whether you classify your new worker as an independent contractor or a common-law employee. Let’s walk through some questions to ask yourself to choose what type of worker is right for your business.
9/14/2023
For all Skilled Nursing Providers in Florida who accept Medicaid: On September 5th the Agency for Healthcare Administration published the final Medicaid Nursing Home Reimbursement Rates for the rate-setting period beginning October 1, 2023. Learn more in this Saltmarsh Siren!
9/14/2023
Investing offers individuals the opportunity to achieve their goals, whether they seek short-term gains or long-term wealth accumulation. Over the past decade, the landscape of investing has witnessed significant shifts, presenting unique challenges to investors. Comparing the challenges faced by investors today to those of the period between 2009 and 2019 reveals a dynamic and evolving environment.
9/13/2023
On September 5th AHCA published a Notice of Change to the proposed Florida Nursing Home Uniform Reporting System (FNHURS). This change updates and clarifies the definition of “Home Office” in proposed rule 59E-4.101, establishes the circumstances under which consolidated audits may be utilized... learn more in this Saltmarsh Siren!
9/12/2023
We are pleased to share recent firm accolades, which include being named one of Accounting Today’s 2023 Best Firms to Work For and a Top 200 U.S. Accounting Firm by INSIDE Public Accounting!