Latest news with #Sturdivant
USA Today
13 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
This transfer wide receiver could swing College Football Playoff hopes for Florida Gators
The vibes are high for the Florida football program heading into the 2025 campaign following its first winning season in four years and first bowl game victory since 2019. With Heisman Trophy hopeful DJ Lagway leading the charge under center, there is a lot to be optimistic about with this edition of the Gators. However, the sophomore gunslinger cannot do it all by himself, and following the departure of some of the team's top talent, Billy Napier and Co. put in a great deal of effort to reload the roster for another run through the gauntlet this fall. Among those added from the de facto free agency system, one player in particular stood out to CBS Sports' Chris Hummer, who recently put together his list of transfer portal additions who could swing College Football Playoff hopes for every post-spring top 25 team. That player was wide receiver J. Michael Sturdivant, who left the UCLA Bruins to join the 10th-ranked Orange and Blue this past offseason. "Florida didn't need a lot in the portal. But what the Gators aggressively targeted above all else was a big outside receiver who could replace the production of Elijhah Badger (39 catches, 806 yards, 20.7 ypc). That's what Sturdivant could bring to the offense. On paper he's an ideal fit at 6-3, 205 pounds," Hummer begins. "He showed the ability to be a field stretcher in 2023 with an average depth of target of 16 yards. But he regressed in 2024 with a career-low 22 catches and 315 yards," he continues. "Florida has plenty of weapons for DJ Lagway, but Sturdivant is a singular option on the outside among the roster's non-freshman receivers. If the Gators hope to reach their peak, Sturdivant needs to rediscover his 2023 form." Sturdivant played a full 13-game slate while starting in 10 in 2023, catching 36 passes for 597 yards and 4 touchdowns for the Bruins. In 2024, he appeared in 11 games with eight starts and saw a decline in his production, hauling in 22 catches for 315 yards and 2 touchdowns. Prior to UCLA, he spent two years with the Cal Golden Bears, taking a redshirt for his freshman campaign. Follow us @GatorsWire on X, formerly known as Twitter, as well as Bluesky, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida Gators news, notes and opinions.
Yahoo
27-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Don't Want To Invest In Stocks Right Now? Here Are 5 Good Alternatives
Have you checked your portfolio lately? On second thought, maybe hold off on taking a peek at the numbers. It's no surprise that with tariffs running wild on the economy, the stock market may be making some people nervous right now. While it might seem like stocks are the best and quickest way to earn some extra passive income, there are other methods for investing that you can check out until the roller-coaster ride of the global markets calms down. Read Next: Learn More: Here are some alternatives to invest in right now instead of stocks. According to Marcus Sturdivant Sr., advisor, managing member and chief compliance officer at The ABC Squared, the best-performing asset so far in 2025 is solid gold. 'In a turbulence-filled market, a flock to this haven has been undeniable. The asset is being added to central banks around the globe as they reduce their exposure to the U.S. dollar and debt system,' Sturdivant said. He said that all year, gold has been trading above its short-term moving average. However, he explained that if this trend breaks, it may show a downward trend in gold. If so, investors could consider taking profits from the record levels gold has hit recently. Find Out: Fixed annuities currently offer an attractive, guaranteed return between 4% and 6% for an extended period of time, according to PJ Doyle of Anchor Annuity, who said this type of investment isn't one you can find in the stock market. 'While indexed annuities do protect your principal, you're still left guessing with caps, participation rates and the multitude of indexes one has to pick from,' Doyle said. 'Fixed annuities can guarantee a growth over a fixed period. Indexed annuities can only guarantee you won't lose any of your principal.' In Sturdivant's view, in a market full of prospective buyers who have been waiting for guidance on the direction of rates, real estate is a smart choice at the moment. 'If consumers have not exhausted their savings, the housing market is in the spring season,' he said. James Francis of Paradigm Asset Management said that when it comes to real estate at the moment, it is all about the debt, not the equity. 'We aren't talking about flipping your property here. Real estate debt allows you access to real estate cash flow without the exposure to the fluctuating property values,' Francis said. 'These can be structured with downside protection, particularly in multifamily and senior housing where demand tends to remain stable.' Gary Zimmerman, CEO and founder of Max, shared that private credit 'is an emerging asset class, but one that's rapidly growing as private capital steps in to lend where banks can't or won't.' This type of investment could lead to higher yields, but be aware that there's more risk. 'Lending to YouTube content creators, subprime auto buyers or Mexican farmers can generate higher yields, albeit with higher risks and less liquidity than investment grade bonds,' Zimmerman said. When it comes to either money market or high-yield savings accounts, Sturdivant recommended investors seek out online accounts that do not require a deposit of physical cash, a process which he labeled as 'cumbersome.' 'The tradeoff for a lack of a physical building cost is usually higher returns and rates on high-yield accounts and CDs,' Sturdivant said. 'I would not suggest going all cash, but increasing cash and placing it in one of these accounts keeps it safe and earns some interest.' More From GOBankingRates 6 Used Luxury SUVs That Are a Good Investment for Retirees 7 Tax Loopholes the Rich Use To Pay Less and Build More Wealth 7 Overpriced Grocery Items Frugal People Should Quit Buying in 2025 How Much Money Is Needed To Be Considered Middle Class in Every State? Sources Marcus Sturdivant Sr., The ABC Squared PJ Doyle, Anchor Annuity James Francis, Paradigm Asset Management Gary Zimmerman, Max This article originally appeared on Don't Want To Invest In Stocks Right Now? Here Are 5 Good Alternatives Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
5 Financial Lessons You Should Learn From Trump's Tax Returns
President Donald Trump's tax returns have revealed strategies that reduced his tax bills but also highlighted risks every taxpayer should avoid. Find Out: Learn More: For individuals and business owners, these records offer critical lessons about leveraging tax laws and managing risk. Here are five key takeaways to guide smarter financial decisions, blending Trump's methods with expert-approved compliance strategies. Trump's tax returns demonstrated the aggressive application of net operating loss (NOL) carryforwards. This is a provision that allows businesses to deduct losses from previous years against current or future income. In 2015, he reported a $105 million loss carried forward, followed by $73 million in 2016, which significantly reduced his taxable income during his presidency, according to Politico. When done right, this strategy offers significant tax relief for small businesses without raising red flags. While small businesses can adopt similar tactics, they must ensure losses are legitimate and well documented to avoid IRS scrutiny. Marcus Sturdivant of The ABC Squared suggested businesses avoid consecutive years of losses, which attract audits. Consulting a professional ensures compliance, especially when navigating complex rules like IRC Sections 704(d) and 465. Be Aware: Trump's tax returns revealed issues with mixing personal expenses with business deductions, a practice that increases audit risks. Trump's private aircraft companies, DT Endeavor I LLC and DJT Aerospace LLC, had similar revenues and expenses in 2016, which removed their tax obligation. The Joint Committee on Taxation questioned the validity of these deductions and whether they were for personal activities, per USA Today. Structuring your business as an LLC or S-corporation creates legal separation, shielding personal assets from liabilities. Sturdivant suggested practical steps, like opening separate bank accounts, using distinct credit cards and labeling receipts with details like 'lunch with client,' to keep matters separate. Clear separation of finances is not just a best practice but a legal necessity. Mixing personal and business accounts complicates audits and increases liability risks. Trump's returns revealed significant use of historic rehabilitation tax credits, which reward property owners for restoring certified historic structures. These credits offset up to 20% of qualified renovation costs. For example, Trump applied credits from the redevelopment of the Old Post Office in Washington, D.C., to reduce liabilities across multiple entities, according to Washingtonian. Even if you're not restoring a historic property, this is a good lesson about taking advantage of tax credits when you qualify. Sturdivant pointed to the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit, which 'helps employers with fewer than 25 employees offset up to 50% of health insurance premiums.' He also emphasized the Work Opportunity Tax Credit, which 'offers up to $9,600 per hire for businesses employing individuals from disadvantaged groups.' These strategies can offer a significant return on investment for small businesses and average earners alike. In 2022, the Trump Organization faced a conviction for tax fraud and was fined $1.6 million, according to PBS News. The company was found guilty of compensating executives with off-the-books perks, including luxury apartments and cars, without reporting them as income. Sturdivant advised staying updated on tax code changes — such as evolving Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) rules — to avoid penalties. Businesses should benchmark deductions against industry norms. Regular third-party audits catch errors early, ensuring numbers align with filings. Transparent records are the first defense against disputes. Trump's tax returns highlight the risks of walking the fine line between legal tax avoidance and questionable practices. WHDH News in Boston reported that he charged his children market-rate interest on loans to avoid gift taxes, a tactic scrutinized by the Joint Committee on Taxation for potential undervaluation. Sturdivant suggested business owners apply what he calls the 'reasonable person standard' when evaluating tax strategies. 'If you have to ask whether it's ethically shaky, that's a sign,' he explained. Ultimately, taxpayers should do their due diligence to make sure they're maximizing their tax savings within the law. 'Reviewing tax codes thoroughly and consulting multiple professionals is needed to ensure strategies are both legal and defensible. Aggressive tax moves may offer short-term savings but can lead to audits, penalties or reputational damage,' Sturdivant said. Editor's note on political coverage: GOBankingRates is nonpartisan and strives to cover all aspects of the economy objectively and present balanced reports on politically focused finance stories. You can find more coverage of this topic on More From GoBankingRates6 Reasons Your Tax Refund Will Be Higher in 2025 7 Tax Loopholes the Rich Use To Pay Less and Build More Wealth 5 Types of Vehicles Retirees Should Stay Away From Buying This article originally appeared on 5 Financial Lessons You Should Learn From Trump's Tax Returns Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
28-03-2025
- Yahoo
Henry County elementary teacher fired after simple battery arrest
A Stockbridge Elementary School teacher is out of a job after she was arrested. Henry County police have charged Linda Sturdivant with seven counts of simple battery. In a statement to Channel 2 Action News, Henry County School District confirmed that Sturdivant has been fired. 'Upon learning of allegations of inappropriate behavior, investigations were initiated by the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services, Henry County Police Department, Henry County Schools, and Stockbridge Elementary School. The teacher is no longer employed by Henry County Schools. The safety and security of our students and staff is our utmost priority,' the district said. Channel 2 Action News has requested the warrants for Sturdivant's arrest. TRENDING STORIES: Principal identifies student killed in deadly after-school shooting in DeKalb Man accused of trying to kidnap toddler at Acworth Walmart says he was just trying to help Cafe Momentum offers a second chance to young people caught up in justice system [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
