A Look Back at 2019 with Tax Ease

Tiger Roars Again at The Masters

Tiger Woods earned his fifth green jacket this year when he won the Masters Tournament back in April. Some called his win “one of the most emotional finishes in history.” After four back surgeries and multiple knee operations, Woods seemed like a longshot for another Masters win. But he took it all and moved past Arnold Palmer, and right behind Jack Nicklaus, for the most green jackets in history. He’s also three majors behind Nicklaus’ record of 18.

#GOOOOOOALS

In July, the US Women’s National Soccer Team won its fourth FIFA Women’s World Cup trophy by beating the Netherlands 2-0. The team was impressive from the start. In their first match, they beat Thailand 13-0. This achievement stood out since the team managed to score more goals in one game than the men’s team has scored in every World Cup since 2006 combined.

But there was more to this epic win. The team battled on the field for glory and off the field for equal pay, treatment and recognition in comparison to their male counterparts. Their fight garnered support and respect from many across the nation — and around the world. It even earned the whole team the title of “Athlete of the Year” from Time Magazine.

There’s Always Next Year

We know. This one still stings, so we won’t torture you with a video. After a monumental season, the Houston Astros, also referred to as “the best team in baseball,” gave the Washington Nationals their first World Series win since 1924. After a back and forth series, the Nationals took game seven with a 6-2 win. Despite the heartbreaking end to a stellar season, we’re going to keep on rooting for the home team.

Make No Bones About It

Thor the Bulldog stole everyone’s hearts when he won Best in Show at the 2019 National Dog Show on Thanksgiving Day. If you don’t know, Thor was born in Peru and he currently resides in Houston. He beat out close to 2,000 dogs from 194 breeds and varieties, including Westminster Kennel Club’s No. 1 ranking dog (and Reserve Best in Show): a Havanese named Bono. Way to bring it on home, Thor. We wish you lots of belly rubs and tasty treats.

Notre-Dame de Paris Destroyed by Fire

On April 15, a fire destroyed most of the roof and the spire of the 850-year-old cathedral. After an investigation, it was determined that the fire was not set deliberately. It was believed to be caused by ongoing renovation work at the cathedral. While French President Emmanuel Macron wants the iconic cathedral restored in five years, many have said that the project could take 10 to 15 years — or even longer.

Brexit Break

Originally scheduled to take place on March 29, the UK’s plan to leave the European Union was put on hold. After multiple attempts at a Brexit deal, the deadline was pushed to October 31. Prime Minister Teresa May resigned and Conservative party leader Boris Johnson replaced her. Despite negotiating a revised deal, Mr. Johnson missed the latest deadline because it failed to pass into law. The EU agreed to a further extension until January 31.

From Russia with No Love

After years of allegations and suspicions, the long-awaited Mueller Report did not uncover sufficient evidence to prove that President Trump conspired with Russia during the 2016 election. Attorney General William Barr’s summary was inconclusive in regard to obstruction of justice. As a whole, the investigation took two years.

NAFTA 2.0 is a Go

After months of negotiations, House Democrats and the White House reached a deal on the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, President Trump’s renegotiated version of the North American Free Trade Agreement on December 10. This new agreement is expected to give the automotive manufacturing industry a boost, toughen up labor laws and open up the Canadian market so it can provide and receive dairy, poultry, peanut products and sugar. It will also add digital protections that weren’t considered at the time of the original agreement’s creation and keep Congress in control of biologic drugs.