Insights for Your Journey
Latest News & Articles
The Mega Backdoor Roth Solo 401(k) for Solopreneurs
The Mega Backdoor Roth 401(k) has typically been reserved for select Fortune 500 companies. Here’s how you – the Solopreneur – can access this little known strategy!
2021 Retirement Plan Contribution Limits for 401(k)s, IRAs and More
2021 retirement plan contributions have been released and, while the majority of limits are unchanged, there are a few updates to note. Here’s a summary!
My Portfolio & the S&P 500
Why is my portfolio underperforming the S&P 500? Do I need to make a change? These questions are on the minds of many investors when a primary index like S&P 500 rallies ahead of many others. As one of the most widely recognized benchmarks, it’s common to compare your strategy against it – but should you?
The Economy, the Election, and What’s Next – 10.14.2020 Webinar Replay
Thanks to all who attended this week’s webinar. We were glad to host Carolyn Szaflik, Portfolio Specialist at Morningstar Investment Management, for a discussion on the market so far this year, possible impacts of the upcoming election, and the opportunities in today’s market.
6 Things that Affect the Value of Your Business – Guest Blog
If you are like most business owners, the bulk of your wealth is the value of your business, and at some point you want retire and harvest the value you have built. The majority of small to medium sized business owners only sell once, so the odds say this will be your first time selling a business. So what should you pay attention to? Here are six things with the biggest impact on the value and salability of your business.
Taxes & Highly Appreciated Assets – An Introduction
You might be an early employee at Microsoft, a successful real estate investor, or the owner of a small business that has taken off. In each case, you own something worth a lot more than when you first acquired it. Now you’re staring down a large capital gain tax bill if you sell. Are you just stuck or is there anything you can do? We have a few ideas!
Taxes & Highly Appreciated Stock
You might be an early Microsoft employee, tech company executive, or have been gifted shares of stock as a kid. You’d like to diversify, but the resulting tax bill seems almost as big as the portfolio itself! In Taxes & Highly Appreciated Stock, we’ll look at a case study and strategies to consider if you find yourself in this situation.
Taxes & Highly Appreciated Real Estate
You own a few rentals, maybe an apartment building or two, and you’re looking at simplifying your life by selling them and retiring, but the tax bill is daunting. In this Real Estate Edition of our Strategic Guide to Highly Appreciated Assets, we’ll look at a case study and strategies you might consider if you find yourself in this situation.
Taxes & Highly Appreciated Business Ownership
What started as a dream in your garage is now a thriving business! You’ve worked hard and now see a sale in your future…and a sizable tax bill. In this Business Owners Edition of our Strategic Guide to Highly Appreciated Assets, we’ll look at a case study and strategies to consider if you find yourself in this situation.
When Should I Take Social Security?
When should I start Social Security? Should I take it now or wait until I’m 70? We hear this question in almost every retirement planning meeting. The right choice depends on your specific needs, but this guide will help you weigh your options and pick the best one for you!
Big Giving in Uncertain Times
We all fear uncertainty, but in volatile times, many Big Givers are particularly nervous. When primarily using wealth to support causes you care about, it’s natural to wonder “Are we going to be ok?” “What if we need those funds?” “Can we continue with these large gifts?” First, we should first acknowledge that these concerns are normal. Then, we can ask two key questions back.
Are We a Fit? The Alterra Fit Interview
A first meeting – or “first date” – with a professional like a financial advisor can be uncomfortable. Believe it or not, it can feel just as uncomfortable for the professional. But it doesn’t have to be! Our Alterra Fit Interview creates an open, comfortable, productive first discussion and enables us to discover together if we’re a good fit and your best next steps – whether with or without us!
5 Mistakes People Make in a Recession and How to Avoid Them
There’s no getting around it – recessions are stressful. The 2020 COVID-19 pandemic is just the most recent reminder. Recessions bring volatility, uncertainty, anxiety and the urge to act – do something, anything, to make sure I’m safe. This is often where people make mistakes. Here are a few common ones we see and how to avoid them so you’re ready the next time around.
Should I Leave Washington State to Avoid the Estate Tax?
How much of our nest egg will be lost to estate taxes when we pass? Is there anything we can do? Would moving to another state help? Washingtonians face an additional burden because Washington adds a 10-20% state estate tax on top of federal estate taxes. So, is moving to another state the only solution? Before you put up that for sale sign, here are a few other options to consider.
What’s Next for the Market, Economy & My Portfolio? 7-15-20 webinar replay
Thanks to all who attended our webinar on 7/15! We were glad to host Paul Single, a Senior Portfolio Manager at City National Rochdale, to discuss the coronavirus impacts on the market and economy and Q&A from many of you. For anyone who wasn’t able to participate, we’ve made this replay available. We hope you find it helpful!
Free E-Book
Download the free E-Book on 5 Strategies to Reduce Your Estate Taxes in Washington State.