Insights for Your Journey
Latest News & Articles
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!
Recessions – How Bad Are They & How Long Do They Last?
Turn on the TV or scroll through a news feed in uncertain times and you’re sure to see that nasty “R” word – Recession. “How bad will this be?” “How long will this last?” It’s not uncommon to hear, “This one is different!” or “We’ve never seen this problem before!” So, what does history have to tell us about this topic?
Medicare – The What, When & How when Turning 65
Turning 65? Medicare can be a daunting topic, but this guide should help understand your options and build your plan to successfully enroll!
Breaking the Isolation Cycle with Random Acts of Kindness
Feeling the quarantine blues? This one habit has helped pull me out of my isolation cycle.
Is Your Home an Investment?
“Why are you throwing away money on rent when you could own?” Have you ever heard this? Its core assertion is that renting a home is an expense while owning a home is an investment. For most homeowners, however, this is unlikely to be the case.
Between Two Quarantine Camps
Many of us have lived with the philosophy that “time is money”. Until recently, every unproductive moment was wasted time and, therefore, wasted money. And we constantly fought for the mythical work-life balance.
Why This Isn’t the Next Great Depression
We don’t see this as the next Great Depression. Why? Well, historically, major economic downturns have different causes, but one common thread separates the Great Depression from each subsequent recession and recovery.
The Mega Backdoor Roth – A Hidden 401(k) Benefit
Microsoft led the way in a rarely utilized benefit within their 401(k) plan – the after-tax Roth conversion. And, slowly but surely, other companies are adopting this plan feature. So, how does it work, what other companies offer it and is it worth it?
4-29-2020 webinar
Thanks to all who attended our webinar on 4/29! 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!