Blog

Wednesday, April 1, 2026

For seasoned business executives, the allure of company stock can be undeniable. After years of dedication and hard work, owning a significant portion of one's company can seem like a well-deserved reward. However, over-concentration...

Wednesday, April 1, 2026

Addressing wealth management comprehensively in today's market environment is essential for individuals and business entities. Given the dynamic nature of global markets and the ever-changing economic landscape, navigating investment...

Wednesday, February 11, 2026

Do you believe you have to be a financial genius to manage your finances? Financial knowledge may seem like a lot to handle, and you don’t need us to tell you that. But we are here to tell you that financial wellness is much more about...

Tuesday, February 10, 2026

In today's unpredictable world, having an emergency fund is not just a financial recommendation – it's a necessity. The reality of unexpected expenses, whether they come from a medical emergency, sudden unemployment, or urgent home...

Wednesday, June 11, 2025

Happy Belated Independence Day to you and hope it was relaxing.  Stocks finished June up about 5%, as evidenced in the S&P 500.1  Interest rates, as evidenced in the U.S. 10-year Treasury dropped slightly by 10 basis points...

Show All

Thursday, April 10, 2025

Welcome to our April 2025 Market Update! Welcome to this month’s update…and while we normally talk about the prior month, I’d be remiss if we didn’t address the early April market action as well. In March, stocks dropped 5-3/4% on...

Wednesday, March 12, 2025

Welcome to our March 2025 Market Update!   Before getting into the markets, I apologize for not getting an update out in February…I believe that’s the first month we’ve ever missed! So now, on to this month’s update…have you heard...

Thursday, January 9, 2025

Happy New Year and Welcome to our January 2025 Market Update! What a Year! The S&P 500 gained 25% in 2024, and while it paused here and there, I feel there were not any significant corrections to speak of.1 Within large cap U.S....

Wednesday, December 11, 2024

Welcome to our December 2024 Market Update! Happy Holidays! I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again…this is my favorite time of the year and hopefully yours as well! The markets have been quite giving in 2024, and November was no...

Thursday, November 7, 2024

Welcome to our November 2024 Market Update! In all honesty, this has got to be one of the biggest financial weeks for the markets in my career. The obvious events are the national elections here in the U.S., and also the Federal...

Wednesday, October 9, 2024

Welcome to our October 2024 Market Update! Thanks for tuning in and before I get into the markets, I wanted to offer a big Thank You to receiving so much interest in the financial planning conference I attended. The S&P 500 added on...

Friday, September 13, 2024

For nearly everybody who enters the workforce, retirement is something they work toward, think about, and plan for. However, there are different strategies when it comes to retiring. For some, the thought of being able to retire early...

Thursday, September 5, 2024

September 2024 Market Update from Financial Advisor in Tacoma, WA. In Aug, stocks began with declines that I feel lead economists and headlines to share that we may be entering a worse economy than previously thought. Following that...

Friday, August 16, 2024

As we go through various stages of life, our insurance needs may vary significantly. Here’s a breakdown of the different stages: Early Adulthood (20s and 30s) Considerations: Affordability. Life insurance will be less expensive if an...

Friday, August 16, 2024

In the mountains of Ethiopia, around the year 850 CE, a goatherder named Kaldi went out in search of missing goats. When he located them, he observed them eating small red berries. He also noted the goats became energetic and would...

Friday, August 16, 2024

As one embarks on their journey toward a high-net-worth status, it's crucial to understand that strategic planning and intelligent decision-making are essential for wealth generation and preservation. One of the most powerful tools at...

Friday, August 16, 2024

A 529 is a tax-advantaged savings plan that gives you incentives to save money to pay for college or other higher education expenses. Pursuing your savings goal may mean the difference between a dorm with central air conditioning or...

Thursday, August 8, 2024

Welcome to our August 2024 Market Update! Well, it looks like volatility has returned with a vengeance so let’s get right into this month’s commentary. The S&P 500 rose just over 1% in July to extend its string of gains, 1but that’s...

Friday, July 26, 2024

Over the next few decades, one of the most significant wealth transfers in history is that baby boomers will pass down an estimated $30 trillion in assets to their heirs.

Friday, July 26, 2024

Many parents want to provide their children with the best possible help and care, even when they transition into college. However, as the children come of age, there is much more to consider than tuition fees and dorm essentials.

Friday, July 26, 2024

Growth investing and value investing are similar yet different financial concepts that motivate investors depending on several factors. These motivations vary from person-to-person.

Friday, July 26, 2024

If you're someone who tends to avoid cable news programs, you may wonder about the best way to stay up-to-date on the current economic climate.

Monday, July 22, 2024

Welcome to our July 2024 Market Update! Hopefully this update finds you beating the heat of summer! On that note, the markets have not cooled off as U.S. stocks rose about 3-1/2% in June.1 Most of the time we usually keep the analysis...

Wednesday, June 26, 2024

The "Sandwich Generation" is composed of adults who are ‘sandwiched’ between competing financial responsibilities. Many Sandwich Gen members support their aging parents while also providing for their children.

Wednesday, June 26, 2024

Wealth and estate planning are vital for all individuals but are particularly essential for high-net-worth (HNW) individuals in the sandwich generation. "Sandwich generation" refers to individuals caring for their parents and children.

Wednesday, June 26, 2024

“A penny saved is a penny earned.” This nugget of financial wisdom from Benjamin Franklin, shared in the late 1700s, remains as relevant today as it was then.

Wednesday, June 12, 2024

Welcome to our June 2024 Market Update! First and foremost, please let me thank all who attended and support a great Market Outlook Luncheon in May! We had two great speakers who touched upon topics such as the direction of interest...

Thursday, May 30, 2024

You probably already know that insurance is something you should have in case of unforeseen events. When it comes to estate planning, insurance helps manage the distribution of your assets the way you see fit.

Thursday, May 30, 2024

Strategies for Navigating Market Volatility with Confidence. In the unpredictable world of investing, the “fear curve” is an all-too-familiar emotional roller coaster that leads many investors to make decisions that ultimately harm them.

Thursday, May 30, 2024

There is one thing that we will most likely all do one day: regardless of your status in society, position at work, or whether you are tall or short, you may pass down assets to loved ones.

Thursday, May 30, 2024

Annuities are investment strategies offered by insurance companies that provide a steady income stream in retirement. These financial vehicles may particularly appeal to high-net-worth (HNW) investors for various reasons.

Monday, May 6, 2024

Welcome to our May 2024 Market Update! This month is brief as we have our Annual Market Outlook Luncheon on May 8th to dive into details a lot deeper than I can do in 2-3 minutes in these videos. In April, stocks saw exactly the...

Monday, April 29, 2024

Remember, it is never too early to start planning for your future. The time to begin planning for your financial future is now. So, when it comes to preparing for retirement, the earlier you start, the better. Here are some steps to help.

Monday, April 29, 2024

As an affluent family, planning for your children's education is likely a top priority. You want to ensure that they have access to the best education possible without worrying about the high cost of tuition.

Monday, April 29, 2024

Over the past few years, the market has appeared to be on a rollercoaster, providing investors with moments of excitement followed by heart-palpitating anxiety. Staying ahead during uncertain market activity seems impossible.

Monday, April 29, 2024

There are several ways high-net-worth individuals can benefit from life insurance. It is a vehicle that could provide loved ones with an income stream, it can be used as an investment strategy, it may help to lower your estate tax burden.

Wednesday, April 10, 2024

Welcome to our April 2024 Market Update! How are you feeling about your finances and investments now that we’ve just wrapped up the first quarter of 2024? I’m thinking that the quarter went by very quickly! For the month of March alone...

Tuesday, April 9, 2024

Determining how your income impacts Social Security (SS) taxes is important for tax planning. Factors that determine how much pay SS tax you pay, depending on your circumstances.

Friday, March 1, 2024

Financial education, planning, lifestyle adjustments and advice are crucial As Generation X, often referred to as the "forgotten generation," inches closer to retirement, a unique set of challenges and concerns emerges. Born between...

Friday, March 1, 2024

Do you consider yourself a high-net-worth individual (HNWI)? Most people tend not to categorize themselves or see themselves as anything more than a spouse, parent, sibling, neighbor, boss, or business owner. However, society does...

Thursday, February 1, 2024

In times of market volatility, when inflation is increasing, the Federal Reserve will raise interest rates to help to cool the inflation spike. During this period, people are anxious and keep a tight grip on their wallets. In time, the...

Friday, January 12, 2024

Happy New Year and Welcome to our first Market Update of 2024! How were your holidays? Hopefully an exuberant stock market and nicely higher rates on savings added to the holiday splendor! U.S. stocks enjoyed a great year, rising...

Friday, December 29, 2023

Planning for retirement often involves focusing on your finances and ensuring that you not only will have enough to sustain you during your retirement but adequate funds to do the things you enjoy doing. While this strategy is a...

Friday, December 29, 2023

A call to action for Generation X to improve their retirement readiness For many members of Generation X, those born between 1965 and 1980, a comfortable retirement may feel like an increasingly distant dream. Despite being in their...

Tuesday, December 12, 2023

As age 73 nears, it is critical that you begin considering how you want to handle the required minimum distributions (RMDs) you are obligated to withdraw from your tax-advantaged retirement accounts.

Wednesday, December 6, 2023

Happy Holidays!  Welcome to our December 2023 Market Update.  Wow, how fast has this year gone?! When one thinks of all the headlines surrounding rising rates, war in Ukraine and Gaza not to mention dire economic predictions,...

Thursday, November 30, 2023

Improving return by minimizing taxes. Although we are all obligated to pay our fair share of taxes, few of us would be pleased to pay taxes unnecessarily. Because taxes lower the actual return on your investments.

Wednesday, November 15, 2023

    Welcome to our November 2023 Market Update Video! Do you know which is historically, the worst month for the stock market? Most of us may recall Black Monday in 1987 when the Dow opened down over 22% in a day and think...

Tuesday, November 14, 2023

For many of us, a new year is an opportunity for fresh starts and discovering the best versions of ourselves, but some things—like tax contributions and retirement deadlines—don't change much, if at all.

Wednesday, November 1, 2023

As the year’s end approaches, High-Net-Worth Individuals (HNWIs) must prepare for one of the most critical monetary tasks: year-end tax planning.

Friday, October 20, 2023

Planning for your financial future and retirement looks much different now than in previous years. Some people must supplement their Social Security to have enough to maintain their desired lifestyle.

Tuesday, October 17, 2023

  Welcome to our October 2023 Market Update Video! Don’t Look at your September statement! I’m just kidding… While September didn’t deliver us more positive returns in the stock market, it declined about...

Wednesday, September 13, 2023

  Welcome to our September 2023 Market Update Video! Are there any market-related questions churning through your mind? I only ask because it seems we’ve had a few shifts occur in the last year or so. Interest rates come to...

Tuesday, September 5, 2023

529 plans can be a great way to save for college, but they're not the only way. When you're investing for a major goal like education, it makes sense to be familiar with all of your options.

Tuesday, August 8, 2023

Welcome to our August 2023 Market Update Video! Have you been paying attention to stocks, financial markets…or just enjoying the weather?! It’s been a pretty easy market to take as stocks were up again in July, rising 3.2%...

Tuesday, August 1, 2023

Labor Day is right around the corner. The weather is starting to turn a little cooler, college football returns and the kids are back in school. For me, it’s always been the kids going back to school that really marked the end of summer.

Monday, July 17, 2023

Welcome to our July 2023 Market Update Video!Stocks rose about 6-1/2% in June, kicking off a good start to the summer.1Fixed income yields, as reflected in the 10-year US Treasury began climbing throughout the month, rising about .25%...

Wednesday, July 5, 2023

Those who receive an inheritance with the passing of a loved one are potentially given the gift of financial freedom if they choose to manage the wealth carefully.

Monday, June 12, 2023

Welcome to our June 2023 Market Update Video!How was your start to summer with this great weather we’re having? The market appears to have started its summer break too!  Stocks were virtually flat in May, as the S&P 500...

Thursday, May 25, 2023

529 College Savings plans are essential for saving for higher education expenses, and if used for education, accumulate tax-free. Since 529 plans came into existence in 1996, their popularity has continued to increase, with 529 plan...

Thursday, May 25, 2023

Estate planning helps disperse your assets according to your wishes. The effort may seem daunting at first, but estate planning does not have to be overly complicated. With the proper planning, you may find yourself resting a little...

Thursday, May 25, 2023

Insurance is one of the most crucial components of financial well-being, even though you may not necessarily receive an actual payout from a policy. Many things in life are especially valuable, such as your time, your health, your home...

Thursday, May 25, 2023

A recent survey by Caring.com found that a whopping two in three American adults do not have an estate plan1—an alarming statistic, considering that an estate plan can protect your assets and ensure that they go to the right people...

Saturday, May 6, 2023

It is common for people to put off planning their estates. A well-structured estate plan can be invaluable. Here are some tips that may help you understand the estate planning process.

Thursday, May 4, 2023

Welcome to our May 2023 Market Update Video!Before I begin, please let me offer a HUGE welcome to the newest member of our team: Lori Tipple.  She will be sitting here in Tacoma and comes with a wide array of experience. ...

Tuesday, April 11, 2023

Welcome to our April 2023 Market Update Video!We have a lot to talk about, so let’s get right into it.The stock market rose 3-1/2% in the month of March.1   Does this come as a surprise after what we saw with the...

Monday, April 3, 2023

With April’s federal tax filing and payment deadline on the horizon, are you confident you have everything in order to make your tax filing go as smoothly as possible? Here are five last-minute details to double-check before Tax Day.

Tuesday, March 14, 2023

Welcome to our March 2023 Market Update Video!How are you feeling about the current markets?  Are they on your mind, or have you been too busy enjoying life?  If it’s the latter, then good for you!February saw the...

Tuesday, February 28, 2023

Don't forget to consult our 2022-2023 tax tables chart before you file your taxes. Please reach out if you have any questions.

Thursday, February 9, 2023

 Do you know when is the best time to do one of these videos?  You guessed it, when the market had a good month!SO, Welcome to the February 2023 Market Update. Stocks in the U.S. rose over 6% for January.1  Since we...

Wednesday, January 25, 2023

Regardless of whether you prepare your taxes yourself or use a professional's services, here's some key information you need when preparing this year.

Wednesday, January 25, 2023

If one of your New Year's resolutions involves enhancing and expanding your investment portfolio, look no further. In a true New Year's Eve countdown tradition, ask yourself these 10 questions to help review your investment plans.

Friday, January 20, 2023

Happy New Year!Welcome to our January 2023 Market Update. We have a lot to talk about, following a pretty rough year in the markets and what I feel is a lot to look forward to…so let’s get started.As we’re all...

Thursday, December 15, 2022

Happy Holidays and welcome to our December 2022 Market Update!Do you know what may be one of the best things about this time of year?  We are all focused on things other than the day-to-day whims of our investments!In an effort to...

Wednesday, November 9, 2022

Welcome to our November 2022 Market Update Video…first and foremost:Happy Thanksgiving!So how are you feeling about the markets?!  What a difference a month makes!  October saw stocks rise a whopping 8% as seen in the...

Thursday, October 27, 2022

A CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, or CFP® practitioner, is a financial professional who meets the requirements established by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. While some professionals may...