2025 IRS Retirement Plan Limits

As in years past, 2024 was another one full of ups and downs, and I know many of us are looking forward to what the new year has in store. As 2024 comes to a close, it is a great time to reassess our financial situation and planning considerations. Each calendar year, the IRS adjusts contribution limits for retirement plans to account for inflation. Again, 2025 is no different as the IRS has recently announced the new retirement plan contributions for the year ahead.

Read More
Brandon Steele
3 Key Budgeting Tips for the Holiday Season

After Halloween, the holiday season vibes are in full force. It’s a great time of year to enjoy with friends, family, and co-workers and although this is a time we associate with great memories, it can also have a large impact on our wallets. Here are 3 key holiday budgeting strategies to implement now in 2024.

Read More
Brandon Steele
2024 Q4 Market Outlook

We're certainly getting closer to year-end, and many have had questions about the election and what to prepare for through the end of 2024. In this market outlook, we will be covering Mainsail’s perspective on the election impacts and what to watch ahead of year-end.  

Read More
Brandon Steele
2024 Q3 Market Outlook

As we follow along with the dramatic events related to the upcoming presidential election so far, I am sure many are interested in our perspective around the financial and economic impacts of the election. That said, it is also important to focus on the fundamentals and the areas that are truly driving the stock market at the moment. Based on this, our market outlook will cover what has occurred so far in 2024, our perspective on what to watch ahead, and our forecast for the second half of 2024.

Read More
Brandon Steele
How to Handle a Stock Market Downturn in 2024

As we find ourselves with a potential stock market downturn on the horizon in 2024, it is important as a financial advisor to help break apart the narrative and provide financial perspective. While the markets are extremely important to pay attention to for your retirement planning, long term strategies should be in place to keep you on track for the long haul.

Read More
Brandon Steele
When You Should You Consider a Roth IRA Conversion

Lately many have become aware of the benefits around Roth IRAs, especially as it relates to tax-free growth and distributions. Rather than getting a small tax break today on pre-tax assets in exchange for a much larger tax bill as the account grows, many wonder how they can take advantage of Roth IRAs in retirement, in order to make the most of their nest egg.  By strategically shifting away from only traditional, pre-tax assets and instead making Roth IRA conversions, you may be able to maximize your long-term savings and minimize tax burdens in retirement.

Read More
Brandon Steele
2024 Q2 Market Outlook

Already, we find ourselves in the second quarter of 2024, and with the sun out, it is looking to be a great spring here in the Pacific Northwest! As we look ahead, now is a great time to assess what has happened so far and what may be ahead in 2024. Below, I will briefly touch on our expectations, provide a recap of 2024 thus far, and share strategies to manage risk and provide opportunities for your portfolio.

Read More
Brandon Steele
4 Key Impacts of the Tax Cuts and Job Acts Sunsetting in 2025

Let’s go back in time to 2017. Do you recall the tax landscape at that time, and do you remember the new tax bill that was introduced? That bill became the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which was passed in 2017 and went into effect in the 2018 tax year. For many, this new bill created significant tax savings and, as it stands right now, these tax cuts are set to sunset after 2025.

Read More
Brandon Steele
2024 Market Outlook

I'm excited to kick off the new year with a recap of what we saw in the market last year, of course, look ahead into what may be coming in 2024. Additionally, I will be briefly touching on some of the strategies that may help manage risk and provide opportunities for your investments.

Read More
Brandon Steele
2024 IRS Retirement Plan Limits

As in years past, 2023 was another one full of ups and downs, and I know many of us are looking forward to what the new year has in store. As 2023 comes to a close, it’s a great time to reassess our financial situation and planning considerations as we look into the year ahead. Each calendar year, the IRS adjusts contribution limits for retirement plans to account for inflation. Again, 2024 is no different as the IRS has recently announced the new retirement plan contributions for the year ahead.

Read More
Brandon Steele
2023 Q4 Market Outlook

Somehow, we are already moving into the 4th quarter of 2023. We are looking ahead at the rapidly approaching holidays and gearing up for 2024. But before we get ahead of ourselves, a looming question remains in the markets: Is this bear market going into hibernation?

Read More
Brandon Steele
How to use a Health Savings Account (HSA) in Retirement

Does your company offer a Health Savings Account (HSA)? If you have a high deductible health care plan through your employer, it is likely you have an HSA available to you. If so, understanding how to make the most of a Health Savings Account can provide huge tax benefits, if utilized strategically. Below, discover what a Health Savings Account is, the tax benefits you may receive, and how to use those benefits once you reach retirement.

Read More
Brandon Steele