On August 24th, 2022, President Biden announced a student loan forgiveness program, providing relief for current balances on Federal Pell Grants and other student debt. In the following article, we will cover the details of the program, who is eligible, and the economic impacts.
Read MorePlanning for retirement is a crucial aspect of financial well-being, ensuring that you can enjoy your golden years with peace of mind. As we navigate the complexities of life, it is imperative to take proactive steps to ensure our retirement plan remains on track. By carefully outlining a retirement roadmap, taking inventory and tracking expenses, we can begin to pave the way for a comfortable and satisfying retirement. Below, we will explore 3 key foundational considerations to help you ensure your retirement plan is on track and stays on track despite life’s many ups and downs.
Read MoreSpring is fooling us. In typical Seattle fashion, the sun is out one day, and it's raining the next. And this is a good analogy for what's going on in the market as we look back on the first quarter of 2023.
Read MoreThe tax planning landscape is ever-changing, and this year is no exception to the rule. Not only is it likely we have some changes ahead of us from the Federal level after the Democrats took a majority in the Senate, but here in Washington State, we may be facing significant changes on the horizon as well.
Read MoreAs you start thinking about retiring, you are likely soaking up as much knowledge as you possibly can in preparation. Regardless of how much preparation has gone into your retirement planning, this next chapter is a big transition. During this time, it is very understandable to feel scared or concerned you may be missing something. To alleviate these concerns and manage potential pitfalls, the key is to avoid 5 of the most common retirement mistakes that we see.
Read MoreIn the financial services industry, many confusing terms and jargon make it hard to know who you are hiring and what service they will provide. Recently, we covered why we recommend paying a fee whenever you work with a financial advisor. But what is a financial advisor, planner, or wealth manager, and how do you know you are hiring the right one for your unique situation? Here are questions to ask a Financial Advisor before you hire them.
Read MoreHere we are after a very tough market in 2022, kicking off a new year and heading into a fresh start for 2023. The reality is that we do still have some challenges ahead in the markets. In this 2023 Market Outlook, learn what those challenge are as well as what we see as far as opportunities in the year ahead.
Read MoreYou should want to pay fees to your advisor. Why? Because as the old adage goes, there’s no such thing as a free lunch. Choosing a fiduciary, fee-only financial advisor who provides objective advice will help you realize your financial goals.
Read MoreIt’s official – the SECURE Act 2.0 passed on December 23, 2022 and many impacts will be felt right away in 2023 as the new legislation takes effect. Below, you’ll find some at-a-glance highlights of the new SECURE Act 2.0 and what this may mean for your financial and retirement planning ahead in 2023.
Read MoreLike the last couple of years, 2022 was another one full of ups and downs. I think many of us are looking forward to what the new year will bring! As 2022 comes to a close, it’s a great time to reassess our financial situation and planning considerations as we look into 2023. Each calendar year, the IRS adjusts contribution limits for retirement plans to account for inflation. As we look ahead, we again have some changes for 2023 retirement plan contributions.
Read MoreCharitable giving has gained a lot of steam in recent years as we look for ways to give back and find a few tax breaks along the way. When it comes to charitable giving, many make simple cash contributions. Still, there may be more strategic ways to give to your favorite causes, create a more significant impact, and reduce your tax liability even further.
Read MoreWe have all felt the impacts of inflation in 2022. However, there is a glimmer of hope for aggressive retirement savers. Because 401(k) contribution limits are tied to the CPI (consumer price index), which has increased significantly in 2022, savers may reap the benefits.
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