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Investment Creep – Is Your 401(k) Diversified?
Investment Creep – Is Your 401(k) Truly Diversified?The past 15 years have been exceptionally strong for investors in U.S. markets. Since the bottom of the Great Financial Crisis in March 2009, the S&P 500 has dramatically outperformed...
Read More2025 and 2026 Retirement Contribution Limits
2025 Retirement Contribution Limit
Read MoreOregon’s Kicker Is Back — Here’s What It Means for You
Good news for Oregon taxpayers: the Oregon “kicker” is officially returning, and this time it’s a big one. The state has certified a $1.41 billion revenue surplus, which means eligible filers will receive a refundable tax credit on...
Read MoreWhen Will I Get my 1099(s)? And Other 2025 Tax Season Questions
When will I receive my 1099 Consolidated Reporting Statement?LPL will begin mailing 1099 Consolidated Reporting Statements on January 23, 2026. During the 2025 tax season, 1099 Consolidated Statements will be mailed in several phases...
Read MoreInheriting an IRA: Why the New Rules Matter
If you’re expecting to inherit an IRA someday—or if you have one you’ll eventually pass to loved ones—the rules have changed in ways that can have a big financial impact. The SECURE Act (and its follow-up, SECURE Act 2.0) made a major...
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What You Need to Know: Key Tax Law Changes Under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (2025)
Earlier this year, Congress passed and President Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025 (often called OBBBA). This sweeping legislation reshapes the U.S. tax code, locking in some changes permanently while introducing new...
Read MoreQCDs vs. Charitable Gift Funds
some text Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) Charitable Gift Fund (Donor Advised Fund) Eligibility / Setup Direct gifts from Traditional IRA to 501(c)(3); must be 70½+; limit $108k/year per person Established with investment...
Read MoreSmart Money Strategies for Traveling Abroad
When traveling to well-developed destinations—think Portugal, France, Japan, or Australia—you’ll find that technology and infrastructure make paying for goods and services remarkably easy. In many cases, you can enjoy your entire trip...
Read MoreGold is Moving. Why?
In an increasingly unstable global financial environment, gold is regaining ground as the ultimate hedge. Historically driven by jewelry demand, bar and coin purchases, central bank acquisitions, ETFs, technology, and OTC investment,...
Read MoreSocial Security Insolvency
Should You Be Worried?Many people are growing concerned about Social Security’s future—wondering whether benefits will be reduced or even taken away. Let’s break down the facts and explain why the Social Security Trust Fund is on a...
Read MoreNew "Super" Catch-Up Contributions Available in 2025
Starting in 2025, some retirement savers will be able to put even more money away for the future, thanks to an update from the SECURE Act 2.0. If you're between the ages of 60 and 63, there's good news: you'll be eligible for a new,...
Read MoreCase Studies for Navigating Oregon’s Estate Tax Threshold
Planning for the future isn’t just about ensuring financial security—it’s also about making smart decisions to protect your legacy. In Oregon, estates over $1 million are subject to estate taxes, which can significantly impact what...
Read MoreSmart Strategies for Navigating Oregon's Estate Tax Threshold
In Oregon, estates valued at over $1 million are subject to state estate taxes, so it's wise to plan ahead to reduce your taxable estate. Here are key strategies to bring your estate below the threshold. 1. Gifting During Your Lifetime...
Read MoreFinding Your Documents in Account View
Before client meetings, we provide Portfolio Appraisals. Portfolio Appraisals can be found in Account View one day before your scheduled meeting. DESKTOP: Log in to Account View with your username and password. You may be required to...
Read MoreThe Debt Debacle
The United States national debt recently surpassed $36 trillion, marking the highest level in history and showing no signs of slowing. Alarmingly, the time it takes for the U.S. to accumulate each additional trillion dollars is...
Read MoreTeaching Kids About Money
As parents, we dream of seeing our kids grow into confident, capable adults. One of the greatest gifts we can give them is the knowledge and skills to handle money wisely. Yet, teaching financial literacy can feel daunting. Where do...
Read MoreFinancial Foundations for a Happy Marriage
Getting married is one of life’s most exciting milestones, however, it can mark a significant shift in your finances. Whether you’ve been managing your own finances for years or just starting out, merging your financial life with your...
Read MoreSafeguarding Your Credit
In 2024, data breaches like the record-breaking National Public Data breach affecting 2.7 billion individuals, the Ticketmaster breach exposing 560 million people, and the AT&T cyberattack impacting 73 million customers serve as stark...
Read MoreHow to Invest Cash Savings – Rethinking the 6 Month Rainy Day Fund
Growing up, we're often told to save for a "rainy day fund" to cover emergencies or unexpected job loss. While having an emergency fund is essential, we believe it's worth rethinking how to manage and where to keep those funds....
Read MoreLegacy 529 Accounts: Funding Education for Multiple Generations
Benjamin Franklin once said “If a man empties his purse into his head, no man can take it away from him. An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest.” Education is a value many families hope to pass down through...
Read MoreGifts of Today or Inheritance Tomorrow
When deciding how to pass on your wealth, a key consideration is whether to gift money during your lifetime or leave an inheritance. First things first, you need to ensure that you and your spouse (if you are married) have enough to...
Read MoreLPL Paperless Settings
LPL offers options for individual investors and households to go green. For individuals, going paperless is straightforward. Households with multiple moving pieces may need to follow a few extra steps to become fully paperless. Whether...
Read MoreSocial Security – When Should I Take It
Clients often wonder when they should start their Social Security Retirement Benefits. With friends, family, and media offering different opinions, the decision can feel overwhelming. The truth is, "it depends." There's no one right...
Read MoreFinding Clarity Amid Loss: Home Appraisals & the Journey Forward
During the difficult period of mourning the loss of a spouse, handling financial matters becomes crucial. It's understandable, and often wise, to defer major decisions while grieving. However, certain critical tasks, such as home...
Read MoreStrategic Giving: The Power of Charitable Gift Funds
Charitable Gift Funds, also known as donor-advised funds (DAFs), can be a strategic philanthropic tool, blending the desire to give back with financial planning. They offer a dual advantage, appealing to donors who seek both impactful...
Read MoreTraditional IRA & Roth IRAs: Navigating Their Similarities & Differences
Are you starting to invest and considering a Traditional IRA or Roth IRA? First of all, congratulations on saving for retirement! Your future self will thank you for it. Although there are similarities between the two types of IRAs,...
Read MoreGovernment Data and Inflation Measures
What is the CPI One of the most important and most used government measures of inflation is the Consumer Price Index (CPI). The Consumer Price Index (CPI) serves as a crucial government measure of inflation, offering insight into the...
Read MoreEthical Wills: Passing Wisdom Beyond Wealth
Crafting Your Ethical Will for a Lasting Legacy Most people include a will or trust, power of attorney and medical directives in in their estate plan. These documents ensure your assets are managed properly and your health care...
Read MoreA New Option for Unused College Saving Plans
A New Option for Unused College Saving Plans College tuition is expensive. College savings plans (also known as 529 plans) offer tax advantages to help families save for tuition and ease the financial burden. 529 savers are preparing...
Read MoreFactors Impacting the Value of Gold
Gold, revered for its diverse range of practical uses, including its function as a form of currency, has maintained its pivotal role in the world of investments since the dawn of civilization. The price of gold is influenced by a...
Read MoreTaking the Mystery Out of Your RMD Age
Our clients with a Traditional IRA, 401(k), 457 or 403(b) commonly ask us “when am I required to take money out of my account?” Their question refers to a Required Minimum Distribution or RMD. Why is there a Required...
Read MoreNew FAFSA Rules Benefit Grandparent 529 Plans
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) rules are changing. One of the updates will significantly benefit grandparent owned 529 plans. Currently if a grandparent or others outside the immediate family help with college...
Read MoreInflation, Part 2
What is Inflation? Inflation is the rising cost for goods and services. It measures the spending power of currency and often appears as a percentage. Rising costs hurt those confined to a fixed income since they have few options to...
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LPL Midyear Outlook 2021: Picking Up Speed
LPL released Midyear Outlook 2021: Picking Up Speed. Take a look at LPL Research's thoughts on the economy for the last half of 2021. In the first half of 2021, the U.S. economy powered forward faster than nearly anyone had expected....
Read MorePreventing Mortgage Wire Fraud
Recently we have seen stories in the news about a rise in mortgage wire fraud. Together with LPL, we have developed procedures to protect our clients from these types of schemeswhen we send 3rd party wires on your behalf to your...
Read MoreTop Five Reasons Seasons is Excited to Return to the Office
Seeing our clients of course! In person team meetings Office coffee & snacks Ken’s daily jokes Easy Costco trips (super bonus!)
Read MoreAccount View 2.0 - Mobile Account Access
LPL released a new version of Account View--Account View 2.0! What is Account View 2.0? Account View 2.0 is LPL's newest client portal. It can be used on your mobile devices in addition to your desktop. With the launch, LPL released a...
Read MoreOregon Promise Grant – A Promising Resource for Oregon High School Seniors
It’s that time of year when high school seniors are determining their next steps after graduation: go straight into the workforce focus on learning a trade pursue a two or four year degree at a college or university For Oregon...
Read MoreKeeping Up with the Changing 529 College Savings Plan
The Oregon 529 college savings plan underwent significant changes at the start of 2020, based on 2019 state legislation. These changes include a switch from a tax rebate with a set maximum rebate per joint or single filer to a tax...
Read MorePaying off Your Mortgage
Many clients ask me the question of whether they should pay off their mortgage or keep on making their monthly payments? There are at least two ways to answer the question. One way to answer the question is economically. The second way...
Read MoreThe Business Cycle
The markets today may seem to be illogical. On the short term, it’s a fair evaluation. However, there is a logical rhythm from an economic cycle perspective. The markets are like the tide, they rise and fall in a systematic...
Read MoreBasic Computer Hygiene Tips at Home
Keep Your Software Up to Date 1 Companies regularly release new software. They fix weaknesses in their systems so they are better protected. Most software can be enabled to update automatically. Both Windows and Mac provide resources...
Read MoreTaxes in the time of COVID
2020 was a year that changed many things in our lives and it affects how we prepare our taxes. A few legislative bills were passed to promote charitable giving and provide financial relief stemming from the coronavirus. As you prepare...
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LPL Market Outlook 2021
LPL Research shares their insights in Outlook 2021: Powering Forward. They discuss the potential economic impacts of Covid-19 and policy on the economy and markets. OVERVIEW MORE THAN MOST YEARS, it’s hard to look ahead to the...
Read More2021 Tax Season: 1099s
When will I receive my 1099 Consolidated Reporting Statement? LPL will begin mailing 1099 Consolidated Reporting Statements on January 29, 2021. During the 2021 tax season, 1099 Consolidated Statements will be mailed in four phases in...
Read MoreMarket Categories and Values
There four major investment categories: stocks, bonds, alternatives and real estate. The simple answer for why they go up or down is more people are either buying or selling the category. If someone thinks a category is going to be...
Read MoreCharitable Giving in 2020
Americans have always been a generous people and many are looking for additional ways to give during these challenging times. According to the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) World Giving Index 10th edition, the United States has rated...
Read MoreThe Mystery of Percentages and Investing
One may think if you make 10%, then lose 10%, you’re even. However, when you do the math, you discover the mystery of percentages. For example: $100 X +10% = $110 Up Market$110 X -10% = $99 Down Market We can see how down market...
Read MoreInflation can be caused by either supply or demand
Inflation is a term used for something getting bigger. Thanksgiving is a time for humans to expand with the consumption of a big meal. Hot air balloons inflate when warm air is added. The cost of goods and services also increase, but...
Read MoreCapital debt & consumer debt: Not all debt is the same
Adjectives can really make a difference! A flower can be described as “pretty”, which brings different pictures to mind depending on where you live. People in the Midwest might think of sunflowers. Oregonians might think of...
Read MoreDebt: Future cash flows brought to the present!
Debt is the ability to bring future earnings to the present to be used for consumption or investment. For the privilege of doing this magical wonder the borrower is charged an interest rate for using the money. Debt can make the...
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Travels: Neahkahnie Mountain
Neahkahnie Mountain offers incredible views of Nehalem Bay and the Pacific Ocean overlooking Manzanita Beach. Located in the Oswald West State Park, it’s a perfect pit stop along the coastal highway to get your hike on! Being...
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Travels: Retreat to Rockaway
On a recent trip back to Rockaway Beach, I happily remembered family vacations spent there in my youth. My dad would plan our departure date, dependent on when the lowest tides promised prime clam digging at the beds in nearby...
Read MoreLife Hacks: Oregon Driver’s License Renewals during COVID
In typical times, trips to the DMV are not exactly high on my list of fun things to do with my time. However, in these strange times, you will find that not only is a trip to the DMV not fun, it’s impossible without an...
Read MoreBallpark Estimates: The Rules of 72 and 115
There is an expression in finance called “the ballpark number.” It means close but not exact. The rules of 72 and 115 are similar in that they give you a close answer but not exact. They are useful numbers for basic...
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