Blog Investment & Financial News

2022 2nd Quarter Investment Commentary

 • Stocks and bonds had a difficult start to 2022, falling together through the first half of the year. Rising interest rates amid an inflation spike was the main catalyst. • The economic backdrop remained uncertain with the U.S. economy contracting in the 1st quarter. Data was mixed but recessions risks increased. • Better…

Congratulations, Dirk!

We want to congratulate one of our Advisors, Dirk Bernd, who has been a very involved member of his Rotary Club of Yakima Southwest since 2011! He has officially taken on the role as the current Rotary Club President. He’ll be club president from July 1st 2022 until June 30th 2023. He’s shown here with…

Do I Need to Start Making Federal Estimated Income Tax Payments?

If you ask yourself this question, we have a flow chart to help you determine if you need to start making federal estimated income tax payments. Federal estimated income tax payments need to be made quarterly based on that quarter’s earnings. You may be subject to a tax penalty if you don’t pay quarterly. You…

Does Having More Money Equate to More Happiness?

The relationship between happiness and money is complicated. Just consider this sampling of the myriad studies that explore the link between the dollars we earn and the happiness we feel. A study from the 1970s by Philip Brickman, Dan Coates and Ronnie Janoff-Bulman for the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology even found that lottery…

What is the SilverSneakers Program?

Are you looking for a senior fitness program? If you have a Medicare Advantage or Medigap plan, your health insurance may include a free fitness membership for adults 65+ called SilverSneakers. A SilverSneakers membership includes access to roughly 15,000 recreation centers, churches, senior communities, and other neighborhood locations across the nation. You’ll get access to…

Market Update: May 2022

As we move into spring and leave behind the last signs of a long winter, many worries from a chilly start to the year for markets, unfortunately, are still with us. The S&P 500 Index had its worst April in more than 40 years, and the decline has continued in May leaving the index down…

Series I Savings Bonds Currently Earning 9.62%

Series I Savings Bonds (also called I-bonds) are currently earning 9.62%. The rate is determined in part by inflation, and changes every six months. The interest is tax-deferred until redeemed. If you have extra cash on the sidelines over your “rainy-day fund”, consider purchasing I-bonds to help your money keep up with inflation. These bonds…

Important Change Regarding your E-Delivery Preferences

Beginning with your July 2022 statements, TD Ameritrade Institutional will require clients to establish a user ID and password on the web or via mobile on AdvisorClient® and log in to maintain your enrollment in electronic delivery of statements, confirms, and any other communications. What this means for you There will be no impact if…

Company News

Shreds & Meds Day – April 26th

Welcome, Ellie!

Welcome, Cullen!

Welcome, Quentin Rickey!

New Statements – Launching 1st Quarter of 2025

Market Commentary

2025 1st Quarter Investment Commentary

Market Update: March 2025

2024 4th Quarter Investment Commentary

2024 3rd Quarter Investment Commentary

Presidential Elections and the Market

Retirement Planning

2024 IRA & HSA Contribution Deadline

Social Security Benefits Increase by 2.5% for 2025

2024 Key Financial Changes

Social Security Benefit Increase of 3.2% for 2024

The 4 Changes from SECURE Act 2.0 You Should Know for 2023

Tax Planning

2024 IRA & HSA Contribution Deadline

Summary of 2025 Key Financial Changes

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) and Potential 2026 Tax Changes

Schwab 1099 Release Dates for 2024

2024 Year-End Tax Planning

Cyber Security

Red Flags When Transferring Money

Cybersecurity 101 – 2022 Update

Cybersecurity 101

New Changes to Web-Portal Password Requirements

Equifax Data Breach Update: Make a claim today