Blog Investment & Financial News

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

SECURE Act 2.0 was signed into law at the end of 2022 as a follow up bill to the original SECURE Act that was signed into law in 2019. SECURE 2.0 targets several retirement provisions that go into effect over the next 10 years. We will focus on the changes for this year and continue…

Giving Cash at Christmas

John and Sarah (not their real names) are getting frustrated with Christmas gift-giving. Their kids are doing well and can pretty much buy anything they want. They struggle to come up with something meaningful to give during the holidays. This year, while commiserating at a warm coffee shop, they decide to write checks for their…

2023 Key Financial Changes

Social Security recipients are getting an 8.7% increase for their 2023 benefits The Medicare Part B premium is decreasing from $170.10 to $164.90 per month The annual exclusion for gifts is increasing to $17,000 from $16,000 per year per individual The limitation on deferrals for 401(k), 403(b), and most 457 plans is increased to $22,500…

2022 Year-End Tax Planning

The window for many tax-saving opportunities closes on December 31st. It’s important to evaluate your tax situation, while there’s still time to affect your bottom line for the 2022 tax year. Your specific circumstances should be considered, so please reach out if you have any questions. Charitable Contributions There are a few ways to save…

Client Question of the Month: Why do I still own bonds when their returns have been negative?

Bonds historically have helped stabilize portfolios when markets—particularly stock markets—grow volatile. The US bond market has recorded positive returns, before inflation, in all but four years since 1976. High-quality bonds, in particular, have typically held their value when stocks have endured their worst periods of performance. 2022 has been an outlier – bonds haven’t stabilized…

Medicare Open Enrollment for 2023 Begins October 15th

Medicare beneficiaries can make new choices and pick plans that work best for them during the annual Medicare Open Enrollment Period. Each year, Medicare plan costs and coverage typically change. In addition, your health-care needs may have changed over the past year. The Open Enrollment Period — which begins on October 15th and runs through…

Social Security Benefit Increase of 8.7% for 2023

Starting January 2023, Social Security beneficiaries will receive a 8.7% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). The COLA is the largest since 1981, according to the Social Security Administration data. The adjustment is calculated based on inflation as measured by the Consumer Price Index. The maximum amount of earnings subject to the Social Security tax (taxable maximum) will…

2022 3rd Quarter Investment Commentary

The macroeconomic factors of rising interest rates and stubborn inflation remained chief concerns and weighed down both stocks and bonds. Despite a strong employment picture, economic data continued to moderate, and markets priced in a rising risk of recession in 2023. Stocks ended the quarter at reasonable valuations and bond yields were at their highest…

Company News

Welcome, Liz Stokes!

Employee Spotlight – Jacqueline Cremen

Shreds and Meds Day – October 28th at The Valley Mall

Employee Spotlight: Chelsie Smith

Employee Spotlight: Dirk Bernd

Market Commentary

2024 1st Quarter Investment Commentary

2023 4th Quarter Investment Commentary

2023 3rd Quarter Investment Commentary

2023 2nd Quarter Investment Commentary

Debt Ceiling: Should Investors Worry?

Retirement Planning

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

Medicare Open Enrollment for 2023 Begins October 15th

Social Security Benefit Increase of 8.7% for 2023

Tax Planning

2024 Key Financial Changes

2023 1099 Release Information

2023 Year-End Tax Planning

When do I start my Required Minimum Distribution?

UPDATE: Washington State Long Term Care Payroll Tax

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