The World We Live In
The constant stream of headlines today can make anyone feel uneasy. With so much happening in the world—politics, conflicts, tariffs, pandemics, and social issues—it’s natural to wonder whether “this time is different.” History shows that markets often react sharply to short‑term events, but patient investors who stay focused on long‑term plans have consistently been rewarded. […]
What Early Retirees Need to Know About Taxes – And Why it Matters
When it comes to retirement planning, most people focus on how much they save—but where those savings are held can be just as important. Tax diversification, or spreading retirement savings across taxable, tax‑deferred, and Roth accounts, can provide meaningful flexibility and help reduce lifetime taxes. Unlike investment diversification, which focuses on managing market risk, tax […]
Q4 Market Commentary: Long-Term Thinking
What We’re Seeing “The more things change, the more they stay the same.” – Jean-Baptiste Alphonse Karr The fourth quarter offered a reprieve from what had been an extraordinary year of volatility. After April’s tariff shock sent markets tumbling and October’s government shutdown—the longest in American history at 43 days—delayed critical economic data, the economy […]
Celebrating Marta Shen’s Remarkable Career
“They say that we don’t remember the days, but we remember the moments. I’m grateful for the many special moments you allowed me to share with you. Together, we’ve explored what it truly means to be wealthy —and we’ve learned that it goes far beyond money. Wealth in time, relationships, health, and purpose matter just […]
Q3 Market Commentary: Attachments
What We’re Seeing I cannot invest the way I want the world to be; I have to invest the way the world is – Jim Rogers Buddhism reminds us: all attachment leads to suffering. Yet not all attachments are the same, nor is all suffering. We cling to small hopes – the Mariners reaching the […]
Living Together Without Marriage? What Families Should Know to Protect Loved Ones
Over the past few decades, relationships have changed in big ways. In 1970, nearly 7 out of 10 adults were married—today, that number is closer to 5 out of 101. More couples are choosing to live together without marrying, with cohabitation rising from just 1% in 1970 to nearly 9% at its peak in recent […]
The Big Beautiful Bill: What It Means for Your Taxes in 2025 and Beyond
On July 4, 2025, President Donald Trump signed into law the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” a sweeping tax and spending package that reshapes the U.S. tax landscape. Clocking in at nearly 900 pages, this legislation touches everything from individual deductions to business incentives, and even estate planning. Whether you’re a salaried worker, a small […]
Washington State Increases Estate and Capital Gains Taxes
Washington State Enacts Major Tax Increases Under Senate Bill 5813 On May 20, 2025, Governor Bob Ferguson signed Senate Bill 5813 into law, marking a pivotal moment for taxpayers in Washington State. This new legislation significantly alters the state’s capital gains and estate tax systems, establishing Washington as one of the most aggressive states in […]
Navigating Market Volatility: Staying The Course With Confidence
Written by Rory O’Sullivan CFP® Market volatility can be unsettling, especially for investors with significant assets at stake. A 5% market downturn might seem moderate, but for a $10 million portfolio, that’s a $500,000 drop—enough to make even seasoned investors take notice. However, it’s crucial to remember that volatility is a natural part of investing […]
April 2025 – Celebrating Earth Day
This month, our team members celebrated Earth Day by giving back to nature and supporting their local communities. On April 9th, Mack, Anna, and Rachel spent the afternoon with the Whidbey Camano Land Trust. Along with a team of volunteers, they hiked out to the Trillium Community Forest to dig up invasive plants, plant native […]
