Wealth Management

Trustworthy Trustees and Punctilious Personal Representatives

Trustworthy Trustees and Punctilious Personal Representatives

Even the best estate plan will go sideways without the right fiduciaries ready to step in and manage your affairs when you are no longer able to do so, whether by reason of death or incapacity during lifetime. It can be difficult to make these selections, considering family dynamics, time burden, availability, cost and the skills required. Thoughtful consideration in advance will be a gift to your loved ones when they may be called to enact your wishes.

Impediments and Benefits of a Current Estate Plan

Impediments and Benefits of a Current Estate Plan

It is easy to put off creating or updating an estate plan. Afterall, most of us believe we have at least a bit more time before it will be necessary and the excuses are obvious and plentiful. Herein, we will outline common impediments and corresponding benefits of a relevant plan with the intent of encouraging us all to take on the challenge.

Practical Estate Planning for Real Families

Practical Estate Planning for Real Families

When we think of estate planning, we often think of legal documents, trusts and tax strategies. Often, the most challenging aspect of creating a successful plan is the human element: your family’s unique dynamics. The good news is that many common conflicts are predictable and can be reduced with planning and clear communication.

Outlook and Insights Second Quarter 2026

Simplify Tax Season with a Donor-Advised Fund

Simplify Tax Season with a Donor-Advised Fund

Tax season often sends people searching through old emails, letters and statements to find documents for their tax professionals. Amid this administrative clutter, many look for ways to simplify their charitable reporting. For those who are philanthropically inclined, a donor-advised fund (DAF) can simplify both the giving process and the associated tax paperwork.

Deed Theft: Why It's Rising and How to Protect Yourself

Deed Theft: Why It's Rising and How to Protect Yourself

In recent years there has been an increase in reports of deed theft, in which the title or deed to a property is fraudulently transferred from the rightful owner of a property to a third-party, whether through forged signatures, impersonations or other means.

2026 Wealth Planning Guide

New Year, New Savings Contribution Limits: What to Know for 2026

New Year, New Savings Contribution Limits: What to Know for 2026

As we head into 2026, you may be navigating the year-over-year changes and asking yourself: What has changed and what should I care about? From retirement account contribution limits to rollover rules and required distributions, a few key updates are worthy of your attention.  

Informed Decision Making for Senior Living

Informed Decision Making for Senior Living

As we grow older, many of us will need to decide where to live next when our current home becomes too difficult to manage, and assistance is required. Deciding when and where to move can feel daunting, as can the various financial arrangements available to pay for the move.

Things to Know Before You Sell Your Business

Things to Know Before You Sell  Your Business

Selling a business is one of the most significant decisions an entrepreneur can make. Aside from being a meaningful financial transaction, it is also a life transition that impacts your legacy, family, employees and future. 

From “I Do” to Baby Steps: Financial Planning for New Chapters

From “I Do” to  Baby Steps: Financial Planning  for New Chapters

Two joyful milestones—marriage and the arrival of a child—bring celebration, change and financial complexity. These transitions also create important opportunities to strengthen your financial foundation and ensure that the plans you have in place evolve to support the people you love. 

Outlook and Insights First Quarter 2026

Changing Tax Domicile: Tips and Pitfalls

Changing Tax Domicile: Tips and Pitfalls

Every year, we get questions about how to reduce taxes by moving out of state. Taxes in Oregon have been some of the highest in the country for many years, and Washington is quickly following suit.

Unfolding Medicare’s Income-Related Adjustment Amount (IRMAA) Surcharges

Unfolding Medicare’s Income-Related Adjustment Amount (IRMAA) Surcharges

As the pace of life can slow down in the fall and winter seasons, so can we find ourselves noticing the finer details that surround us. These seasons invite reflection and intentionality, making them an ideal time to turn our attention to year-end financial planning.

Wealth Management Insights Video Fourth Quarter 2025

Wealth Management Insights Video Fourth Quarter 2025

In this quarter’s Wealth Management Insights video, "Wrapping Up 2025," Samantha Pahlow, CTFA, AWMA®, discusses strategy and timing for charitable giving and which items to review ahead of year-end.

Making the Most of Your Finances Before Year End

Making the Most of Your Finances Before Year End

As the year draws to a close, it's an opportune time to review your financial situation and ensure you meet year-end deadlines to maximize your financial benefits. Completing these year-end financial tasks can help you save on taxes, secure your retirement and prepare you for the year ahead.  

Outlook and Insights Fourth Quarter 2025

The Hidden Weight of Adjusted Gross Income in the OBBBA Era

The Hidden Weight of Adjusted Gross Income in the OBBBA Era

The tax landscape for individuals has shifted once again with the passage of OBBBA. While
the legislation includes enhanced deductions and targeted tax relief, it also introduces several new income-based limitations that subtly yet significantly reshape tax efficiency. 

The Ever-Evolving Landscape of Smart Charitable Giving

The Ever-Evolving Landscape of Smart Charitable Giving

The tax act, adopted on July 4 of this year, extended or made permanent many personal income tax provisions and included significant changes for optimizing charitable giving strategies. The key changes to charitable income tax deductions for individuals that become effective in 2026 are highlighted below but must be considered in the broader context of other tax opportunities. 

Wrapping Up 2025: Practical Steps for Year-End Financial Planning

Wrapping Up 2025: Practical Steps for Year-End Financial Planning

As we enter the final stretch of the year, it’s a great time to set aside a few hours to review your financial picture and position yourself for a confident start to the new year.