Blog
Gain the information and perspective you need to make confident financial decisions. We see the "experts" on the news, the radio, and social media giving overly simplified, black-and-white, all-or-nothing financial advice, and we're not having it. While they're not completely wrong, we believe each person's situation is unique, and that you are the one most qualified to decide what financial decisions best support the life you want to live. We're here to help you make confident decisions that are rooted in your convictions, and grounded in reality.
The 5 C's of Referability
In my role as a female financial advisor, I often refer to other professionals, preferably ones in or near Bellingham WA where many of my clients are located. Here is how I narrow down which professionals I refer to, using my "5 C's" system
Read MoreWhat should I do with my old 40(k)?
When you leave your job, you're probably initially focused on the most impactful part of the change- finding or starting your new job. On top of that, you have some other things to deal with, such as replacing health insurance,...
Read MoreDoes it matter whose account we contribute to?
Saving for retirement is an important goal for couples who want to carry their standard of living into their non-income-earning years. One of the questions I get from clients is "Does it really matter whose account we contribute to?" I...
Read MoreAnother one bites the dust.... what's going on with these banks???? 🤔
When I heard that First Republic Bank was taken over by the FDIC yesterday and sold to JP Morgan Chase, I immediately thought of my clients. I wrote the email below (now a blog for you!) to give you my take on what happened, share what...
Read MoreHow to Avoid Capital Gains on your Home During Divorce
This post shares critical tnumbers e to keep in mind as you sell or transfer your real estate property, particularly your residence, as a part of your divorce settlement. Make an informed decision that allows you to minimize capital gains
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What Debt Should I Pay Off?
With fears of a recession, rising inflation, and market volatility, paying down your debt can be a good move. But how do you know which debt to pay down?
Read MoreAn American marries a Canadian... what next?
I'm an American citizen, but I live and work in another country. Do I still need to file a US tax return? Yes. Sorry, wish we had better news.But, what if I'm paying income tax in another country?Still a...
Read MoreSelling your home the same year you get divorced?
Should you sell your home the same year you divorce or file for separation? This post explains how capital gains on the sale of your home may be treated differently if you take either of these legal actions the year you sell your home.
Read More2023 Mindset Post
January has arrived, and we've moved from the holidays into resolution-setting season. As I ponder what I desire for 2023, it's being present. Like, really present. Watching my kids play, looking people in the eye when they're talking,...
Read MoreLiving Your Best Yes (a personal post)
About eight years ago, I went to the doctor for some health problems including brain fog, fatigue, and overall lack of joy in life. The last in particular was atypical for me. I left that appointment with a prescription in hand for an...
Read MoreTackling our Financial Literacy Crisis
Do you feel like financial literacy in America is getting worse? It’s not just you. FINRA’s most recent National Financial Capability Survey revealed that only 34% of Americans could correctly answer four out of five basic questions....
Read MoreWhat is a Roth Conversion and should I do one?
If you read any investment publications, you've likely heard about something called a "Roth conversion". You may be wondering what a Roth conversion is, and if you should be utilizing this strategy. Let's start with how a Roth...
Read MoreFinancial Tips for Women Going through Divorce
Divorce is a messy, heart-wrenching, and overwhelming process to go through. In the midst of everything you're dealing with, it may be the most tempting time to avoid dealing with money. Some advice from a female financial advisor.
Read MoreBudgeting for Marriage
If you’ve started planning your wedding already, you’ve probably discussed your wedding budget with your significant other. What may not be as urgent, but is of equal importance, is budgeting how you will spend your money together as a coup
Read MoreHow to change your last name after getting married
Congratulations on getting married! If you're excited about becoming the new Mrs., keep in mind- your name does not change automatically because you're married! Changing your name legally requires a number of steps beyond changing...
Read More5 Myths about Life Insurance
It's been a rough year, with multiple friends losing spouses or parents unexpectedly. While I am grateful for the generosity of friends and peers who start GoFundMe accounts, I can't help but think that the people we just lost did not...
Read MoreHow Much Life Insurance do I Need?
Determining how much life insurance you need is different for every person. It depends on things like whether you have children, how much you have in savings, and how much your family counts on your income. There's no rule of thumb...
Read More5 Steps to pay off your student loans early
According to credit.com, the average student loan debt per person this year is $31,172. Ouch! That's about what most graduates will make per year when they graduate. While we can cross our fingers that some politician somewhere...
Read MoreThe Toll of Unreliable Childcare
I'm seeing a lot of posts online fully attributing the labor shortage to government stimulus checks and lazy employees or to greedy businesses unwilling to pay a living wage. Both of these overly simplistic perspectives miss a really import
Read MoreShould I Sell or Rent Out my House?
So you're asking the question- should I sell or rent out my house? You're planning on moving, maybe because you're upgrading to a bigger home, or relocating for a new job or to be closer to family. You own your current home, and you're...
Read MoreSo, you're starting a business?
Starting your own business can be one of the most rewarding things you’ll do in life, but also most challenging. Here are a few key considerations to help you grow a successful business. If you want a female financial advisor, reach out!
Read More6 Simple Money Habits With Huge Payoffs
As we enter 2022, I think we're all a bit hesitant to claim "2022 is our year!" given how that's worked out for many of us the last two years. I'm also wary in general of setting super ambitious goals that involve strict diets, strict...
Read MoreWhat You Need To Know About WA State's Long-Term Care Insurance Program
In case you missed it: In May of 2019, Washington Governor Jay Inslee signed a bill into law, known as the "Aging and Long-Term Support Administration Long-Term Services and Supports Trust Act", a state-operated long-term care insurance pro
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