Our Insights

Making the Most of Company Stock in Your 401K

May 26, 2026

Concert photo illustrating inflation and investing theme

Paul McCartney, Inflation, & Our Investments

What Paul McCartney can teach us about inflation and why it matters for your investment portfolio.

May 10, 2022

There’s a Bear in our Backyard! – Three Kinds of Bear Markets

Not all bear markets are the same. Understanding the three types can help you stay calm and make better decisions.

June 21, 2022

Stock market chart showing first half 2022 performance

Stocks Have Worst First Half in 50 Years

The first half of 2022 has been one of the worst for stock investors in 50 years. Here's what to make of it.

July 8, 2022

Trey Gevers CFP designation announcement

Congratulations Trey! – What's with all the C's?

We celebrate Trey Gevers earning his CFP designation and explain what all those credentials mean for our clients.

August 1, 2022

Too Hot, Too Cold…or Will the Fed Get It Just Right?!

As the Fed continues to raise rates to fight inflation, we examine whether they can engineer a soft landing.

November 22, 2022

Mountain biker on a trail in Sedona Arizona

Mountain Biking & Investing

What mountain biking teaches us about navigating market volatility with the right mix of caution and confidence.

January 5, 2023

It’s Almost Tax Time… 100 Tax Changes Coming, are you Prepared?

Major tax changes are on the horizon. Here's what you need to know before tax season.

February 7, 2023

Silicon Valley Bank sign and news coverage

Give Me Back My Money! Lessons from the Silicon Valley Bank Collapse

The SVB collapse rattled markets. Here's what investors should learn and how to protect themselves.

March 20, 2023

US Capitol building representing government debt ceiling debate

The Debt Ceiling, Defaults, and Diversifying

What the debt ceiling debate means for your investments and why diversification matters more than ever.

May 25, 2023

Steve Miller Band inspired financial planning illustration

Some Financial Advice from the Steve Miller Band

What can the Steve Miller Band teach us about personal finance? More than you'd think.

June 29, 2023

Person reviewing financial documents with a pencil

Did Your Company Stock Cause a Big Tax Bill?

If you hold or sell company stock, you may be facing a surprise tax bill. Learn strategies to reduce the impact.

May 20, 2024

Costco employee reviewing retirement documents

Costco Employee Retirement Guide

A comprehensive retirement guide for Costco employees approaching retirement.

April 3, 2025

2025 Tax Changes and Good Music

Key federal and Washington State tax changes for 2025.

October 8, 2025

Person reviewing financial documents at a desk

Managing your Costco RSUs

A guide to managing Costco RSUs from two perspectives: investment strategy and tax planning.

November 3, 2025

Microsoft Voluntary Retirement Package What You Need to Know

Microsoft's first-ever VRP offers cash severance, extended RSU vesting, and a 5-year healthcare bridge. Here's how to evaluate the offer before the June 8th dea

May 12, 2026

Did Your Company Stock Cause a Big Tax Bill?

Stock compensation gets taxed twice — at vesting and at sale. Here's how to understand both tax events and avoid the surprise bills and IRS penalties they cause

August 15, 2024

Strategies for Managing a Large Single Stock Position

Too much wealth in one stock is a real risk. Here are five strategies — from tax-loss harvesting to exchange funds — for diversifying without a massive tax bill

January 22, 2025

Tax Smart Investing Issaquah Financial Planning

Maximizing Returns by Minimizing Taxes: 10 Strategies for Tax-Smart Investing

Taxes can quietly erase a fifth of your investment growth. Here are 10 practical strategies — from tax-loss harvesting to HSAs — to keep more of what you earn.

February 27, 2025

Securities Backed Lending

A securities-backed loan lets you borrow against your portfolio without selling — avoiding taxes and staying invested. Here's how they work and when to use one.

May 6, 2025

Donor-Advised Funds: A Smart Strategy for Charitable Giving and Tax Planning

A donor-advised fund lets you take the tax deduction now and give on your own timeline. Here's how DAFs work and when they make sense in a financial plan.

May 6, 2025

WA State Tax Changes Financial Planning Issaquah

2025 Washington State Tax Changes: What You Need to Know

WA capital gains now hit 9.9% above $1M, and the estate tax exemption rises to $3M with a top rate of 35%. Here's what changed and how to plan around it.

May 23, 2025

How Are My RSUs Taxed, and What Can I Do to Reduce Taxes?

RSUs are taxed twice — at vesting and at sale. Here's how to understand both tax events and use strategies like tax-lot selection and loss harvesting to keep mo

May 20, 2025

Retiring in Issaquah? Here’s What You Should Know About Planning Your Next Chapter

From tax-efficient income planning to estate documents, here's how Issaquah retirees can build a confident, clear financial plan for the next chapter of life.

July 2, 2025

Retirement Planning Items from the One Big Beautiful Bill

The One Big Beautiful Bill Just Became Law

The new tax law brings a $6,000 senior deduction, a higher estate exemption, and more. Here's what it means for your retirement plan.

July 9, 2025

Tax Smart Investing for Tech Professionals

What is a Direct Index and How Is It Better than Index Fund Investing

Direct indexing lets you own individual stocks in an index for better tax-loss harvesting and customization. Here's how it works and who it makes sense for.

June 27, 2025

Preparing Your Finances For A Retirement From Costco

From confirming your retirement plan to tax strategies like NUA and Roth conversions, here's what Costco employees should do before their last day.

September 17, 2025

NUA: A Hidden Tax Strategy for Costco Employees With Company Stock

If you have appreciated Costco stock in your 401(k), the NUA strategy could shift thousands in gains from ordinary income tax rates to lower capital gains rates

August 1, 2025

Retiring from Costco? Here’s What You Need to Think About

From income planning and Social Security to healthcare and estate taxes, here's what Costco professionals need to address before their last day on the job.

October 7, 2025

Fee-Only Fiduciary Financial Advisors and CFP® Professionals: What It All Means

Fee-only, fiduciary, CFP® — three terms that separate trustworthy financial advisors from the rest. Learn what each means and why all three matter together.

October 28, 2025

Costco employee retirement savings guide — where to invest beyond the 401(k) match

Costco’s 401(k) Match Isn’t Great. Here’s Where You Should Save Next

Costco only matches up to $500/year in your 401(k). Issaquah financial advisors break down exactly where Costco employees should save next to optimize wealth.