Financial Focus
What is a Charitable Remainder Trust and when would I consider using it?
The first reason you would consider a CRT is because you are charitably inclined. This vehicle can provide a way to give, when you might otherwise be unable to do so. In addition, if you are considering an action that has a significant tax liability and/or you need to generate income, this type of trust can provide certain advantages.
Read MoreTerrorist Attacks & Stock Markets
In light of last week’s terrorist attack in Brussels, the Washington Post reviewed historical attacks and their effect on the US stock market. The table below was taken from a Charles Schwab study on the length of market recoveries after the initial shock hits the markets. While terrorist attacks are no doubt a human tragedy,…
Read MoreDo the Social Security File and Suspend and Restricted Application changes impact you?
In November, Congress decided to eliminate both the option to file and suspend your application and the option to file a restricted application. Fortunately, they are not closing the door on these options immediately, giving people who qualify for these benefits the opportunity to decide what they would like to do. If you qualify, filing…
Read More2014 Schwab Impact® Conference
Schwab Impact was truly empowering and we look forward to sharing our newly found insights with all of you over the coming year.
Read More“When feeling seasick…” – Part 2
We recognize that today seems like a particularly uncertain time. Ultimately, every client’s needs are unique, and we work hard to develop the portfolio that is right for each personal risk tolerance and situation. As we prepare our clients for more potential volatility in their portfolios, there is a distinct process we employ depending on…
Read More“When feeling seasick…” – Part 1
The fact that the stock market has compounded long duration investors such abundant wealth yet remains utterly unpredictable in the short term has perplexed very smart people for over a century.
Read MoreRetirement Planning Tips
Retirement planning is key to having the income you need after you leave the workforce. We have been working with a lot of baby boomers lately to form the right solution depending on their investment objectives and each individual’s specific goals. Review this list of the Top 10 Ways to Prepare for Retirement We think…
Read MoreNew Location for First Pacific Financial
First Pacific Financial is Relocating: We are excited to announce that our office is relocating! As you may have read in the newspapers, we are moving into the Esther Building which overlooks Esther Short Park in downtown Vancouver. You can read the press release from The Columbian here and The Daily Insider. It was important…
Read MoreNavigating the New Healthcare Environment
Wondering how to choose a health care plan? The Affordable Care Act debuted on October 1 of this year, when the new health insurance marketplaces (aka “exchanges”) opened for enrollment. The coverage on these plans will start as soon as January 1, 2014, at which time just about everybody will be required to have a…
Read MoreInflation Adjustments for Social Security
The Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) for Social Security benefits will increase 1.5% in 2014. COLA began in 1975 in order to safeguard Social Security and Supplemental Security Income benefits from inflation and is based on the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers, calculated by the Bureau of Labor Statistics in the Department…
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