Planning for the Alaska Premium: Managing Costs, Risk, and Real Assets Wisely
Living and investing in Alaska means navigating a unique economic ecosystem, breathtaking landscapes, paired with unpredictable costs. For high-net-worth families and business owners, the Alaska premium—higher transportation, energy, and import costs—can meaningfully impact both household budgets and long-term portfolio strategies. According to the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development, consumer prices in Anchorage rose […]
Institutional Access, Individual Prudence: Our Approach to Private Equity
Private equity has been in the headlines lately, following the recent executive order that opened the door for these investments to be included in certain 401(k) plans. While this development reflects a broader industry trend towards making a wider range of investments available to everyday investors, it also raises important questions about suitability, structure, and […]
Key Changes Hitting Healthcare.gov in 2026 and Beyond
Recently, Meghan (Carson) Muñoz, CPA, CFP®, CDFA®, posted about the financial planning changes resulting from “One Big Beautiful Bill” (OBBBA). In addition to the planning opportunities created in the bill, it also brings new complexities for those who get health insurance from Healthcare.gov. To help prepare you for the new open enrollment period, Nov 1–Dec […]
New Tax Legislation Explained: A Financial Advisor’s Guide to the OBBBA
Financial planners and clients alike have been preparing for the expiration of key provisions in the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act for many years – how might changing tax rates and deductions impact planning goals and strategies? How can we plan ahead? On July 4th, the passage of “One Big Beautiful Bill” (or OBBBA, […]
Financial Tips for Parents Sending Kids to College
Sending a child to college is a momentous occasion, often bringing pride and excitement to families. Whether in or out of state, college is a significant milestone for your child as they embark on adulthood. But with change comes financial considerations that must be addressed beforehand. This article provides actionable tips for parents, covering everything […]
Building an Emergency Fund: Why It’s Essential and How to Get Started
As financial planners, we enjoy discussing future retirement goals, long-term investments, and strategies for building wealth over time. But there’s a key piece of planning that applies no matter where you are in life: having emergency reserves. Whether you’re just starting your career, in your peak earning years, or enjoying retirement, an emergency fund provides […]
Alaska Energy Sector Employees – Making the Most of Your Benefits
If you’ve spent years building a career in the oil and gas industry, chances are your compensation includes employer stock, well-structured retirement savings plans, pensions, and/or other generous benefits programs. Many of these benefits require attention, as set it and forget it can lead to less-than-optimal retirement outcomes. While there are many important considerations and […]
10 Common Money Mistakes to Avoid in Your 20s and 30s
Your 20s and 30s are a dynamic period of life, often marked by career beginnings, major life milestones, and increasing independence. These decades present a unique opportunity to lay a solid financial groundwork for your future. However, there are also times when easily avoidable financial missteps can create lasting challenges. By understanding common pitfalls and […]
Key Considerations for Early Retirement
Retiring early—before the traditional ages of 59½ or 65—can be an exciting goal. The allure of more free time, travel, and pursuing personal passions can be strong. However, early retirement introduces unique challenges that require careful planning. This guide explores key factors to consider when contemplating early retirement. Retirement Income Planning Can Your Portfolio Sustain […]
What Is a Safe Withdrawal Rate in Retirement?
Planning for retirement means making your savings last—ideally, for the rest of your life. One of the most critical questions retirees face is: How much can I safely withdraw from my retirement savings each year without running out of money? This is where the concept of a safe withdrawal rate comes into play. Understanding […]