The Greatest Gift We Can Give: Navigating the Golden Years Together
This past Mother’s Day served as a beautiful, poignant reminder of what a privilege it is to walk alongside my husband John’s parents as they age. Now in their upper 80s, they continue to live independently—a feat that isn’t just due to luck, but to the power of intentional planning. Through a blend of foresight […]
The Practical Side of Partnership: Designing a Financial Life Together
When you and your partner commit to a life together, joy and excitement rightfully take center stage. The days are filled with picking caterers, dreaming up travel plans, or perhaps planning private vows in the Alaska backcountry. Eventually, however, the inevitable question arises: “How are we going to combine our finances?” While this discussion may […]
Beyond the Business: Defining Your Successful Exit
As a business owner, you’ve worked long hours to build your business and refine it. You’ve faced problems over the years, some of which threatened the success or even the existence of your business, but you found a solution to each one, learning vital lessons along the way. Each decision you make in your business […]
The April 15 Countdown: Maximizing Your 2025 Contributions
As we move through the early months of 2026, many are focused on their tax filings. However, the important date on the calendar isn’t just the filing deadline; it’s the final opportunity to fund your future for the previous year. You have until April 15, 2026, to make your 2025 contributions to Traditional IRAs, Roth […]
The Education Equation: Navigating K–12 Choice and Cost in Alaska
For many families, “education planning” is synonymous with the college years. However, for those of us raising children in Alaska, the financial commitment often begins much earlier. Whether it’s the decision to pursue private school or the choice to supplement a public education with high-level enrichment, K–12 is no longer just a precursor to college; […]
Until You’re Back: The Importance of Temporary Child Guardianship
Life is unpredictable, but ensuring your child is cared for while you’re away doesn’t have to be. Temporary guardianship provides a clear, practical way to appoint a responsible adult to handle caregiving duties and offers added security and peace of mind. It authorizes the chosen individual to assume the duties of a legal guardian for […]
Navigating Loss – What Comes After
I recently lost my uncle. He moved to Alaska in 1972 and built deep roots in Anchorage. He was strong, stoic, quietly funny, and deeply devoted to my aunt and their three kids. In “Alaska terms,” he was steady, the kind of person who didn’t talk much about plans but always had one. When he […]
Why Convenience is More Expensive than You Think
It starts with a $12 burrito and ends with a $28 receipt. This raises an important question: Is the convenience of having food delivered to your door worth it financially, especially when it becomes a frequent habit? Services like DoorDash and Uber Eats save time, but at what cost? Some costs stand out right away, […]
Maximized Catch-Ups and New Tax Credits: What Your 2026 Financial Plan Needs
As you sit down to do your (highly recommended!) 2026 financial planning, there are several new provisions and/or age-based milestones to be aware of as you set your vision for the new year. Retirement Planning: “Super” Catch-Up Retirement Plan Contributions: Starting last year, a higher “super” catch-up option became available for 401(k), 403(b), governmental 457(b) […]
Maximizing Your Savings in 2026
As we enter the new year, the IRS has released updated retirement contribution limits for 2026. This serves as a natural checkpoint to review your current savings strategy and ensure your contributions are aligned with the new thresholds. Even small adjustments made early in the year can have a meaningful impact on your long-term outcomes […]