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 […]
2024 IRA and HSA Contributions Reminder
As we navigate market fluctuations, it’s also important to remember key deadlines for retirement contributions. Please note that the deadline for 2024 Traditional IRA, Roth IRA, and HSA contributions is April 15, 2025. IRA Contributions: To contribute to a Traditional or Roth IRA, you must have earned income from W-2 or 1099 employment. The 2024 […]
Securing Your Future: Reclaiming Lost Retirement Benefits
Many Alaskans, like individuals across the nation, find themselves with unclaimed retirement benefits, often due to career transitions or simply losing track of older accounts. At Alaska Wealth Advisors, we recognize the importance of securing your financial future and are committed to guiding you through the process of reclaiming these valuable assets. The Significant […]
Unlock Your Full Financial Potential: Integrating Your Retirement Assets for Optimal Results
Are you maximizing the potential of your entire financial portfolio? For many, employer-sponsored retirement accounts like 401(k)s and 403(b)s represent a significant portion of their wealth. Historically, these assets have often remained siloed, managed separately from your overall financial plan. But what if you could integrate them seamlessly, ensuring they work harmoniously with your long-term […]
Maximizing Your Retirement Savings in 2025
With the new year rapidly approaching, so is the opportunity for increased contribution limits. The SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022 has allowed the IRS to make cost-of-living adjustments to many retirement plans regarding maximum contributions and deductions as well as changes in applicable income brackets. The IRS has announced new limits for 2025 in addition […]
Introducing Alaska End-of-Life Alliance
Welcome guest author Rachel Bernhardt. Rachel is a cofounder and board member of the Alaska End-of-Life Alliance. After a decade of working as a tissue donation coordinator, Rachel dedicated her professional life to empowering Alaskans to receive the care they want at the end of life and after death. Introducing Alaska End-of-Life Alliance Death is […]