Northwest living offers green landscapes, mountains, beaches, and plenty of outdoor fun. Living in Oregon or Washington, two of these beautiful northwest states, bring very different financial planning considerations. This financial guide to the northwest outlines some of the key factors that impact optimizing after tax investment returns, life transitions, and saving for college.
Back-Door Roth vs. Roth Conversion
First available in 1998, Roth retirement accounts have quickly become a popular way to save for retirement by allowing participants’ after-tax contributions to grow tax-free and, unlike traditional IRA accounts, not be subject to taxes upon withdrawal. As their popularity increased, employer-sponsored 401(k) plans with a Roth option quickly followed, becoming available for employers to offer to their employees in 2006. According to CNBC, the number of employers offering a 401(k) with a Roth option has nearly doubled to 88% in the past decade.
Understanding the Differences Between Long-Term Care Options
Though it’s not pleasant to contemplate, according to the US Department of Health and Human Services, an individual who is 65 years of age today has a nearly 70% chance of needing some type of long-term care in their older years. Long-term care is a blanket term that incorporates care over an extended period of time, both in your home or in a facility and it can range from general assistance with daily tasks to more comprehensive medical care. AARP reports that the national average for a private room in a nursing home is $108,405 per year and $61,776 for a home health aide.
Understanding the Secure Act 2.0
In 2023, the SECURE Act 2.0 for retirement savings becomes federal law, reshaping tax incentives for years to come by making numerous changes to existing retirement account rules and related tax breaks. Though there are many changes, below are some of the ones that will impact high wage earners, those still working, and those who have or are about to retire.
[Read more…]The Importance of End-of-Life Planning
End-of-life planning is not at the top of our to do list, especially when we are healthy. Unfortunately, death is inevitable. As Kilroy Oldster said, “death is the great equalizer of human beings.” We all experience death, it’s unavoidable.
For many of us, it is an uncomfortable and even taboo subject matter to approach. Here is where a financial advisor can play a significant role in helping you plan for that moment, ease your anxiety, and help your loved one act on your wishes efficiently and accurately.
