Vision Capital Management Financial Advisor Portland Oregon

Vision Capital Management has been providing clients financial planning and investment management services since 1999. Visit our site to find out more.

Vision Capital Management Named to 2025 Top Money Managers List for Oregon and SW Washington

 

Vision Capital Management has been named to the Portland Business Journal’s annual “Top Money Managers” list, ranking 23 out of 46 firms.

To be considered for the ranking, firms were required to provide information on total assets under management and the number of clients served, and the number of assets and clients served in Oregon and SW Washington (Clark and Skamania counties). The ranking noted that the firms collectively managed more than $101 billion in assets across Oregon and SW Washington.

“We are thrilled to be recognized as a leading wealth management firm by the Portland Business Journal. This is a testament to the dedication of our entire team and reflects our collective mission of Empowering Financial Wellness. We also acknowledge our clients for their trust and collaboration, which inspires and motivates us every day,” said Sarah Quist, CFP®, managing director and principal of the firm.

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Disclosures
The Portland Business Journal’s Top Money Management list is a ranking based on assets under management for Oregon and SW Washington clients as of May 31, 2025. Vision Capital Management, Inc. (“VCMI”) was ranked in July 2025 by Portland Business Journal. Portland Business Journal’s ranking orders firms from largest to smallest, based on AUM reported by firms that voluntarily complete and submit the survey. To be eligible for the ranking, firms must provide investment management and financial planning services and have an office in Oregon or SW Washington. VCMI did not pay a fee to Portland Business Journal in exchange for inclusion in the 2025 Top Money Managers list. VCMI is not aware of any conflicts of interest with the Portland Business Journal’s Top Money Management list.

Maximizing Employee Benefits

Over time, the way humans work has evolved, and so have employee pay and benefits. The concept of employee benefits emerged during the Industrial Revolution in response to harsh working conditions when industrialists began offering housing, medical care, and educational opportunities to attract workers. As labor rights developed, benefits became a formal part of the employer structure. In the late 19th century, German Chancellor Otto von Bismarck introduced a formal health insurance system for workers. This watershed moment influenced organizations and governments worldwide and eventually evolved into the employee benefits we know today.

Today, it is estimated that 90% of U.S. companies with 50 or more employees offer healthcare and/or other benefits to their workers. According to one study, benefits account for roughly 30% of an average worker’s total compensation. However, while employers now provide more benefits than ever, employee usage has not kept pace. More than one-third of employees report that they do not fully understand the benefits offered to them, and nearly half (46%) do not take all their paid time off.1, 2

To make sure you are getting the most out of your employee benefits, consider the following best practices:

Understand Total Compensation and Review Annually

Go beyond your base salary to calculate the full value of your compensation package. This may include 401(k) or other retirement account contributions and matches, health insurance premiums, stock options, tuition or continuing education reimbursement, paid time off, and bonus pay or profit-sharing. It is also important to find out if you have left any funds behind with previous employers. As of 2023, there were 29.2 million accounts left behind with approximately $1.65 trillion in forgotten assets, but thanks to SECURE 2.0, the Department of Labor created a database for workers to find old plans.3

We recommend clients review their benefits annually and adjust contributions and expenses as needed.

Max Out Employer Contributions

If your employer offers a 401(k) or other retirement account match, contribute at least enough to receive the full match, otherwise, you are leaving free money on the table and missing out on the power of compound growth. Similarly, if you have access to a flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA), use it whenever possible to manage health and childcare expenses while lowering taxable income.

Leverage Equity Compensation Wisely

Stock options and equity-based pay can be a powerful part of your compensation package, but it is important to understand how they work. Do your research and find out your vesting schedules, your options for selling, and the potential tax implications. We recommend collaborating with your advisor at Vision Capital, as well as your tax and legal professionals, to plan for liquidity events such as an IPO or buyout, or personal shifts such as a career change or retirement.

Optimize Benefits Use

Take advantage of preventive care appointments and wellness programs through your insurance plan to reduce long-term healthcare costs. Explore additional benefits such as Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), which may offer mental health counseling, legal guidance, financial education, and career coaching. And don’t forget to use all your paid time off (PTO); it’s a valuable part of your compensation, essential for career longevity, and critical for preventing burnout.

Sources:

  1. “Voya Survey Finds One-Third of American Workers Don’t Understand the Benefits They Selected During Open Enrollment,” Voya Financial website, January 29, 2021.
  2. Juliana Menasche Horowitz and Kim Parker, “How Americans View Their Jobs,” Pew Research Center, March 30, 2023.
  3. Jessica Kickler, “Forgotten 401(k) Fees Cost Workers Thousands in Lost Retirement Savings,” CNBC, June 7, 2025.

Department of Labor Retirement Savings Lost and Found Database:
https://lostandfound.dol.gov/ 

Vision Capital Management Named to FA 2025 RIA Ranking

Vision Capital Management has been named to the FA 2025 RIA Ranking by Financial Advisor magazine, an annual list that recognizes top independent registered investment advisors (RIAs) across the nation based on assets under management (AUM).

To qualify for the ranking, firms must be independent, file their own ADV with the SEC, and offer comprehensive financial planning services. Hybrid RIA firms, broker-dealers, corporate RIAs, and investment advisor representatives are not eligible for inclusion. Vision Capital was one of only four firms from Oregon to earn a spot on the list.

“We are delighted to be recognized by Financial Advisor,” said Marina Johnson, CFA, managing director and principal. “It is a tremendous honor to be trusted by our clients and their families and help them navigate their financial futures.”

The accompanying article noted the significant growth in recent years among fee-based advisors, with assets under management increasing from $150 billion in 2015 to $260 billion in 2024. It also explored how artificial intelligence (AI) could reshape the industry by streamlining administrative tasks like client onboarding, data gathering, and compliance. While AI promises greater efficiency, the article emphasized the importance of human advisors to interpret regulations, offer insight, and maintain trust.

 

About Vision Capital Management
Serving both individuals and institutional investors since 1999, Vision Capital Management is a women-founded, employee-owned financial advisory firm based in Portland, Oregon. We are independent, fee-only financial advisors because we believe our clients’ interests should come first and foremost.

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Disclosure:
The Financial Advisor Magazine’s (“FA Mag”) RIA survey is a ranking based on assets under management at year-end of independent RIA firms that file their own ADV with the SEC. Vision Capital Management, Inc. (“VCMI”) was ranked in July 2025 by FA Mag, based on data as of December 31, 2024. FA Mag’s RIA ranking orders firms from largest to smallest, based on AUM reported by firms that voluntarily complete and submit the survey. To be eligible for the ranking, firms must be independent registered investment advisers filing with the SEC and providing financial planning and related services to individual clients. VCMI did not pay a fee to FA Mag in exchange for inclusion in the 2025 RIAs Survey & Ranking list.

15 Things to Know about College Savings Plans (with Special Oregon 529 Plan Tips)

The 529 Plan is the most popular college savings plan available. We have identified 15 things you should know in order to get the most out of a 529 Plan, with a focus on Oregon 529 Plans.

1. What Is a 529 Plan?

A 529 plan is state-sponsored investment program to help families save for college tax-free.

There are two types of 529 plans:

529 Education Savings Plans

These plans work like a 401(k) in that your savings can be invested in stock or bond mutual funds and any earnings grow tax-free. Educational expenses such as tuition, room and board, supplies, and even computers can be paid using these funds. 529 College Savings Plans are the most common type of plan, and the money can be used for schools in any state. Thinking about college overseas? 529 College Savings Plan can be used with some international schools as well.

529 Prepaid Tuition Plans

Fourteen states have 529 Prepaid Tuition Plans (Oregon does not). With a prepaid tuition plan, you can prepay all or part of an in-state public college education. The benefit is that you can lock in tuition at today’s rates, however, you must be sure that your child will be attending a public, in-state university for this to be a good option.

2. Why Use a 529 Plan over Other Plans?

There are three reasons to opt for a 529 plan for education savings:

Tax-free investment growth and withdrawals

There are no federal income tax benefits associated with a 529 plan contribution. However, your investment grows tax-deferred and qualified withdrawals are federally tax-free and state tax exempt as long as they are used for qualified education expenses.

State tax benefits

Thirty-four states offer tax deductions or credits on contributions to 529 plans, including Oregon. Click here to see the tax benefits associated with the Oregon 529 College Savings Plan.

Estate planning

The unique advantage to 529 plans is that the value is transferred out of your estate, yet you retain full control over the account as an owner. This can be an important estate planning tool for grandparents who are looking to reduce their estate taxes at death.

3. When Should I Open a 529 Plan?

We recommend you begin saving as early as possible as tax-free, compounding investment returns are powerful. Investing $100 a month from birth will give your child $43,000 for college, assuming a 7% rate of return. If you were to start saving when your child is 10, that number drops to less than $13,000.

4. What Kind of Investments Are Available?

529 plans are invested in a portfolio of mutual or index funds and they are managed by the state or an outside manager such as Fidelity, TD Ameritrade, Vanguard and many others.

5. Shop Around and Pay Attention to Fees

Depending on the investment manager, fees can vary according to the type of investment funds the manager uses. The fees may include advisor fees, program management fees, maintenance fees, and investment manager expense fees. Some states offer low-cost index funds and other states only offer actively managed mutual funds, so it pays to shop around, especially if your state does not offer a state tax deduction for contributions. State plans can be opened in most other states, and you can roll a 529 plan to a different state once every 12-month period, with some exceptions Additionally, some states and program managers may offer incentives in the form of a fee waiver if you opt to fund your account with direct deposit.

6. Two Primary 529 Investment Strategies

There are two types of 529 plan investment strategies: age-based or static funds.

Age-based, or target date funds

Age-based or target date plans automatically adjust your asset mix toward a more conservative allocation as your student approaches college age. This means that you start with a higher allocation to stocks when your child is younger and, by the time they reach college age, the assets are more heavily invested in cash and bonds. Using this type of automatic adjustment may be right for you if you do not have the time or knowledge to manually adjust the account’s asset mix. It’s important to note that these age-based shifts from aggressive to conservative may not happen fast enough if the market hits a period of volatility.

Static funds

The “static” option means that you hold an investment fund or portfolio of funds that maintain the same allocations over time.

7. Custodial Account

A 529 account is managed by a program manager: either the state or a third-party investment firm. The funds are held in a custodial account, meaning that your money is protected even if the state or third-party has financial issues.

8. The Investment Strategy Is Important

Diversification is an important risk management tool. Most 529 plans offer an investment strategy using U.S. stocks and bonds as well as international investments. Make sure you fully understand the specific investment options and their associated risks.

9. Private School Tuition Now Allowed

There have been several changes to college savings plans in recent years, including tax-free withdrawals for private, public and religious school tuition, up to $10,000 per year (formerly used to be $10,000 total). However, not all states recognize this benefit so some withdrawals could be taxed at the state level.

10. Understand the Basic Rules

  • Both state and federal rules apply to 529 Plans.
  • There can only be one owner and one beneficiary for a 529 account.
  • You can own more than one 529 account.
  • The student can be a beneficiary of more than one 529 account as long as the aggregate contributions don’t surpass the state’s account size limit. This limit varies by state and ranges from $235,000 to $575,000.
  • Anyone can contribute to a 529 Plan account, not just a parent.
  • The account owner may change the beneficiary, and some states permit the account owners to name a contingent beneficiary.
  • Some states allow the account ownership to transfer to the beneficiary in the event the account owner dies.
  • Plan holders may roll over $35,000 per beneficiary to a Roth IRA if the 529 plan is overfunded. Contributions in excess of $19,000 for single filers and $38,000 for couples filing jointly may be subject to gift taxes.
  • Be sure to consult your tax advisor to make sure you have not exceeded the annual gift tax exclusion limits.
  • For non-qualified withdrawals, earnings are subject to federal income tax and a 10% penalty.

11. Does the 529 Plan Affect My Financial Aid Options?

In general, 529s have a minimal impact on financial aid, but it depends on if the account is owned by the parent, grandparent or student. Broadly speaking, parent-owned 529 Plan accounts are treated favorably by the federal financial aid eligibility formula (maximum 5.64% rate) as well as financial aid income limits. A distribution from a 529 Plan to pay college expenses is not considered a “base-year income” that would reduce next year’s financial aid eligibility. It is important to remember that federal financial aid rules are subject to change, and you should confer with your accountant on the particulars of your situation.

12. Great Option for Grandparents

Grandparents can support a grandchild’s college education while benefiting from specific tax treatment. Any contributions up to $19,000 qualify for annual gift tax exclusion (and up to $95,000 in one year as long as no additional contribution is made over the next five years. The $95,000 maximum can become $190,000 for a married couple filing together, which is referred to as front-loading or superfunding the plan). Any contributions are removed from their estate, thus reducing any potential estate tax liability. Depending on the state, they may also be eligible for state income tax deductions.

In addition, if grandparents are the owners of a 529 account, the funds will not impact financial aid eligibility.

13. Time Limits on Withdrawals

529 Savings Plans do not have specific withdrawal or age requirements. Prepaid Tuition Plans, however, may have time limits for withdrawals.

14. Roll Overs

Every state allows for one rollover to another 529 plan per year without triggering tax penalties. However, you may have to repay state tax deductions or pay a fee if you go from an in-state plan to an out-of- state plan.

15. Prioritize Retirement

It is important that you don’t sacrifice your retirement savings for college savings. There are no scholarships and loans available for retirement and the biggest gift you can give your children is not relying on them for financial support in retirement.

Have questions about college savings plans? Have specific questions about 529 Plans specific to Oregon? Get in touch with us.

Sources: IRS, Kiplinger, Saving for College

Financial Guide to the Northwest: Comparing Oregon and Washington

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.

Northwest Financial Guide
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