WOMEN Archives - Vision Capital Management Financial Advisor Portland Oregon

Jul 15 2025

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.

Jun 27 2025

Providing for Your Pets in Your Estate Plan

Before his death, Chanel designer Karl Lagerfeld was accompanied everywhere by his beloved cat, Choupette. The beautiful snow-white feline was featured in product launches, had an Instagram account, and was the subject of two books. When Lagerfeld died in 2019, it was rumored that the cat had become one of the largest beneficiaries of his estate, estimated to be over $200 million.

Of course, you don’t need to be an ultra-wealthy fashion scion to care about the future of your pets. For many of us, our pets are more than animals – they are our family. But what happens to them if something happens to you?

Just like a human loved one, your pet depends on you. That’s why it is important to include them in your estate plan. Without clear direction, your pet’s future could be left to chance; but, with some foresight, you can ensure that they will continue to receive the love and care you want for them.

Here are a few suggestions of how you can protect your pet as part of your estate plan.

Choose a Caregiver

Designate someone you trust to care for your pet. Talk to them ahead of time to make sure they are willing and able to assume responsibility. When a person passes away, the authorities may have to default pet ownership to the next of kin, and if there haven’t been proper discussions prior, they may end up being rehomed. You may also want to consider a backup caregiver in the event that the first choice is unable to care for your pet.

Leave Detailed Instructions

Include information about your pet’s routines, medical needs, food preferences, and even personality quirks. If you have a trusted veterinarian, dog walker or pet sitter, be sure to include that information in your documentation as they may be able to provide perspective in your absence.

Set Aside Funds

You can leave money or property to your chosen caregiver with instructions for their use in caring for your pet. Alternatively, you can set up a pet trust, a legally enforceable way to provide money for your pet’s ongoing care.

Work with a Professional

An estate planning attorney can help you structure everything legally and effectively. They will likely have experience counseling clients and can share ways in which clients have accomplished this aspect of their legacy plan. While trusts for pets are legally recognized in most states, there may be variations in how they will be structured and enforced.

Planning for your pet is about love, responsibility, and peace of mind. It’s one more way to make sure your legacy reflects your values, and the lives that matter most to you.

May 29 2025

Support for Widows and Widowers

Maria Malloy, CFP®, details the ways in which we support clients when grieving the loss of their spouse.

Apr 28 2025

Smart Money Moves for Moms at Every Stage

Motherhood changes everything—from your sleep schedule to your daily routine, and most importantly, your financial priorities. Whether you are preparing for your first child or managing the costs of children at college, money plays a significant role in how you plan, grow, and support your family. The good news? With the right financial decisions, moms can gain more control, reduce stress, and build a strong future for their families. Here is how to make smart money moves at every stage of motherhood.

1. New Moms: Building the Financial Foundation

Budget for Baby – The arrival of a baby brings new expenses: diapers, daycare, medical bills, and more. Create a baby-specific budget that accounts for both one-time costs and ongoing monthly expenses.
Start an Emergency Fund – Unexpected costs are part of parenting. Aim to build an emergency fund with 3–6 months’ worth of living expenses to protect your family in case of job loss or surprise medical bills.
Review Insurance and Estate Plans – Now is the time to update your life insurance and name a guardian for your child. Make sure your will, health directives, and beneficiaries are all up to date.

2. Moms of Young Children: Maximizing your Income and Savings

Evaluate Childcare Costs – Childcare can rival a mortgage in cost. Explore flexible work options if possible and open tax-advantaged accounts like Dependent Care FSAs. Some moms find it cost-effective to adjust work schedules to minimize full-time daycare, but every situation is unique to each family.
Start Saving for College Early – College may seem far off, but starting early gives your money more time to grow. Consider opening a 529 college savings plan, which offers tax-free growth when used for qualified education expenses.
Invest in Your Career – Whether you are returning to work or balancing a side hustle, keep your skills sharp. Continuing education, networking, and certifications can lead to better job opportunities and income.

3. Moms of Tweens and Teens – Modeling Behavior and Planning Ahead

Teach Kids About Money – This is the perfect time to introduce your kids to smart financial habits. Give them a weekly allowance, open a savings account, and let them practice budgeting for small purchases.
Revisit Long-Term Goals – With more clarity around your family’s lifestyle and future, review your retirement plan, homeownership goals, and college savings. Prioritize your retirement—after all, loans can help fund college, but not retirement.
Control Lifestyle Creep – As your income increases, resist the temptation to overspend. Stick to your core values and invest in experiences, savings, and security, rather than material things.

4. Moms of Young Adults – Shifting Roles, Staying Secure

Support Without Sacrificing – You may want to help with college, a first apartment, or even a wedding—but be cautious not to derail your own financial stability. It is okay to set boundaries while still offering support.
Downsize or Reorganize – This might be a suitable time to reevaluate your home, car, or other big expenses. If your kids are becoming independent, you might consider downsizing or repurposing your budget for new goals like travel or business ventures.
Update Your Financial Plan – Life changes fast. Make sure your estate plan, retirement contributions, and insurance policies reflect your current life stage and future goals.

Empowered Moms Make Confident Moves

Money does not have to be a source of stress—it can be a source of empowerment. Every mom, no matter her income or life stage, can take meaningful steps to create a more secure financial future for herself and her children. Start small, stay consistent, and seek the advice of a financial planner to help you plan for the bigger picture.

As mom and the family CFO, you are not just managing money — you are shaping your family’s future.

Apr 23 2025

Gina Jacobson Makes Second Appearance on “Wait. Hold Up… What?” Podcast

Client Relationship Associate, Gina Jacobson, CFP®, CDFA, was a recent guest on the podcast, “Wait. Hold Up… What?”. Gina spoke with host Dawne Hanks on the episode about women building their nest and their net, and in this episode, they discuss consumerism, ethics, and financial empowerment for women.

The podcast “Wait. Hold Up… What?” is from the women at Eliminate Girl Hate, an organization that provides programs that leverage the power of the female experience to create growth in all areas of business and life by providing information, resources and support with the mission of creating safe and equitable spaces for all who identify as a girl.

Vision Capital Management Named to FA 2025 RIA Ranking