Will my taxes go up or down in retirement?Sneaky sneaky, asking such a loaded question, when everyone knows the answer is, “it depends.” But it’s a very interesting question to ponder, so let’s take a look at some key issues that could impact the answer.The answer centers on one thing:...
As Benjamin Franklin once said, “In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.”Taxes come in a wide variety of flavors – income taxes, property taxes, sales taxes and gift taxes.But, perhaps one of the most misunderstood taxes is colloquially called the “death tax” –...
The pandemic threw the greater Tri-Cities a series of curve balls. Consider known deaths in 2020 due to Covid-19: 217 residents. As Benton-Franklin Trends data shows, this amounted to 9.4% of all deaths in the two counties that year. The rate, unfortunately, was nearly twice as high as that of...
If you have watched the news lately, you may have noticed that saving and paying for college tuition is a stressful part of the American experience.Since the jury is still out on whether leveraging the public debt to pay for private fragility (2008 banks, auto companies, airlines, and student loans)...
Using a beach analogy, when it comes to change that you aren’t leading, are you more like:Putting your toe in the water and scurrying away if it’s uncomfortable?Wading in, slow to adapt, watchful?Swimming in it, rolling with the current, making it happen?A deep-diver, all-in?Often the reality of change for many...
Recent reports about dismal K-12 test scores should raise alarm in our business community.Nationwide, elementary school math and reading scores fell to levels unseen in 32 years, according to the recently released National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) test, known as the “nation’s report card.”Average scores for 9-year-old students in...
Is the U.S. economy headed into a recession? Has inflation peaked? When will the labor market ease?While economists debate questions like these, it’s helpful to hear from employers on the ground, the men and women who own and operate businesses throughout Washington state. That’s why AWB staff spent the summer...
If you want a glimpse of parched river bottoms behind “would be breached” lower Snake River dams, look at recent photos of European rivers and lakes.Along parts of the picturesque Rhine River, there is often more dry land than flowing water.Europe is in the clutches of another drought, its second...
Some readers have heard of personal asset protection strategies like trusts or limited liability companies.
The draw to products like these is the supposed promise that your personal assets can be protected. Not only is the issue of asset protection much more nuanced than establishing either of those options, but there are also a host of asset protection strategies that should be employed (or at least considered) as part of a holistic approach to asset protection well before the consideration of complex trusts and LLCs.
Business leader, as you head into the fourth quarter of 2022, you have a lot on your plate. Finishing the year strong is probably one of your overall desires.As you revise your own personal leadership growth plan for the end of the year, consider prioritizing these five leadership skills to...
