A glance at key dials on the dashboard of the local economy might conclude that last year was a good one. The population in Benton and Franklin counties registered an increase of about 4,400, with the rate outpacing the state. The number of residents employed grew by about...
The legislation known as the Secure Act of 2019 changed the tax rules for heirs of an individual retirement account (IRA) from someone who passed away on Jan. 1, 2020, or later.
First, it divided these heirs into three different types: eligible designated beneficiaries (EDB), non-designated beneficiaries (NDB) and...
As a senior citizen ages in her home, she begins to understand a problem that has been brewing for years or decades. The house that she bought many moons ago with her husband has slowly appreciated in value over the years. Maybe she bought it in the 1980s...
The year 2022 was challenging with the U.S. stock market posting a -19% return and the U.S. bond market not far behind at -13%. However, enough time has passed to where it is beneficial to conduct an after-action review. This isn’t an examination of what the ideal investment...
Inflation is cooling but gas prices are spiking. Mortgage rates rose above 7% in August for the first time in 22 years, and they might not be done going up. Fears of an imminent recession have diminished, but not disappeared. The labor market remains tight. And for certain...
With students returning to college campuses, it is time to consider other ways for them to pay for tuition, books and living expenses. Too often, they resort to borrowing.
Student loan forgiveness today is highlighted as the solution when it is only part of the answer. There are other...
The Covid-19 pandemic ushered in a skepticism of medicine and science among certain segments of society. It appears that it also has introduced a wariness of the value of post-secondary education.
A reluctance to pursue post-secondary education is more pronounced in the greater Tri-Cities than throughout the state.
I think we can all agree that the experiences we had growing up built us into the adults we became. To ensure a positive future for our community, we need to provide young people with positive experiences that encourage, empower and equip them to dream and grow to...
Did you know a vast majority of people list fear of public speaking as their No. 1 phobia? In fact, some people fear it more than death. How about you? What is your least favorite part about speaking in front of a crowd?
