Scott Christianson, CFP®, discusses ways in which a well-intentioned estate plan can misalign with the deceased family member's intentions and how to avoid pitfalls related to beneficiary designations.
Planning for an Alternate Scenario
Helping the Next Generation with Buying a Home
The current residential real estate market continues to apply pressure on potential home buyers, with many feeling the constraints of high housing prices and relatively high interest rates for mortgages.
Wealth Management Insights Second Quarter 2024: Planning for Our Children's Future
We present our second quarter 2024 issue of Wealth Management Insights titled “Planning for our Children’s Future.” In it, Samantha Pahlow, CTFA, AWMA®, discusses the crucial aspects to consider when planning for the distribution of assets for minor children. Scott Christianson, CFP®, writes about planning ahead for unanticipated outcomes in our estate plans and what we can do with estate planning to avoid major pitfalls and Charissa Anderson, CFP®, CDFA®, provides a considerations when saving for education and utilizing a 529 account.
Scott Christianson, CFP®, in Business Matters
Free pizza may have been part of the draw, but Scott Christianson recounts his involvement at Oregon State's Investment Group during his time as an undergraduate as pivotal in shaping his future.
Fourth Quarter 2023 Wealth Management Insights: Gifting IRA Funds to Charity and Other Smart Philanthropic and Tax Strategies
Presenting the fourth quarter 2023 publication of Wealth Management Insights titled, “Gifting IRA Funds to Charity and Other Smart Philanthropic Strategies.”
Medicare and Open Enrollment Season
With summer winding down and fall ramping up, many households are looking towards a change in the seasons and fall activities. For those older than age 65 and on Medicare, an annual review of medical insurance coverage may reduce medical costs over time.
Wealth Management Insights Q2 2023: Keeping Your Estate Planning and Education Funding on Track
Read our second quarter 2023 Wealth Management Insights titled, “Keeping Your Estate Planning and Education Funding on Track.”
Social Security Claiming Fundamentals
For those with many years before retirement, social security appears to be a straightforward arrangement: once you retire, you will receive a monthly check for the rest of your life. However, there are several complexities to be aware of as you approach retirement. For example, the timing of when you begin to take benefits can greatly alter the size of your benefits. The options you choose are impactful, and importantly, are mostly irrevocable. Carefully reviewing your options beforehand can ensure that you put yourself in the best position to maximize benefits.
Second Quarter 2022 Wealth Management Insights Publication
Second quarter 2022 issue of Wealth Management Insights publication titled, “Understanding the Impact of Ownership and Beneficiary Designations.”
Proposed Changes for IRA Beneficiaries Under the SECURE Act
The SECURE Act brought significant changes to the retirement planning landscape. The wide-sweeping legislation impacted retirement plans in numerous ways, which are covered in this article.
A Reality Check on College Costs
In the past 30 years, the cost of your cup of coffee doubled. Medical care costs rose 435%. And college costs? According to a study by J. P. Morgan Asset Management, tuition increased … 822%.
Third Quarter 2021 Wealth Management Insights Publication
Wealth Management Insights Third Quarter 2021: Protecting Your Assets and the Evolving Retirement Rulebook
Christianson in Portland Monthly Supporting Meals on Wheels People
Scott Christianson, CFP®, executive vice president, and his wife, Lauren, were recently featured in Portland Monthly Magazine’s Portland Pages for the Donate Dinner fundraiser on behalf of Meals on Wheels People in collaboration with New Seasons.
Should Low Interest Rates Alter When to Claim Social Security?
“Where will I generate cash flow in today’s low interest rate environment?” This is a question that many retirees are now facing as they consider how to effectively manage their income in the current era of extremely low interest rates. One answer could be making a strategic decision about when to claim your Social Security benefits.
Wealth Management Insights Fourth Quarter 2020
As we enter the fourth quarter of 2020, we face significantly different tax policy proposals from our presidential candidates. Developing a comprehensive gift, estate and income tax strategy in concert with your tax and legal advisors, but waiting until after the outcome of the election, may be prudent.
Wealth Management Webinar Recording: Planning for the Known and Unknown
Video recording of our wealth management webinar, “The Known and Unknown,” which was presented on August 18, 2020.
Wealth Management Insights Third Quarter 2020
Allowance Can Be the Best Treat for Kids
This is a great time of year to remind children of the long-term benefits of cash over candy. Beyond Halloween, teaching kids sound money-management skills will serve them well throughout their lives. A good place to start is with an allowance.