Insights & Perspectives

We are pleased to announce that Andrea Silbernagel is now a partner at Fort Vancouver Investment Management. Having joined FVIM as an Advisor in 2022, Andrea brings valuable expertise in tax and financial planning.

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, has left an indelible mark on American taxpayers since its enactment in 2018. As the TCJA is set to sunset in 2026, a short window of opportunity remains for individuals to strategize and maximize their tax benefits before the landscape shifts.

People have their take on retirement. With planning, hard work, and help from a skilled financial advisor your retirement can be a dream come true (at least according to these notable voices).

Instead of seeking more concentrated dividend stock positions, we prefer a total return investment strategy, even for retirees who are drawing income out of their portfolios.

Embarking on the path to sound financial decisions can feel overwhelming, especially when faced with the complexities of retirement planning, taxation, and investment management. Much like Rob's recent climb of Mt. Hood, the journey to financial success requires careful navigation and a knowledgeable guide to help you reach your goals.

In planning for retirement, one topic is often top of mind: What if Social Security goes bust? As we covered in a related post, When Should You Take Your Social Security, most of us have been paying into the program our entire working life. We’re counting on receiving some of that money back in retirement.

Ever since President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed off on the 1935 Social Security Act, most Americans have ended up pondering this critical question as they approach retirement: “When should I (or we) start taking my (or our) Social Security?” And yet, the “right” answer to this common query remains as elusive as ever. It depends on a wide array of personal variables. It depends on how Congress acts. It depends on how the unknowable future plays out.

The original SECURE Act was signed into law on December 20th, 2019. Its “sequel,” the SECURE 2.0 Act, was similarly enacted at year-end on December 29th, 2022. Both pieces of legislation seek to reform how Americans prepare for retirement while juggling current spending needs. Across shifting socioeconomic climates, a hard truth remains: Employers and the government play a role in helping you save for and spend in retirement, but much of the preparation ultimately falls on you.