Do Alaskans Need Tax Planning?

Alaska is one of only nine states that has no state income tax. As a State of Alaska employee, you may be thinking, “Tax planning? Is that even something that should be on my radar?” Yes! Yes, it should be. Many of the public employees that I work with weren’t even aware of the many […]

Is Now a Good Time to Invest in Real Estate?

Is Now a Good Time to Invest in Real Estate

Wondering if 2022 is the year to purchase another real estate property? Now could be an excellent time to buy – or not.  2021 was undoubtedly a unique year for real estate. With record-low interest rates, more work-from-home opportunities, and a great migration of people moving out of densely populated areas, Americans saw housing prices […]

4 Questions You Must Ask Before You Retire with Your State Retirement Plan

4 Questions You Must Ask Before You Retire with Your State Retirement Plan

As a State of Alaska employee, you have access to excellent retirement benefits. However, you may worry that your state retirement still doesn’t fully meet the financial needs of the life you envision after working. Thankfully, you can take advantage of several options to bolster your retirement income and ensure your golden years are secured […]

What States Don’t Tax Retirement Income?

You’ve worked hard your entire career to earn a living and save for retirement. Now, you want to make sure your retirement is protected and lasts as long as possible. You don’t want to hand over a portion of your retirement income to the IRS if you don’t have to.

Unfortunately, many states tax retirement income. Depending on where you live, the money you worked so hard to build up for the future could be subject to taxes down the road. States like Arizona and New Mexico are popular for snowbirding Alaskans; however, it’s important to be aware that they do tax your retirement income.

The good news is that not all states operate this way. Alaska, for instance, does not tax your retirement income at all. However, many Alaskans plan to move out of state for retirement for lower cost of living, easier climates, closeness to family, and access to healthcare.

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Tis the Season for Charitable Giving

In addition to investing intentionally by aligning your portfolios with your values, I believe in spending intentionally on things that are most meaningful.  Studies have shown people have greater happiness when they spend on things they value, such as experiences. With the holiday season on its way, end-of-the-year charitable giving is another way to make […]

Investing During a Volatile Market

Although economic instability is not directly connected to bear markets, a struggling economy and these unusual circumstances can cause fear that your accounts will lose money with market volatility. The first casualty of a bear market is an investor’s ability to distinguish between temporary volatility and permanent loss. This means that your investments only suffer […]