According to the FBI, Americans 60 and older lost $1.7 billion to fraud in 2021. Unfortunately, these numbers are only expected to rise.

In the coming months, we’ll be working on putting out articles on various scams and frauds going on so that you and your loved ones can be in the know.

This month, however, we’re going to focus on the worst case – what to do if your identity is stolen.

Social Security is a government program, created in 1935, that provides retirement benefits to eligible individuals starting. Social Security also provides for survivor benefits to spouses and dependent children and disability benefits. This FAQ address specifically retirement benefits for eligible individuals.

A few months ago, we featured a blog on the debt ceiling. To recap, the debt ceiling is a cap on the amount of new debt that the Treasury Department can issue to meet its obligations – that is, money that has already been spent or appropriated.

Knowing which financial and personal paperwork to keep or toss is very important.

On May 1, 2021, Governor Inslee signed the Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5096 (RCW 82.87), which established a state-wide 7% tax on long-term capital gains. After much back and forth, on March 24, 2023, the Washington State Supreme Court upheld this legislation.

April marks the start of Financial Literacy Month, a nationally recognized movement to promote and support financial understanding in children and teens. For many, it's a fantastic opportunity to teach and connect with their children or grandchildren, and these kids are ready to learn! Recent data shows that nearly 74% of teens desire to be financially literate, and 86% want to learn how to invest.

Market timing must be exhausting. Always moving in and out of the markets based on economic analysis or business headlines must be so challenging.

529 Plans can provide an attractive option to leverage tax-advantaged dollars to pay for a loved one’s education. But too often, 529 Plan owners may be either leaving money on the table or subjecting dollars to tax penalties if used for options other than education.

Always remember, keep your personal information safe and be vigilant when it comes to preventing identity theft.