In the old days, the decision to fund a retirement account with pre-tax dollars (traditional IRA) or fund it with after-tax dollars (Roth IRA) often hinged on when a person predicted his income would be highest and thus the tax savings greatest.So, if a person thought his or her income...

We were heartbroken to see 10 people lose their homes and at least seven businesses destroyed by a two-alarm fire in the heart of Kennewick’s historic downtown on Feb. 4.The two-story building that burned was at West Kennewick Avenue and North Cascade Street. Built in 1940, it contained a mix...

When the Legislature convened the 2022 session in January, lawmakers made long-term care their first order of business.It’s probably not a topic you thought about much until recently, but news that every employee in the state (except for some who were able to opt out – more about that in...

We aren’t too far into 2022, and it is already shaping up to be another challenging year for America’s 5.5 million family businesses dealing with the coronavirus pandemic.Rampant inflation, supply chain bottlenecks and acute worker shortages continue.Family businesses are vital to America. According to the Conway Center for Family Business,...

As business owners and workers at businesses throughout the Tri-Cities, you are busy balancing your work and family life while at the same time trying to keep an eye on the issues that impact you.There are so many issues coming out of local governments in Pasco, Kennewick, Richland, West Richland,...

 There’s no lack of financial press reporting on the effect of inflation on our day-to-day lives. We don’t need to read about it in popular media to feel inflation’s effect each time we fuel up our vehicles, buy groceries for our families, or pay for the variety of goods and services...

Does the Washington state estate tax got you thinking of moving away? Maybe other things have you considering relocating and the estate tax is just the straw that broke the camel’s back? Perhaps you are lucky enough to own a second home in Arizona or another state and think you...

When my wife, Leah, and I found out two years ago that we were expecting our first child, I was ecstatic. I could already imagine the joys ahead: holding my tiny newborn for the first time, pushing my laughing toddler in a swing and proudly letting go of the bike...

My 10-month-old daughter is a pandemic baby through and through.She was conceived during the pandemic, she encountered the virus in the womb, and she tested positive for omicron at the beginning of this year.I’ve also gone toe-to-toe with the virus three times.My Covid-19 story begins with a Hawaiian vacation.Mentions of...

Like so many other states, the teacher shortage is hitting Washington hard.Staffing shortages in our schools have resulted in multiple cancellations of classes, leaving students and families to navigate shifting schedules and academic interruptions.The crisis has led the state to approve 10% more emergency substitute certificates, according to state schools...