Articles by Guest Contributor
Buy local to support state’s asparagus renaissance
By Marilou Shea I’m still in mourning over the wrenching tale of what happened to our Washington asparagus industry. In the late 1980s, asparagus was a thriving industry in the fresh and processed markets with 32,000 acres of the green spears shooting up from the fertile soils in Franklin, Walla Walla and Adams counties and…
Saving for the future just got easier for Washingtonians
By Cathy MacCaul A new retirement savings initiative has launched in Washington. The Retirement Marketplace officially opened the nation’s first online savings portal in March, where businesses and individuals can comparison shop for low-cost, state-verified retirement savings plans. The Retirement Marketplace was created to help about 2 million Washingtonians who do not have access to retirement…
The essential partnership to improve retirement readiness
By Stephen Palm Retirement planning is the process to prepare for the phase of life after employment income ends. There are several lifestyle items to consider. However, the primary issue is will there be sufficient assets and income to provide the desired income and lifestyle for the remainder of the retiree’s life. Research shows the…
Adjusting to a retirement mindset can be challenging
By Scott Sarber Many people come into our office to prepare for retirement. We talk about when they are anticipating retirement and what their goals are. We review assets, liabilities and current cash flow. Through our financial planning process, we estimate future net worth and future cash flow. We let them know if they are…
The essential partnership to improve retirement readiness
By Stephen Palm Retirement planning is the process to prepare for the phase of life after employment income ends. There are several lifestyle items to consider. However, the primary issue is will there be sufficient assets and income to provide the desired income and lifestyle for the remainder of the retiree’s life. Research shows the…
Washington’s terroir sets stage for quality grapes, wine
By David Forsyth Washington state wines are now recognized as a legitimate player in the world wine market. While small in stature relative to the California industry, Washington wines are appreciated for their quality, value and their potential to becoming a bigger player in U.S. wine production. As the wine sales shift from less than…
‘House Hunters’ features Tri-City couple, showcases local real estate
By Jennifer L. Drey When Sierra and Darin Chase Foster decided it was time to buy their first home, they naturally gravitated toward watching “House Hunters,” a popular television show on HGTV that takes viewers behind the scenes with homebuyers as they choose between three potential properties. As newlyweds with two dogs, a cat and…
Export uncertainties: Recent changes in trade policy cause worry
By Jennifer L. Drey Washington’s agricultural exports increased significantly in 2017, but uncertainty surrounding U.S. trade policy has some producers worried the state may be on the verge of losing its competitive edge overseas. Although the numbers are still being finalized, Washington’s agricultural exports appear to have increased by at least 10 percent in 2017.…
Fierce wage competition: Farms compete for laborers as worker shortage continues
By Jennifer L. Drey An ongoing shortage of agricultural laborers is forcing some Washington farms to get creative in their efforts to attract and retain workers, while others are looking to the federal government’s guest worker program to bring in the help they need. More than 96 percent of Washington farms experienced a labor disruption…
Looming concerns: Wheat farmers wary of proposed trade policies
By Jennifer L. Drey Washington wheat farmers face challenging times as the industry navigates changes in U.S. trade policy and potential cuts to crop insurance and key conservation programs included in the U.S. Farm Bill. Industry representatives have already taken to Washington, D.C., to make sure they have a seat at the table as the…
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