Wealth Management

WA’s status solidifies as one of the most expensive places in US

Sun, 29 Mar 2026 21:00:00 -0400

Drawing from an array of federal and state data, a new analysis shows the state’s cost of living rising faster than the national average over that time, with only California, New Jersey, Hawaii and Washington, D.C. considered more expensive in 2023.

Ferguson signs law to undo WA estate tax increase enacted last year

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 21:00:00 -0400

Washington will soon end its reign as the state with the nation’s highest estate tax.

Longtime Journal columnist signs off after 10-year run

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 10:30:00 -0400

For more than 10 years, I have drafted and submitted a monthly column for the Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business. Every month. That’s equaled more than 120 columns. This will be my final installment.

Banking & Wealth Management Briefs – February 2026

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 12:00:00 -0500

Banking & Wealth Management Briefs – February 2026

These are the states where incomes grew the most, least in recent decades

khardy@stateline.org — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 12:00:00 -0500

Household incomes have grown in nearly every state over the past 50 years, but a new study concludes that growth has been uneven across the country.

Thinking about moving out of state to avoid Washington taxes?

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 12:00:00 -0500

Do Washington state taxes get you thinking of moving away?

Largest Wealth Management Firms

nathan@tcjournal.biz — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 09:00:36 -0500

Identifying compensation challenges during ownership transition

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 12:00:00 -0500

As businesses grow and mature, compensation strategies often become complex, especially when new owners join or founders plan to step back.

A $1M trust for children is a smart move for young families

Fri, 12 Dec 2025 12:00:00 -0500

If you have young children, creating a will isn’t just a good idea – it’s essential.

IRS raises retirement contribution limits for 2026

Wed, 26 Nov 2025 21:00:00 -0500

The IRS has announced increased retirement savings limits for 2026, with higher contributions allowed across 401(k)s, IRAs, SIMPLE plans and related programs.

An ethical will can provide a voice for your legacy

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 12:00:00 -0500

How do heirs come to better understand learn the thinking behind mom or dad’s estate plan? One common solution is an ethical will.

Think you’ll inherit everything? Think again

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 12:00:00 -0400

Most spouses assume they’ll automatically inherit everything when their partner dies. They won’t. Let that sink in.

Strategic giving starts with strategic planning

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 12:00:00 -0400

Strategic and forward-looking planning can improve the balance between charitable contributions and the amount of taxes to be paid.

Report: Gen Z credit scores drop, overall loan delinquency rates up

Sun, 21 Sep 2025 21:00:00 -0400

Inflation, federal policy shifts and economic uncertainty are pushing consumers to change their financial habits, though not without consequences.

Student-run branches give teens real-world financial edge, experience

rachel@tcjournal.biz — Thu, 11 Sep 2025 11:00:00 -0400

High school students locally and across the state have the opportunity to get hands-on financial experience, thanks to a Richland-based credit union’s student program, now in its 25th year.

New Idaho bank opens in Richland to focus on small business

rachel@tcjournal.biz — Thu, 11 Sep 2025 11:00:00 -0400

An Idaho-based bank has opened its sixth branch in Richland.

Q&A with Lindsey Myhre

Thu, 11 Sep 2025 11:00:00 -0400

Q&A with Lindsey Myhre, president and CEO of STCU.

Kids can train their ‘savings’ dragon in credit union’s reimagined program

rachel@tcjournal.biz — Thu, 11 Sep 2025 11:00:00 -0400

A local credit union has launched a new program with cool prizes to encourage kids to start saving money.

Tips for selling your business without losing your shirt – or your sanity

Thu, 11 Sep 2025 11:00:00 -0400

The process is part chess match and part marathon.

Have you saved enough for retirement? Studies say probably not

ty@tcjournal.biz — Tue, 02 Sep 2025 12:00:00 -0400

Are you over the age of 50? Have you socked away six times your annual salary for retirement?

HAPO prepares for $7.6 million expansion after bank acquisition

Sun, 03 Aug 2025 21:00:00 -0400

HAPO Community Credit Union is expanding its footprint in the Tri-Cities with a new $7.6 million office complex in Kennewick following its recent acquisition of Community First Bank, effective Aug. 1.

Can I start a new business while in bankruptcy?

Mon, 14 Jul 2025 11:00:00 -0400

If my business has filed for bankruptcy and I am required to remain with the business until it’s complete, can I establish a new business as well?

From entry level to CEO, meet STCU’s new leader

rachel@tcjournal.biz — Wed, 09 Jul 2025 21:00:00 -0400

STCU has named a new permanent president and CEO, the sixth in its 91-year history and its first woman.

State expands capital gains, estate taxes, targeting the top 1%

Thu, 12 Jun 2025 11:00:00 -0400

A new state law introduces a tiered capital gains tax and increases the estate tax rates for high-value estates.

Finding balance and adapting in post-inflationary economy

Thu, 12 Jun 2025 11:00:00 -0400

By setting up sound financial practices and making a plan for where you’d like to get to, business leaders and consumers alike will be better positioned to stay on track and meet their goals.

For the cost of a trip to Costco, consider paying for expert advice on estate plan

Thu, 15 May 2025 12:00:00 -0400

A person doesn’t need an attorney for anything in this world … just like a person doesn’t need a dentist for a root canal. But sometimes it’s worth the peace of mind that professionals can provide, especially when it comes to estate planning.

Is the juice worth the squeeze? The overlooked downside to trusts

Mon, 14 Apr 2025 12:00:00 -0400

Too often a trust is a proposed solution without consideration of the commensurate challenges of using a trust.

Want to sell your business? First take these steps

Thu, 13 Mar 2025 12:25:00 -0400

While there’s no single, prescribed path for selling your business, let us review key steps that offer a valuable framework for sellers aiming to maximize their final payout while simultaneously reducing the potential for problems down the road.

Financial planning pairs well with science in WA state

Thu, 13 Feb 2025 12:00:00 -0500

The mathematics that drive the powerful tools financial advisors use have links to our community.

5 ways to build, protect and grow your wealth in 2025

Thu, 13 Feb 2025 12:00:00 -0500

Here are five ways that can help you build, protect and grow your wealth in the year ahead.