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Warren Buffett once wrote that your investments don’t know they’ve circled the sun for one more year — but your tax plan certainly does. As the calendar winds down, year-end financial planning becomes essential for minimizing taxes, avoiding surprise tax bills, making smart charitable gifts, and ensuring your retirement contributions and portfolio structure are exactly where you want them.

The…

As we step into the new year, several retirement accounts are getting a boost in contribution limits — giving you even more room to build long-term financial security.
Whether you’re a business owner, nearing retirement, or just trying to stay ahead of taxes, here’s what’s changing in 2026, and how to make the most of it.
 
401(k)s and 403(b)s

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Back in 2021, Washington State passed the WA Cares Act, creating a state-funded long-term care benefit supported by a mandatory payroll tax. Many residents chose to opt out by purchasing private long-term care insurance, a requirement to avoid the new payroll tax. If you missed that overview, or want a refresher, see Washington’s Long Term Care Payroll Tax and How

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Washington’s estate and capital gains tax rules are changing — and for many families, that means their current plan may no longer be enough.
In just a few minutes, our video guide walks you through what’s changed, who’s affected, and how business owners, retirees, and legacy-focused families can reduce estate and capital gains tax exposure with proactive planning.
 

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As we approach the end of 2025, here are a few simple tax saving tips to lighten the burden when you file your taxes next April!
Max out your 401(k)
Your max for 401(k) accounts in 2025 is $23,500 if under age 50 and $31,000 if age 50 or older. These accounts generally must be funded from your paycheck before

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The stock market makes people uneasy.When it’s down, we fixate on the red ink, smaller account values, and gloomy headlines—forgetting the market’s typical generosity. When it’s up, we fixate about the next market crash, either because the last one left scars or the negative headlines are too much.That brings us to today’s market, which offers reasons to worry as it…

Planning for Retirement A Series by The Boston Advisor

Part Four in my Planning for Retirement Series based on my How to Recreate Your Paycheck in Retirement class.

Part one covers why you need to invest for retirement: it’s likely to be longer than expected due to increased life expectancies and people often retiring sooner than planned, inflation erodes purchasing power by half during retirement, and we need portfolio…

We’re thrilled to announce that Alterra Advisors has been named the #1 Best Workplace in Washington by the Puget Sound Business Journal for the second year in a row!
This back-to-back honor is especially meaningful because it’s based entirely on feedback from our team. PSBJ’s annual Best Workplaces program surveys thousands of employees across the region, recognizing companies that foster

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Mark and Susie Donovan spent decades building a thriving construction supply company—and with the business running at peak performance, they knew it was time to begin planning their next chapter. What they didn’t know was how much complexity that transition would involve.
Their questions were clear:
  • How do we reduce taxes before and after the sale of the business?
  • Will

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