At Alterra Advisors, we’re proud to share that we’ve been recognized on the Inc. Best Workplaces 2025 list. This national recognition means more than just a badge—it reflects our belief that great planning starts with a great team culture.
But why does this matter to our clients? Because how we treat our people shapes how we serve yours.
People-First, Always
Alterra Advisors
Website:
https://alterraadvisors.com/
Why Staying Invested Matters—Even in Volatile Markets
By Grant Monson
When markets drop, it doesn’t just rattle numbers on a screen. It stirs up real emotions. Anxiety. Doubt. The very natural urge to protect what you’ve worked hard to build.
If you’ve found yourself wondering, “Should I step out and wait until things calm down?”—you’re not alone. That reaction is completely understandable. In fact, it’s one we hear often, especially…
Understanding Washington’s 2025 Estate and Capital Gains Tax Increases
By Grant Monson
Washington State is rolling out major changes to its estate and capital gains tax laws starting in 2025. These updates could significantly impact how your assets are taxed—whether you’re selling appreciated investments, planning your estate, or preparing for the future.
Understanding what’s changing—and how to adjust your strategy—can help you avoid costly surprises and keep more of what you’ve worked…
How the Watkins Family Built a Legacy with Clarity & Confidence
By Grant Monson
For Eleanor and Jim Watkins, retirement wasn’t just about stepping away from work—it was about stepping into a new role as grandparents, mentors, and legacy builders.
They had worked hard, saved diligently, and supported their family every step of the way. With their children grown and successful, their thoughts began to shift from “Do we have enough?” to “What kind…
Long-term Investing Can Mean Turning Volatility into Growth
By Grant Monson
Staying the Course: How Time Turns Volatility into Growth
If you’ve been a long-term investor, you’ve likely experienced the ups and downs that come with the territory. The phrase, “stay the course” is something you’ve liked heard countless times. Markets rise, they fall, and over the years, patterns emerge. Yet even with that experience, it’s still easy to feel unsettled…
Financial Confidence: How to Make Every Decision with Clarity and Peace of Mind
By Grant Monson
When it comes to big financial decisions, it’s easy to feel unsure.
Am I making the right move? Am I missing something? Will this decision support my long-term goals? What if I’m wrong?
That’s where financial confidence comes in—not from having all the answers, but from having a plan and a trusted guide to help you move forward with clarity…
6 Retirement Myths You Can Avoid with a Smart Plan
By Grant Monson
Retirement planning comes with a lot of advice—some of it helpful, some outdated, and some just plain wrong. That’s how retirement myths get started—and believing them can lead to stress, higher taxes, and financial surprises.
The truth? A strong retirement plan isn’t just about saving—it’s about knowing how to use your money wisely once you get there. In this article,…
How the Barretts Turned Their Retirement Dream Into a Reality—with the Right Plan
By Grant Monson
A dream they could see, but weren’t sure they could reach.
For Sam and Sandy Barrett*, retirement wasn’t just about stopping work—it was about achieving their retirement dream. After spending five years caring for Sandy’s mother, they were ready for their next chapter: moving closer to their kids and grandkids and buying a lakefront home they could pass down for…
Why Home and Auto Insurance Rates are Rising—and What You Can Do About It
By Grant Monson
If your home or auto insurance premiums have jumped recently, you’re not imagining it—rising insurance rates are affecting families across Washington and beyond.
Because changes like this impact your overall financial picture, we’ve partnered with insurance expert Christopher Togawa, owner of Christopher Togawa Insurance Agency, to help explain what’s driving these increases and how to respond wisely. Our goal…
Tariffs, Turbulence, and Protecting Your Portfolio with Senior Portfolio Manager Russ Martin
By Grant Monson
With new tariffs in place and market volatility on the rise, many people are asking: What does this mean for my portfolio and long-term plan?
In this timely conversation, Josh Whelan sat down with Russ Martin, Senior Portfolio Manager at City National Rochdale, to break down what’s driving today’s uncertainty — and how investors should respond. We cover:
- What tariffs are
…