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I’m almost 70 years old. I’ve spent nearly 50 years working in the investment world and watching how money and life unfold across every decade.
Over that time, I’ve worked with people across the full spectrum: teenagers opening their first investment accounts, parents building careers and raising children, entrepreneurs growing companies worth millions, and families deciding how to give away

If you’ve been watching the markets lately, you’ve likely noticed more movement than usual.
In the first quarter of 2026, markets pulled back and volatility increased. Much of this has been driven by rising geopolitical tension, particularly involving Iran, which has pushed oil prices higher and added uncertainty around inflation and interest rates.
But here’s an important question to ask:

For decades, Washington has been known for one defining feature: no personal income tax. That may be changing.
With the passage of the “Millionaire Tax” (SB 6346), the state is proposing a new tax aimed directly at high earners.
While the bill is expected to be signed into law, legal challenges are widely anticipated. Washington’s constitution has historically

Did you miss your chance to lower your taxes for last year?
Not necessarily.
If you’re like many successful families we work with, you’ve done a great job building wealth, but tax planning often feels rushed between year-end decisions and filing deadlines. The good news? There are still meaningful strategies available before you submit your return.
Here are four strategies

At Alterra, we believe great financial outcomes come from a clear process, guided by the right team, over time. Our purpose is simple: helping you use your wealth to create a life you love.
After working with families, professionals, and business owners across every stage of wealth, we see a consistent pattern. While circumstances differ, many failed or underperforming plans

The start of a new year often brings legacy questions into sharper focus for families. Time spent with children and grandchildren over the holidays tends to bring renewed perspective.
Many families begin asking:
  • Are our plans still aligned with what we want for our family?
  • Do our structures reflect our values as clearly as they once did?
  • If our wealth

Many families today are navigating a tension that previous generations rarely faced so directly. On one hand, parents want to help their adult children. They see the reality clearly: higher housing costs, student debt, delayed wealth-building, and a world that feels more complex and unforgiving than the one they entered decades ago. On the other hand, there’s an unspoken concern

January has a way of inviting reflection. The holidays wind down, spending settles, markets reopen for the new year, and retirees often find themselves asking some important questions:
“Are we still on track?”“Are we spending too much?”“Is this the life we want right now?”
Retirement isn’t a fixed point. It evolves. And the start of the year is when many

As you navigate the financial landscape this year, staying informed about key tax updates is essential. To make things easier, we’ve prepared this concise guide, providing you with the latest tax rates, deductions, and other important figures at a glance. Whether you’re planning for retirement, managing investments, or exploring tax-efficient strategies, this resource is designed to support your financial goals.