Washington State Increases Taxes
Washington State is navigating a significant fiscal challenge in 2025, with a projected $16 billion budget shortfall over the next four years. In response, Governor Bob Ferguson has signed into law a comprehensive tax package aimed at addressing this deficit with many notable tax increases.
Are You on Track? A 6-Month Financial Review Guide
Midyear is the perfect time to check in on your financial goals. In this 6-month financial review guide, we walk through the key areas to assess—like spending, saving, investments, and tax strategy—to help you stay on track for the year ahead. Whether life has changed or you're simply due for a tune-up, this midyear check-in offers clarity and confidence for your financial future.
Tariff Troubles
An excerpt from our 1Q2025 newsletter to clients addressing the tariff policies announced in April. Written by Mark Wallace, partner and financial planner at Skyline Advisors.
The SECURE Act 2.0
Selected Changes for Physicians SECURE Act 2.0 was signed into law on December 29, 2022 and makes numerous changes that impact retirement savers and retirees.
Updated Vanguard: Your Advisor Adds Up to, or Even Exceeds, 3% in Net Returns
The Vanguard Group has long been considered a company squarely in the investor’s corner in part because of its ground-breaking research into low-cost index funds done back in the 1970’s by its founder John C. Bogle.
Saving for Retirement in a Roth IRA
The Vanguard Group has long been considered a company squarely in the investor’s corner in part because of its ground-breaking research into low-cost index funds done back in the 1970’s by its founder John C. Bogle.
Diversification, Asset Allocation & the Role of Bonds in the Portfolio: Part 3
Bonds play a key role for many investors. Bonds are different from stocks. Stock ownership involves being a part owner of a business and participating in its successes and failures. Bond ownership involves being the lender to a business, person, or government.
Diversification, Asset Allocation & the Role of Bonds in the Portfolio: Part 2
You can own stocks, bonds, real estate, commodities and several other categories and classes of assets so that some of your holdings zig while others zag. You choose what and how much to allocate to various categories to match your strategy, tolerance, time horizon, financial profile and to achieve a level of risk and return that helps you achieve your goals.
Diversification, Asset Allocation & the Role of Bonds in the Portfolio: Part 1
You have heard over and over how important diversification and asset allocation is for a successful investment strategy. Have you wondered why they are important and what role they play in your portfolio?
‘Tis The Season For Change
Is your financial advisor or planner retiring? Are they leaving to join another firm? Are you bombarded with paperwork, phone calls and hassle? We can help. Skyline Advisors is locally owned and operated and we adhere to the fiduciary standard of care. We act in our clients’ best interest and value honesty, integrity and trust.
Stay Safe This October: Cybersecurity Awareness Month
Skyline Advisors wants you to be safe and secure amidst increasing threats to steal your personal information and money. Check out our free Cybersecurity Awareness resources – “Tips for Preventing Fraud” and “How to Respond to a Data Breach”.
Graduated & Going on to College? Don’t Go Overboard on Student Loans
It’s the time of year for high school graduations and many graduates will be continuing their education at university or a college with aspirations of earning a degree. It is rewarding to see your kids grow up and graduate high school and then go on to college. Students in Bellingham don’t have far to go
529 College Savings Plans and Tax-Free Growth
College is getting tougher and tougher to pay for, but a 529 plan can be a really big help. Did you know that contributions to 529 plans are not taxable on the growth or income generated when spent on tuition or other approved expenses? Tax-free does not appear many times in the American Tax Code.
The Most Important Action You Can Take For Your Financial Well-Being
The amount of advice that can be given about getting your financial affairs in order is plentiful. So many actionable steps can leave you overwhelmed. I want to narrow it down for you to the single most important action you can take, PARTICIPATE.
Protecting Your Assets in the Digital Age
Your retirement accounts, bank accounts, and other investments need special care in the internet age. The amount stolen from Americans in the wake of recent identity breaches was a staggering Sixteen Billion1 last year. Most companies will allow you to view your balances online, a great convenience saving you time and energy.
Should I pay off debt or save for retirement?
The question, “should I pay off debt or save for retirement” is not easily answered. I’ve thought about my answer for a long time and I believe you should never stop saving for retirement unless you are in financial crisis.
Benefits of a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER
The Financial Planning Association outlines the potential benefits of working with a Certified Financial Planner. Planning works, and having decades of experience planning, implementing plans and monitoring plans sets you up for financial success when you work with a CFP.
Wealth Is Built By Behavior Not Income
Wealth is often associated with certain highly educated professions or inheritance. However, this isn’t necessarily true. Wealth is more closely related to behavior—having seen administrative professionals who have accumulated more wealth than doctors and beneficiaries who’ve spent their inheritance in just a few short years.
The Importance of a Financial Plan
Have you ever gone out for a run without knowing how far you would run or how long it might take? Or how about leaving on vacation without a destination or knowing the length of time you would be gone?
Investment and Retirement Savings Strategies
The initial process to begin saving for retirement, college, or general investing for wealth down the road can seem overwhelming and arduous. Many people simply don’t know where to begin, so they avoid the process altogether.
Disclaimer
The commentary on this website reflects the personal opinions, viewpoints and analyses of the Skyline Advisors, Inc. employees providing such comments, and should not be regarded as a description of advisory services provided by Skyline Advisors, Inc. or performance returns of any Skyline Advisors, Inc. Investments client. The views reflected in the commentary are subject to change at any time without notice. Nothing on this website constitutes investment advice, performance data or any recommendation that any particular security, portfolio of securities, transaction or investment strategy is suitable for any specific person. Any mention of a particular security and related performance data is not a recommendation to buy or sell that security. Skyline Advisors, Inc. manages its clients’ accounts using a variety of investment techniques and strategies, which are not necessarily discussed in the commentary. Investments in securities involve the risk of loss. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.