Glacier Peak Wealth Management

10/24/2024

A 403(b) is a retirement savings plan designed for employees of public schools, tax-exempt organizations, and certain ministers, allowing them to contribute pre-tax earnings toward retirement.

As a former teacher turned financial advisor, I’ve seen how 403(b) plans are pitched to educators as always the best option. While they do have their perks, they’re not always the best fit for everyone. Sometimes setting up your own IRA can offer more flexibility and lower fees. It’s not about one being better than the other, but both options should be considered because they often share similar advantages with a few important differences.

Don't get me wrong, no matter what you choose, either option is better than doing nothing when it comes to saving for retirement! Let's dive into the details and learn more in my latest blog post.

Read more here:
https://glacierpeakwealth.com/403b-plans-for-educators-deserving-of-the-hype/

10/07/2024

💡 Are You Sitting on Cash? It Might Be Time to Rethink That! 💡

With cash levels in money markets hitting a record $6 trillion, many investors have chosen to stay on the sidelines, benefiting from high interest rates. But what happens as interest rates start to fall?

In my latest blog, I discuss why cash, CDs, and money markets have been popular in the current environment — and why they may not be the best choice moving forward. Explore alternative low-risk investments and learn how lower rates could impact growth and value stocks.

📊 Read more here: https://glacierpeakwealth.com/cash-on-the-sidelines-at-record-levels-whats-next-as-interest-rates-fall/

Whether you’re looking for income, safety, or growth, now is a great time to review your strategy! Reach out if you have any questions or need advice on your next move.

09/06/2024

Let's take a simplistic look at interest rates...

You’ve seen rates rising over the past few years, but now the sentiment is shifting—many believe the Fed might start cutting rates soon. 🤔

But why does the Fed raise or lower rates, and how do these changes impact your investments? 🏦💼

We break it down simply so you can understand what’s happening and what it might mean for your portfolio. Check out our latest blog post to learn more! 👇

You may have noticed a lot of talk in the news lately about interest rates. Over the past few years, interest rates have been rising, making borrowing more expensive. Now, many believe we could soon

09/04/2024

Smart Investing for Your Kids: The Benefits of Starting Early with UTMA Accounts

We've had a few clients ask about investment options for their minor children, and we love that question! Starting early is key, and UTMA accounts are a great way to build a secure financial future while avoiding some of the restrictions of other types of accounts. Here’s why:

🌟Long Time Horizon for Growth
🌟Flexibility in Investment Options
🌟Tax Advantages
🌟No Earned Income Requirement (unlike IRAs)
🌟Teaches Financial Responsibility

Curious to learn more? Check out our latest blog post for all the details!

https://glacierpeakwealth.com/investing-for-minor-children-a-guide-to-utma-accounts/

08/22/2024

As the new school year kicks off, it’s the perfect time to revisit your financial goals. Have you considered starting or contributing to a 529 Educational Savings Plan?

Not only does a 529 plan help you save for your child’s future education, but thanks to the recent Secure Act 2.0, any unused funds can now be rolled into a ROTH IRA—giving you even more flexibility and long-term benefits!

Check out our recent post on the benefits of a 529 plan and learn how it can be a powerful tool in your family’s financial strategy. Let’s make this school year the start of right!

https://glacierpeakwealth.com/the-benefits-of-a-529-plan-a-smart-investment-for-your-childs-future/

07/26/2024

As a Small Business Owner, Should You Be Paying Your Kids?

A popular talking point on social media is that as a business owner you can pay your kids for tax advantages to allow them to contribute to a Roth IRA. While this can be a great strategy when applicable, there are certain business types where this works better than others, and a lot of myths that must be identified to keep yourself out of trouble.

Key Points:

Earned Income: Kids can contribute to a Roth IRA through legitimate work like babysitting or helping in a family business.

Tax Benefits: Wages paid to your child can be deducted as business expenses, reducing your taxable income.

Compliance: Only legitimate work counts as earned income. Maintain accurate records to avoid IRS issues.

Best Business Types:

Sole Proprietorships & Family Partnerships: No payroll taxes for under-18 kids.

S-Corps: Can offer tax advantages with careful planning.

For a deeper dive into truths, myths, and practical steps, check out our latest blog post!

As parents, we often look for ways to help our children secure a prosperous future. One strategy that has gained popularity is creating earned income for your kids so they can contribute to a Roth

07/23/2024

Unwrapping the New 529 to Roth IRA Rollover Rules!

We had a client call this week to ask some questions about the new rules for rolling over unused 529 plan funds into a Roth IRA, and we wanted to share the information with all of you.

Did you know you can now roll over unused 529 plan funds into a Roth IRA? This is a great new rule that gives us more options to maximize your savings strategy, but there are some important details to understand:

✅ Your 529 plan must be open for at least 15 years.
✅ The transfer amount must come from contributions made to the 529 account at least five years before the transfer date.
✅ Standard Roth IRA rules apply—earned income requirement and annual limits.
✅ Lifetime rollover limit of $35,000 from 529 to Roth.

Learn more about how this change can benefit you and explore other options for unused 529 funds. Check out our latest blog post for all the details!

In a significant move to encourage long-term savings, recent legislation has introduced new rules allowing rollovers from 529 college savings plans to Roth IRAs. This change offers a great opportunity for those with unused funds

06/03/2024

Receiving an inheritance can be a life-changing event, offering financial opportunities as well as potential pitfalls. Whether it’s a modest sum or a substantial estate, making the right decisions can significantly impact your financial future. Here are some common mistakes people make when handling their inheritance and how to avoid them.

Check out or latest blog post for insights on navigating your inheritance wisely. Making informed choices can help secure your financial future and honor the legacy of your loved ones.

Receiving an inheritance can be a life-changing event, offering financial opportunities as well as potential pitfalls. Whether it's a modest sum or a substantial estate, making the right decisions can significantly impact your financial future.

04/16/2024

Are you suffering from Tax Day hangover?

If you made your 2023 IRA contributions in time, congrats! You're taking steps toward securing your financial future. But if tax day slipped by without getting those contributions in, don't stress! We've got a game plan for you. Let's gear up for 2024 and make it count!

One of the most effective strategies? Automate your savings with monthly contributions. At Glacier Peak Wealth and our partner broker dealer LPL Financial, we offer a diverse range of investment platforms tailored to suit any investment balance. Don't wait any longer to get going on your 2024 contributions – swing by and let's craft a solid retirement investment plan together. Your future self will thank you!

Visit our website at glacierpeakwealth.com where you can make an appointment or contact us at (406) 293-2785.

04/10/2024

📣 Friendly Reminder: You still have time to make your IRA contributions for the 2023 tax year! Setting up an account and making a contribution is easier than you think and is a great way to kickstart your retirement savings. Contact us now to get started.⏰

Don't forget, you can contribute to your IRA until the April 15th tax deadline. Whether you're considering a Traditional or Roth IRA, now's the perfect moment to ensure you're maximizing your savings and tax benefits.

🔹 Traditional IRA: Contributions to a Traditional IRA are often tax-deductible, which means they can lower your taxable income for the year you make the contribution. Your earnings grow tax-deferred until you start withdrawing funds in retirement. This can be a great option if you expect to be in a lower tax bracket during retirement or if you want to reduce your taxable income now.

🔹 Roth IRA: Roth IRAs offer tax-free growth potential. While contributions to a Roth IRA are not tax-deductible, qualified withdrawals in retirement are tax-free. This can be advantageous if you anticipate being in a higher tax bracket during retirement or if you prefer tax-free withdrawals in the future.

Here are some general guidelines:

➡️ Consider a Traditional IRA if:
You want to lower your taxable income now.
You expect to be in a lower tax bracket during retirement.
You don't qualify for a Roth IRA due to income limits.

➡️ Consider a Roth IRA if:
You anticipate being in a higher tax bracket during retirement.
You want tax-free withdrawals in retirement.
You qualify based on income limits.

Remember, everyone's financial situation is unique, so it's essential to evaluate your options and consult with a financial advisor if needed. Take advantage of this opportunity to secure your financial future!

03/12/2024

🍪Tax Season Fuel Alert!🍪

As tax season heats up, we're proud to send out these Cabinet Confections custom cookie boxes to our hardworking accounting firm partners. 🙌 These treats are just a small token of our appreciation for the incredible effort they put in to keep everything running smoothly during this busy time.

Here's a little secret: at Glacier Peak Wealth, we're not just about cookies (though they're pretty delicious). As your investment advisor, we understand the importance of teamwork, especially when it comes to your finances. That's why we work hand in hand with your tax professionals to ensure you receive the best financial advice tailored to your unique situation. 🤝

To all our accounting firm partners: thank you for your dedication and hard work. We truly value our partnership and the opportunity to serve our shared clients together. Let's keep powering through this tax season together! 💪💼

03/06/2024

🔔 Don't overlook this crucial aspect of estate planning!

Today, a client came in to review an old investment account, highlighting the importance of updating beneficiaries as life changes. Did you know that beneficiary designations override what's stated in your will?

Learn more about why it's essential to regularly update beneficiaries in our latest blog post.

Life is full of changes—marriages, divorces, births, and deaths—all of which can impact your financial affairs. Yet, amidst the whirlwind of life's transitions, many individuals overlook a critical aspect of estate planning: updating beneficiaries on