Sophos Wealth Management, LLC

09/20/2026

How much Social Security would put you in the top 10% of retirees?

The answer is about $3,300 a month, based on December 2025 data. What surprised me more was the earnings history needed to get there—and how much that changes depending on when you claim.

In my latest article, I walk through the numbers for claiming at 67 versus 70, explain how Social Security calculates your benefit, and cover what to check on your statement if you’re planning to retire early.

If retirement is getting closer, this should help you make sense of your own numbers.

04/02/2026

New video up that breaks down the massive shifts in Washington State's tax code over the last 5 years:

Schedule a free call: https://calendly.com/sophoswm/intro-callMy retirement planning checklist: https://sophoswm.com/get-your-free-copy-of-my-ultimate-retire...

03/19/2026

Is Washington becoming the next California? In just five years, lawmakers have introduced a capital gains tax, raised the estate tax to the highest rate in the nation, and passed a new 9.9% income tax. The wealthy are already voting with their feet — and if you're a high earner in Washington, now is the time to understand what's changed and what it means for you:

In the last five years, Washington State lawmakers have sent a crystal-clear message to the wealthy: we are coming for you. The so-called “Millionaires Tax”

09/12/2025

Planning for health care costs in retirement is one of the most challenging aspects of financial planning. Health care spending has consistently outpaced overall inflation, and many retirees are caught off guard by how much they'll need to budget for medical expenses.

So how much should you expect to spend on health insurance? What will your out-of-pocket costs be? And how should you plan for the future when health care inflation is so unpredictable?

This guide breaks it all down and provides practical steps to incorporate health care costs into your retirement plan.

How Much Health Care Costs at Age 65

A good starting point comes from Fidelity’s annual research. Fidelity estimates that the average 65-year-old couple today will spend around $12,800 in their first year of retirement, or about $6,400 per person.

Planning for health care costs in retirement is one of the most challenging aspects of financial planning. Health care spending has consistently outpaced overal

06/11/2025

Sophos Wealth Management has been nominated for best Wealth Management Firm in the PNW. Please vote!

You can vote daily 😁

Vote once per day from June 9 through June 27.

05/28/2025

On May 20, 2025, Governor Bob Ferguson signed a sweeping series of tax increases into law to address a projected $16 billion budget shortfall in Washington State. These changes, which span everything from capital gains and estate taxes to sales and gas taxes, will have a broad impact on individuals, business owners, and investors.

Below is a summary of the most significant changes and what they could mean for your financial planning.

Capital Gains Tax Hike (SB 5813)

The capital gains tax on long-term investments over $1 million has increased from 7% to 9.9%, effective retroactively from January 1, 2025. The exemption amount, adjusted annually for inflation, stands at $270,000 for 2024, with the 2025 figure yet to be released. Real estate and retirement accounts remain exempt.

On May 20, 2025, Governor Bob Ferguson signed a sweeping series of tax increases into law to address a projected $16 billion budget shortfall in Washington Stat

04/29/2025

As a business owner in Woodinville, Washington, you have a significant financial advantage that many neighboring businesses don't enjoy: Woodinville does NOT impose a local Business & Occupation (B&O) tax. Unlike businesses in Seattle, Bellevue, and Everett that face additional local taxation, your Woodinville business pays only the state B&O tax—keeping more of your hard-earned revenue available for growth, hiring, or investment.

As a business owner in Woodinville, Washington, you have a significant financial advantage that many neighboring businesses don't enjoy: Woodinville does NOT im