General

AI OR HUMAN FINANCIAL ADVISORS?

Artificial intelligence (AI) made a dramatic appearance in 2023. As often happens with hot topics, an initial flurry of attention on AI kicked off a cascade of articles, podcasts, interviews, and commentaries on how AI would transform society. This led to a frenzy of buying from investors hoping to cash in on the AI gravy train. While AI is likely to have a significant impact on business, science, and society over the next few decades, we’ve been pondering how it…

0
Read More
Question marks in thought bubbles

WHAT ARE NORMAL INTEREST RATES?

For the last 15 years since the Financial Crisis in 2008 interest rates as set by the Federal Reserve Board (Fed) have been at or near 0%. Home buyers got used to mortgage rates under 3% much of the time. Savers also, grudgingly, put up with paltry rates on their money market accounts, bond funds, and certificates of deposit. Now that the Fed has increased their interest rate from 0% to over 5% to combat inflation, rates have risen in…

0
Read More
Blue book cover - I'm Dead, Now What?

“I’M DEAD, NOW WHAT?” BY PETER PAUPER PRESS

The death of a loved one is emotional, stressful, and can put such a huge strain on those left behind. Why not be prepared for the inevitable? “I’m dead, Now What?” is an excellent workbook to help you prepare your loved ones for your passing. This book walks you through gathering all the information your loved ones will need to take care of your belongings, financial or business affairs, and your wishes. Instead of leaving them panicking or arguing over…

0
Read More
Person holding a box labeled Donate.

CAN YOU MAKE QUALIFIED CHARITABLE DONATIONS FROM YOUR IRA?

The last few months of the year are when many people make charitable donations. Those who are over 70 ½ may make a donation from their IRA account (also known as a qualified charitable donation (QCD)). A QCD must be made to a 501(c)(3) organization. Instead of sending a charitable donation via check from your bank account, request that a check be sent out from your IRA to your chosen charity. Why Should I Make A Charitable Donation From my…

0
Read More
Man pulling a $50 and $20 bill out of wallet

HOW TO AVOID A SPENDING HANGOVER AFTER THE HOLIDAYS

The holidays can be an expensive time of year. Between trying to please everyone and buying for everyone, your finances may suffer. Here are 6 tips to make the gift buying season easier for your wallet and your stress level. Make a list and stick to it. Make a list of all the people you need to buy for this year, set a spending limit for each gift, and then follow it! It is never too early to start a…

0
Read More
Group of people piling hands in the middle of them

JOURNEY TREE SUPPORTS

JourneyTree believes that to be part of your community, you must support your community. That’s why, over the last several decades, we have been a proud supporter and sponsor of many local organizations: Friends of Trees For the last several years, JourneyTree has been a sponsor and participant in planting trees around Eugene. Since 1989, Friends of Trees has planted over 946,000 trees and shrubs throughout the Pacific Northwest. They do more than plant trees, however, they also have a…

0
Read More

JourneyTree Plants Trees!

On April 9th JourneyTree sponsored and took part in planting trees with Friends of Trees. The weather was perfect, just a bit overcast without any rain and the JourneyTree team (along with a few JourneyTree clients) planted trees along Willamette & 15th as well as 15th and Charnelton. A total of 49 trees were planted around the city that Saturday, including many at Charlemagne Elementary School. We all enjoyed it and are looking forward to our next tree planting –…

0
Read More
Large question mark on chalk board

Roth Conversions: What are they and when do they make sense?

A Roth conversion is the process of moving traditional IRA dollars, which are taxed when withdrawn, to a Roth IRA which can be withdrawn tax free. Benefits of a Roth conversion Tax-free income in retirement Ability to pass assets tax-free to heirs Lower Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) For example, you have a traditional IRA with a $100,000 balance as of 12/31 in 2021 and you turn 72 in 2022. Your RMD for 2022 would be roughly $3,600. But let’s say…

0
Read More
Money with an line chart and arrow over it

Inflation – Where are we Headed?

Over the past four decades, inflation has been a non-issue. Until now. While hovering around 2% for decades, inflation rates jumped to 6.2% in October 2021. Higher than it has been for over 30 years. 10 – Year Inflation Rate The Investopedia website says, “Inflation is a decrease in the purchasing power of money, reflected in a general increase in the prices of goods and services in an economy.” Prices of goods and services have indeed been rising. Lumber prices…

0
Read More
Group of people wearing graduation gear and throwing graduation hats in the air

Student Loan Payments Resume

It has been over three years since student loan payments were paused due to the pandemic. Now that the pause is coming to an end, here are a few key things to know if you or a loved one has a student loan: Interest begins accruing on 9/1/23. Payments resume in October. Your specific due date may vary depending on your service provider. Biden has proposed an “on ramp” transition period. During this 12-month period: Missed monthly payments will not…

0
Read More