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07 Dec '20
Financial Rubbernecking – Part 1: Income
Continue readingTech employees – as a group – are highly-compensated. However, it may not feel that way given the high cost-of-living in many tech hubs like Seattle and the San Francisco Bay Area. To keep grounded, every three years I look forward to the latest Federal Reserve Board’s Survey of Consumer Finances (SCF) to remind us […]
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17 Sep '20
Are Amazon and Google technology companies?
Continue readingWhen you think of large technology companies, you probably think of companies like the so-called FAANG stocks: Facebook (FB), Amazon (AMZN), Apple (AAPL), Netflix (NFLX), Google (GOOG). Not a bad starter list of highly successful “tech” companies. But from an investing standpoint—of the 5 FAANG stocks—only Apple Inc. is considered part of the Information Technology […]
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10 Oct '18
Save Taxes on 401(k) Distributions
Continue readingPreferential Tax Treatment on Company Stock in Your 401(k) If you hold shares of your employer’s stock in your 401(k) account, there is an IRS rule with the potential to significantly reduce your future tax burden. The rule pertains to net unrealized appreciation (NUA). NUA is the difference between the price you originally paid for […]
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25 Sep '18
RSU Income & Mortgage Qualification – 2018
Continue readingWorking for a tech company—like Amazon—that uses Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) as compensation, can limit your ability to qualify for the home mortgage you might desire. Luckily, more mortgage providers now accept income from RSUs in their qualification calculations, but it may take some advanced planning on your part. This change is likely based on […]
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08 Jun '18
Statistically Probable Investing
Continue readingWe are often asked, “What’s your investment thesis?” Although various investment approaches impact your accumulation of wealth differently, we don’t believe selecting the “best” investment thesis is the most critical decision. The largest long-term influence on your wealth—unless you are already independently wealthy—is more likely whether you have implemented a disciplined investment plan. Systematic contributions […]