When our clients or prospects consider our services, they often gravitate toward one aspect of what we do for them. In some cases, they may see us as portfolio managers, balancing their needs with uncertain markets and shifting economic times. Many will see us as adept financial planners who know how to make sense of their varying financial goals. Others will see us as trusted advisors who provide the necessary guidance to address their complex financial lives when it comes to tax needs or estate planning concerns.

Life moves quickly. Between work, family, friends, and staying on top of our daily responsibilities we usually focus on what’s right in front of us. It’s hard to find the time, space, and energy to think about the future when we’re juggling so much.

At Bear Mountain Capital, we take pride in working closely with a network of trusted professional partners who help our clients navigate important life decisions with confidence and clarity. One of those invaluable partners is Kjersti Stroup, a thoughtful and highly experienced estate planning attorney based in Seattle.

The beginning of a stock market selloff feels terrible—there’s a palpable tenseness and nervousness in the air. Intuitively, we know that selloffs happen, but our emotions and fear don’t care about market history, context, or what the data tells us. What if this time is different? What if we’re on the verge of something catastrophic? After all, every market downturn, whether a correction, pullback, or full-blown bear market, had to start somewhere.

If you are an investor and heard terms like “accredited investor” or “qualified investor” and aren’t sure how they pertain to you, you’re not alone. These terms refer to specific financial qualifications that allow investors to participate in certain types of investment opportunities that may not be available to the general public.

Accredited investors looking for stable, high-yield opportunities beyond traditional stocks and bonds are increasingly turning to direct lending and multi-family real estate investing. These alternative investment strategies offer strong risk-adjusted returns, diversification benefits, and long-term wealth-building potential.

You’ve been hustling at your tech job for a few years and now it’s finally starting to pay off. Your finances are looking healthier than ever and goals that once seemed distant are now within reach. You’re thriving… vibes are high… life is good.

If you haven’t been watching the headlines, thinking about the stock market, buying a house or applying for a line of credit, then you may have no idea that interest rates have recently gone down.

Investing will not make you financially secure. Investing will help you stay financially secure. Investing allows you to outpace inflation and optimize your assets. It’s not a secret path that lets you skip the line to financial freedom.

Good financial advice boils down to a few simple principles: spend less than you make, maintain a healthy savings rate, invest prudently, manage risk, avoid unnecessary debt, and do your best to plan ahead. Follow these rules of thumb, and chances are, you’ll be in good shape.