Do any of these financial question marks apply to you?

How Should I Be Allocating My Investments?

How Should I Be Allocating My Investments?

I want to invest my money in more than just the stock market.

Diversifying your investments in many different types of assets is usually a good idea, but not all investment opportunities are created equal. Each has its own set of costs, tax implications, risks, and return prospects. Finding the right mix of investments is what’s most important. Keep in mind that what’s right for others may not be right for you, as each investor has their own goals and risk preferences.

When deciding how much to invest in what types of assets, it is important to consider the following:

  1. Ensure that the overall riskiness of your entire portfolio is aligned with your goals, time horizon, and tolerance.

  2. Look for opportunities to diversify.

  3. Consider “bucketing” investments based on your various goals.

  4. Take the time to understand the tax consequences of investing in a certain type of asset.

  5. Consider the liquidity, level of participation, and fee structure of any investment.

Using our proprietary FOCUS-5: CARPE™ investment methodology, the advisors and investment specialist at Pacific Portfolio can help you evaluate new opportunities, potential red flags, methods for tracking your investments, and ensure your overall portfolio is tailored to your individual goals, objectives, and comfort level.

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1Q 2024 Market Letter
1Q 2024 Market Letter

For the time being, the market continues to take “Good News” as good news, but inflation trend bears watching, as this could become the catalyst that shifts investors’ mindset.

4Q 2023 Market Letter
4Q 2023 Market Letter

Why the long face? Another year in the can, all wrapped up nice and festive with a pretty little bow, Santa Claus rally and all! Any investor with the nerve to complain that they did not get everything on their Christmas list should at least have been able to find solace in the market’s recent move to all-time highs, so let’s just keep the tidings of comfort and joy rolling all the way through 2024, right?!

3Q 2023 Market Letter
3Q 2023 Market Letter

You’re no doubt hearing a lot about how remarkably “resilient” the U.S. economy has been looking lately.  Despite the Fed’s move to hike interest rates sharply higher over the past 18 months, economic growth in the U.S. has managed to remain in positive territory in recent quarters, steadily exceeding economists’ expectations in the process. 

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2Q 2023 Market Letter

The Fed is on pause.  No, wait!  Cancel that: it may just have been a “skip” masquerading as a “pause.”  Okay, so more interest rate hikes to come then.  One?  Two?  Certainly not more than two!? And those 2023 rate cuts that markets have been pricing in since early March?  Oh, okay; those are gone too now. 

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1Q 2023 Market Letter

TO BUY, OR SAY “GOODBYE!” …THAT IS THE QUESTION

Verily, ‘tis so! As the Ides of May grow nigh, investors are in a state of consternation to rival that of the Prince of Denmark himself as they ponder whether it be nobler – or financially more astute – to go “all-in” (Shakespeare, too, was apparently a big Texas Hold’em player) or move to the sidelines and check back in on the markets some time in the late Fall. If, perchance, either of those two extremes looks particularly appealing to you right now, I beg you heed my warning and reframe the question lest ye suffer the financial equivalent of a tragic ending.

Take Control of Your Finances: Celebrate Financial Literacy Month with These Essential Tips!
Take Control of Your Finances: Celebrate Financial Literacy Month with These Essential Tips!

Financial literacy is vital for everyone, as it involves having a working knowledge of money management. Without essential financial skills like budgeting, investing, and retirement planning, life can become much more difficult. Financial Literacy Month provides an opportunity to prioritize financial literacy and take advantage of resources to improve your financial situation now and in the future. Here are 6 tips to help you get started.

WASHINGTON STATE CAPITAL GAINS TAX
WASHINGTON STATE CAPITAL GAINS TAX

The Washington State Supreme Court has ruled that the excise tax on capital gains is constitutional and valid. As such, the Department of Revenue will continue collecting the tax which is due April 18, 2023. A filing extension will be granted if the taxpayer files a federal extension and requests a Washington extension prior to the original due date, but the tax must still be paid in full by April 18th (April 15th in future years). Any tax paid after that date is subject to a late payment penalty of up to 29% of the tax due.

How to Eliminate Debt
How to Eliminate Debt

Not all debt is bad, but reducing the debt you have can give you more options both now and later. Are you curious about what key strategies you can deploy to reduce your debt? Keep reading to learn about effective debt reduction strategies and solutions.

UPDATE ON THE US FINANCIAL SYSTEM
UPDATE ON THE US FINANCIAL SYSTEM

As you have no doubt heard by now, the U.S. financial system has seen several bank failures over the past week, including its second-largest ever with the failure of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB), which was taken over by regulators this past Friday. This followed the announcement middle of last week of the wind-down of Silvergate Bank and, in turn, has since been followed by the weekend takeover of Signature Bank by state regulators.