Financial Planning and Wealth Management Articles

The Northern Lights Advisors blog explores topics on financial planning and wealth management. We frequently write about financial industry trends, local and Seattle-based insights, and topics our clients are curious about, so if you’d like to learn more about something, please let us know!

picture of hands going through a file folder representing types of trusts

11 Common Types of Trusts and How They Work

Curious about different kinds of trusts and how they work? This article explores 11 of the most common types.
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Keep Summer Momentum: 5 Tips to Stay Active All Year Round

Do you need tips for staying active through fall and winter? Here’s how to carry summer energy forward and make the most of the year ahead.
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Brian Whitaker

Press Release: Meet Brian Whitaker

We're pleased to announce that Brian Whitaker has joined the firm as Partner and Director of High Net Worth Advisory.
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a bunch of cars in a row symbolizing the future of car ownership

The Future of Car Ownership

Let's take a peek into what the future of car ownership could look like.
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man with a cardboard box containing office things like plants and documents symbolizing losing a job

Career and Job Change Considerations

Whether you’re planning to make a job move or have a sense that a career change will be forced upon you, explore things to take care of now.
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3 Tips For A Smoother Transition Into Fall

Trying to help your family have a smoother fall transition? Here are a few tips to make this time of year easier.
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Two adults looking at laptop and paper discussing CRATs CRUTs charitable giving

How to Use CRATs and CRUTs in Your Charitable Giving Strategy

Wondering what the right charitable giving strategy is for you? Talk to your advisor about CRATs and CRUTs.
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man and woman looking at phone because they got an early in career windfall

How to Take Advantage of a Windfall Early in Your Career

How you navigate an early-career windfall can set you up for long-term financial success.
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5 Lessons from Abroad You Can Apply to Your Everyday Life

If you're looking for a few ways to improve your life there are a few lessons we can learn from abroad.
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Considerations For Helping Your Parents Move Closer To You

Having aging parents move closer can offer real emotional and logistical benefits — let's explore a few considerations.
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Want to Retire Early? Here’s How to Set Yourself Up

A big question for many folks tired of the grind: how can I retire early?
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How to Cut Back on Device Usage

If you're feeling a little too attached to your smart phones and watch, we’re sharing our best tips for cutting back on device usage.
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Pros and Cons of Using Margin Loans in a Portfolio

Learn what a margin loan is, why you might use one, and where the risks are hiding.
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What’s Missing In Your Wealth Strategy? Why You Need a Financial Advisor To Bridge The Gaps

Still winging it? It might be time to get a financial advisor to help you build a wealth strategy that supports the future you envision.
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family with teenagers that represents being in your 40s and needing a financial guide

Milestone Moments: A Financial Guide to Your 40s and Beyond

Our latest article offers a guide to those financial milestones that, for many of us, hit in our 40s.
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A key in a lock in a door symbolizing downsizing your house

4 Reasons to Consider Downsizing Your House

Downsizing your house might not sound glamorous, but hear us out: it can open doors to the next best phase of your life.
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What to Know About Golden Visas

Looking to move abroad permanently? You may want to consider seeking out a country that offers a golden visa.
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hooded person at a laptop with face obscured, representing identity theft that you want to protect yourself from

Identity Theft: What to Know and How to Protect Yourself and Your Family

Have you taken steps to protect yourself and those you love from identity theft? It might be time to safeguard your personal data.
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Why Hiring a Personal Assistant Might Be the Best Investment You Make This Year

As a high-earning tech executive, hiring a personal assistant can a great way to get some much-needed time back.
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pile of different currencies representing inflation, tariffs, and trade barriers

An Econ Primer to Help Navigate Inflation and Trade Barriers 

Understanding the basics of how trade barriers, tariffs, and inflation all work can help you make more informed financial decisions.
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How to Buy a Home in a Different Country: A Financial Advisor’s Guide

Whether you want a permanent vacation spot or are considering your options, there's lots to think about when buying a home in a different country.
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three men on road bikes enjoying their expensive hobby

Why It’s Okay to Have an Expensive Hobby

We offer some justifications for your expensive hobbies and explore considerations to help fold them into your financial planning — and your available time.
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an elderly woman on a couch holding hands with woman standing behind couch

3 Planning Considerations for Elderly Parents

Explore three planning considerations to address as your parents age with practical tips to help you balance care, finances, and your own long-term goals.
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Alma Maters Matter: How to Help Get Your Kids into the Right College

A good school can offer your kids many career benefits down the road. Explore tips for getting your kid into the right college.
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person on spring break trip in front of Machu Picchu that fit into their financial planning

Upgrade Your Spring Break: How to Financially Justify Creative Travel Plans

Yes, you can take a creative spring break trip that fits into your broader financial plans. Learn how.
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Volunteers of a charity handing out supplies

Philanthropy for Our Modern Times: A Guide to Charitable Giving

If recent events have you searching for ways to make a positive impact, look no further. Our latest blog features a guide to charitable giving.
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close up of person at laptop contemplating a career change at midlife

7 Financial Questions to Ask Before a Mid-Life Career Change

Ready for a change in your career? Are you mid-life (aka 40-ish)? Check out these 7 considerations before making a move.
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What To Do With Your Starter House When You Purchase Your Dream Home

Are you buying a new home and curious about what to do with your starter house? Let's explore some considerations.
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Practical Solutions for Your Complex Life: How to Simplify and Get Time Back

Ever wish you had more time to do everything? We have some tips to simplify life and regain valuable hours. 
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A tech employee who might be considering direct indexing

Direct Indexing Deep Dive: What Tech Employees Should Know

At Northern Lights Advisors, we geek out over direct indexing (especially for our tech employee clients). Here’s what you should know.
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5 New Year’s Resolutions to Encourage Healthy Finances in 2025

Looking to get healthy finances for 2025? This article offers simple resolutions to help achieve success in the new year.
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Comprehensive Financial Planning Checklist

Wealth management takes a holistic approach. Download our 16-point checklist to ensure you're covering your financial bases.
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a couple looking at a piece of paper to indicate tech employees considering disability insurance

Why Tech Employees Need Disability Insurance

For high-earning tech employees, disability insurance can be a wise investment.
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a couple considering donor-advised funds

Donor-Advised Funds: Charitable Giving with Flexibility

Are you looking for a strategic charitable giving option? This article explores donor-advised funds (DAFs).
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401(k) 101: The Basics Behind Retirement Accounts and Planning

Retirement planning can be overwhelming, especially with so many different account options available, including 401(k)s. Let's explore the basics.
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Man holding ring symbolizing a financial divorce in Washington State

Financial Considerations for Divorce in Washington State

For those experiencing divorce in Washington State, the financial questions can be many. Let's try to answer some.
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Pet Insurance: Should You Invest in It?

Northern Lights Advisors' resident Certified Financial Planner examines the pros and cons of pet insurance and whether it's worth the investment.
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Seattle tech employee on tablet demonstrating why to use a budgeting tool

Making a Case for Budgeting Tools: Why You Should Use Them

Budgeting tools are not just for those living paycheck to paycheck. Learn how to transform the ways you spend, save, and enjoy your hard-earned money.
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orange tent by water as example of camping, a summer activity for family

Camping: The Perfect Summer Activity for Families

Looking for a fun family activity to end summer on a high note? Consider camping, especially if you’re wishing for a quick, easy escape from Seattle.
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woman tech employee looking at tablet contemplating exchange funds

Should Tech Industry Employees Consider Exchange Funds?

If you’ve ever wondered what you should know about exchange funds as a tech employee, this article will answer some of your questions.
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A note on our financial planning and wealth management articles:

The financial planning and wealth management articles provided on this website are for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. While we strive to provide accurate and timely information, the content may not always reflect the most current market conditions or regulatory requirements.

Readers are encouraged to consult with their financial advisors before making any investment decisions. Our team is available if you have questions. Northern Lights Advisors is not responsible for any errors or omissions in the content or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.