In an effort to provide support for long-term care needs, Washington State has introduced the WA Cares Fund, a program that offers long-term care benefits to both full-time and part-time Washington State workers. Workers who are not exempt are made to contribute 0.58% of their wages to the long-term care insurance fund, and when eligible, they are able to utilize long-term care benefits in an amount up to $36,500. Keep reading to learn more about long-term care insurance, how the WA Cares Fund works, and why it's probably something that will benefit a lot of people.

When it comes to managing your finances and securing a stable financial future, it may be helpful to seek out professional advice. Financial professionals go by many titles; there are financial planners, financial advisors, financial consultants, financial coaches, asset managers, and wealth advisors, just to name a few. The services offered to clients and how they charge clients can differ greatly. These titles can actually be pretty broad and generic, and that means finding a financial professional is a bit more nuanced than just picking someone who is a financial advisor, financial planner, or financial fill-in-the-blank. A common question I see being asked is "What is the difference between a financial planner and a financial advisor?", I don't think that is a very meaningful question; keep reading to find out why. Read on to discover the differences between those calling themselves financial planners. Hopefully, you'll also pick up some helpful ideas on what to consider if you are looking for a financial planner.

The Microsoft 401(k) plan provides an excellent opportunity for employees to save for retirement. The following is a summary of the features of the Microsoft 401(k) and strategies for how a MSFT employee might best utilize the plan to save for retirement.

When it comes to planning for retirement, understanding the difference between Traditional pre-tax contributions and Roth after-tax contributions is important. "Should I be making Traditional or Roth contributions?" is a very common question on the minds of my clients, and it's a good one. Both options offer distinct advantages, and selecting the right strategy depends on your specific circumstances and financial goals. Let's dig into the characteristics, the benefits, and the considerations for each. Hopefully, these details will assist you in making the right decision regarding your retirement savings.

Non-Qualified Stock Option (NQSOs or NSOs) and Incentive Stock Options (ISOs) are forms of compensation that offer employees the potential opportunity for personal financial benefit that's in alignment with a company's success. Understanding these stock options, the terminology, what does it mean to exercise a stock option, and what to do with them can be complex; hopefully the following will provide some clarity.

Generation Z is doing it, and you may want to pay attention; your financial and personal well-being may benefit from it. #softlife

Hello, my name is Tim. I’m in my forties. I’m happily married with kids. My mom is a widow in her eighties, and my in-laws are in their seventies. My wife and I are bona fide members of the sandwich generation!

Generation X, born between 1965 and 1980, is fully qualified to call itself the sandwich generation. Please welcome Generation Y, aka the Millennials, who are just joining us, having been born starting in 1981.

Say it together now: "Hello, our name is Generation X and Y, and we are in the sandwich generation."