Sara at One Pacific Financial Strategies

07/03/2026

What is a 529 savings plan?

A 529 savings plan is a tax-advantaged investment account designed to help save for education expenses.

Here are the basics:

* Contributions are made with after-tax dollars (there’s no federal tax deduction).
* The money grows tax-deferred.
* Qualified withdrawals are tax-free at the federal level and, in most cases, at the state level.

Qualified education expenses can include:

* College tuition and fees
* Room and board (if enrolled at least half-time)
* Books, supplies, and required equipment
* Computers and internet access used for school
* Up to $10,000 per year for K–12 tuition
* Many apprenticeship program expenses
* Up to $10,000 lifetime toward qualifying student loan repayment (subject to certain rules)

07/03/2026

Need life insurance but not sure which policy—or which company—is right for you?

I’m here to help you compare your options and make the process simple.

06/26/2026

Wondering if you’re eligible to contribute to a Roth IRA in 2026?

Here’s a simple breakdown of the current income limits and contribution limits.

Questions about Roth IRAs, retirement planning, or investing? Feel free to send me a message.

06/24/2026

2026 IRA income and contribution limits

06/23/2026

Minimum wage increases to take place on July 1st

06/21/2026

If you’re working with a financial planner, sharing complete and accurate information helps them give better recommendations. Here are some important things to discuss:

Your Goals

* When you want to retire
* Major purchases or life events (buying a home, starting a business, having children)
* College funding goals
* Travel or lifestyle plans
* Charitable giving goals

Your Financial Situation

* Income and expected changes to income
* Monthly expenses and debt
* Savings and emergency fund balances
* Existing investments and retirement accounts
* Insurance coverage

Major Life Changes

* Marriage, divorce, or a new partner
* Birth or adoption of a child
* Job changes or career transitions
* Receiving an inheritance
* Caring for aging parents

Risk Tolerance and Preferences

* How comfortable you are with market fluctuations
* Past investing experiences
* Any ethical, environmental, or values-based investing preferences

Tax and Legal Information

* Recent tax returns
* Estate planning documents (wills, trusts, powers of attorney)
* Stock options or employer benefits
* Business ownership interests

Health and Family Considerations

* Potential long-term care needs
* Family history that could affect financial planning
* Dependents with special needs

Important Habits and Concerns

* Spending habits or budgeting challenges
* Concerns about debt
* Financial fears or priorities
* Questions you may feel uncomfortable asking

06/19/2026

What’s the difference between a Roth IRA and a traditional IRA? One of the biggest differences is when you pay taxes

06/18/2026

06/18/2026

How much does it cost to live comfortably in each state ?

06/18/2026