Investment Articles

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Retirement Planning

Annuities: The Missing Piece in Your Retirement Puzzle

Learn how annuities might fit into your retirement plan.

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How Insurance Can Be Used for Retirement Planning

With the proper structure, life insurance policies may become financial assets.

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Determining the Best Time To Retire

The date you choose for retirement could impact your finances. Here are some tips to help you figure it out.

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Retirement Annuities Explained

If you’re seeking income and safety in retirement, an annuity might be an asset class you may want to consider.

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An Annuity May Restore Your Confidence in Retirement

Find out how annuities can help provide steady post-retirement income and help protect against market losses.

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How Does the SECURE Act 2.0 Impact Small Businesses?

Explore the SECURE Act 2.0 and what new provisions might apply to you, your business and your retirement strategy.

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Retirement Planning Throughout Life

Learn strategies to help better position your financial future.

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Four Financial Planning Essentials To Ease Your Retirement Fears

If you're ready to learn more about how you can begin planning for your retirement, talk to a financial advisor about these four financial planning essentials.

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Washington Long-Term Care Act

Washingtonians who are W-2 employees will see an additional tax deduction on their paychecks starting Jan. 1, 2022, unless they choose to opt-out.

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8 Key Facts About Social Security

Learn the various facets of the Social Security program to help you optimize your benefits for your situation.

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Retirement Planning: The Basics

Review five ways you can prepare for retirement to ensure you are on the right track.

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How to Build a Retirement Plan

Learn how to craft a retirement plan that fits your financial profile and your needs.

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The Three-Bucket Approach to Building Wealth

Taking a measured, methodical approach to financial health by dividing your money into three separate buckets.

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Saving for Retirement

How much should you save for retirement, and what’s a good strategy to help you reach that goal?

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Boost Retirement Savings

Tips to help boost your retirement savings

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Baby Boomers and Retirement

Is it too late for baby boomers to save for retirement? Let’s look at the options.

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8 Things Everyone Wants to Know About Social Security

Is Social Security bankrupt? Read about Social Security’s current state, how and when to redeem benefits, and their estimated impact on your retirement.

Long-Term Care Considerations

Planning for long-term care now sets your finances up for success later. Our financial advisor reviews steps you can take.

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Retirement Plan Contributions

Learn how to choose an investment plan that does the best job of supporting your financial future.

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Understanding Your Retirement Savings

Manage your investment risk and work towards a solid financial foundation for the future by following our 7-step plan to pursue financial independence.

Individual Retirement Account FAQs

Roth vs. Traditional IRA: Which is Right for You? Financial advisor Maggie Dolan, CFP®, breaks down Roth vs. traditional IRAs, contributions, withdrawals and more.

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Should You Convert After-Tax Contributions to a Roth IRA?

Learn about situations where it may make sense to convert your after-tax contributions to a Roth IRA.

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What To Know About Roth IRA Conversions

Find out what a Roth IRA conversion is, how it works and what to know before starting.

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IRA Mistakes to Avoid

An IRA may boost your retirement savings even further. Learn about four common IRA mistakes and how to avoid them.

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IRA vs. 401(k)

Compare IRA and 401(k) accounts and learn what to consider when allocating retirement contributions.

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401(k)

The Benefits of a Solo 401(k)

A Solo 401(k) could be a strategic move for your financial future as you pursue retirement confidence.

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Maximizing 401(k) Contributions

Learn strategies to make the most of your 401(k) contributions.

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Common 401(k) Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid a lot of 401(k) mistakes investors make when choosing their investments.

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How To Manage Your 401(k) When You Switch Jobs

Learn your 401(k) options after leaving a job.

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Facing a Layoff

Assess your retirement savings and determine how to use it for the future.

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Investing

A Deep Dive Into Common Investment Options

Investing doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all option. Explore the factors that impact each choice to see what’s right for you.

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Everything You Need To Know About Fixed-Income Investing

If you’re considering an investment opportunity, learn how to determine if fixed-income investing might be right for you.

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Investment Glossary: Common Investing Terms and What They Mean

Understanding these terms may help you become a more confident investor.

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Your Guide to Asset Allocation

Learn how asset allocation might help you balance potential financial risks while pursuing potential returns.

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Investing During an Election Year

Uncover five things you may want to keep in mind about your investments during election years.

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ESG and Impact Investing: Do Investors Know the Difference?

Discover investment strategies that could preserve the planet and improve society.

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Investing Made Easy: Start Small

Explore four focus areas to help you on your investing journey.

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What Could You Do With Your Tax Refund?

A tax refund can be a great financial boost. But what should you do with the money? We’ve got some ideas you may want to consider.

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The Financial Planning Process: Why and How

Learn the steps a financial advisor takes to guide you through building a financial plan.

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Tips To Keep Emotions and Investing Separate

Keeping emotions away from investment decisions can give you a better chance for success.

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Investment Rates of Return

The stock market has historically gained in value year over year. But by how much?

Begin Investing While You're Young

You’re never too young to start building an investment portfolio.

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How Investing Works

Making money doesn’t have to be hard if you learn to invest wisely. Here’s how to make your money work for you.

What are Mutual Funds

A Mutual fund is a professionally managed investment account which combines money from multiple investors.

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Managing Risk In The Stock Market

Learn ways to navigate risk and the rise and fall of investing in the stock market.

Understanding Stocks

Want to invest for the future but not sure where to start? Here's a beginners' guide to understanding stocks.

Why Financial Asset Management Matters

Understanding the elements of asset management can help weather the ups and downs that come with investing.

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Financial Planning

Facing the Complexities of Medicare

Learn Medicare basics and steps you can take to help ensure that you receive the benefits you have earned.

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Year-End Countdown: Key Deadlines You Can’t Afford to Miss

Find important dates that may affect your financial future.

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Aging With Financial Independence: Practical Steps for Supporting Your Parents' Financial Planning

Discover practical ways to support your parents’ financial planning as they age.

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How a Financial Advisor May be a Valuable Business Partner

Discover how an experienced financial advisor may help you steer your small business toward long-term effectiveness.

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Four Questions to Ask Your Financial Professional

Answers to these questions could provide helpful insight.

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End-of-Year Is the Time to Start Tax Planning

Learn tips that can help you get a jump-start on your tax planning for next year.

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Top Five Year-End Financial Planning Moves to Consider

Making these moves before the new year could help you save money, prepare for tax season and more.

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Quick Guide to 529 Plans

Considering education savings? This guide could help you understand if a 529 Plan may be a good option for you.

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Smart Strategies for Staying Ahead in Uncertain Markets

Learn about smart strategies that may help reduce risk during fluctuating market activity.

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529 Plans: An Investment in Education and Legacy

Learn how 529 Plans work, and how they can be a tool for educational funding and estate planning.

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Legacy Planning Resource Guide | BECU Investment Services

Legacy planning is an essential part of your overall financial strategy. Find tools to help you get started.

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Empowering Your Legacy: How To Create a Charitable Giving Plan

Charitable giving may create an enduring impact felt by loved ones. Consider these steps when creating a giving plan.

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Help Prepare Your Family for a Wealth Transfer

Learn ways to prepare your family for a successful wealth transfer.

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Seven Ways To Help You Financially Prepare for Higher Education

These tips may help you financially prepare for higher education expenses.

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10 Questions To Help Families Prepare for a Wealth Transfer

Learn 10 essential wealth transfer questions to start a discussion with your family.

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Six Ways To Help Improve Your Financial Literacy

Learn proactive ways to help improve your financial awareness.

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Seven Investment Strategies To Turn Into a Habit

Explore seven investment strategies that could become habits.

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The Ultimate Guide to Navigating Tax Filing Season

Review some tips for navigating the tax filing process to help reduce Tax Day stress.

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Making Mindful Financial New Year’s Resolutions

Learn how behavioral economics could help you make mindful financial decisions in the new year.

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Monthly Financial Planning Tips

Review a month-to-month to-do list to help keep your finances on track year-round.

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The Benefits of Getting a Second Financial Opinion

Learn why you might benefit from a second financial opinion.

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The Secure 2.0 Act Guide

Learn how the SECURE Act 2.0 will affect your financial and retirement objectives.

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Your Tax Prep Checklist

Get the key information you might need when preparing for this year's taxes.

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Year-End Tax Season Planning Preparation

Learn helpful tips on how to plan for tax season with the help of a financial advisor.

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The Importance of Financial Planning

A financial plan might provide benefits at just about every life stage.

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The Financial Planning Process: Why and How

Learn the steps a financial advisor takes to guide you through building a financial plan.

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Three Financial Planning Steps

Learn the three steps of financial planning that could help you get your finances on track.

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Is College in Reach for Your Child?

We break down the financial tools for college savings, including the pros and cons of each.

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Inheritance Tips

What would you do if you were lucky enough to suddenly come into a large sum of money, such as an inheritance?

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Choosing a Financial Advisor

Choosing a financial advisor is a big decision. After all, you will be entrusting that person with your financial future. Here are 10 questions to ask when considering an advisor.

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5 Things to Put on Your Year-end Finance Checklist

Review this checklist of financial tasks before 2023 is over to make the most of your tax and financial benefits.

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