Seth DealCPA/PFS Book an assessment

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A new post every week on the decisions Washington public employees face before retirement: pensions, 457(b) deferred comp, Social Security, PEBB and taxes. 106 so far.

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2026

  1. What the “Wait Until 70” Math Leaves OutPicture a 55-year-old civil engineer with a county public works department. He’s in PERS 2 with 27 years of service, and he plans to retire at 58. · 6 min read
  2. The Missing Line That Can Erase a Charitable DeductionPicture a 54-year-old budget manager at a state agency. She's in PERS 2 with 27 years of service, and she's aiming to retire at 58. · 5 min read
  3. When Your RMD Comes Out Matters Less Than What Comes Out FirstPicture a 54-year-old budget analyst for a Washington county. She has 26 years in PERS Plan 2. · 5 min read
  4. What a Savings Chart Can't See About Your RetirementThere's a several charts that I have seen that show how much you "should" have saved by each age. · 5 min read
  5. The DCP Balance That Never Goes DownBruce is 64. He retired two years ago at 62, after 31 years with a county public works department. PERS Plan 2, and with more than 30 years of service he… · 5 min read
  6. Your pension COLA stops at 3%. Seattle inflation didn’t.Neil pulls up his DCP account on our Zoom call and I can read the whole thing in about four seconds. · 5 min read
  7. Your Pension Already Answered a Question Most Retirees Are Still AskingTracy is 54, a permitting supervisor for a county planning department, and has 27 years in PERS 2. She wants to retire at 58. · 5 min read
  8. Your retirement calculator doesn't know you have a pensionRhonda pulled up a retirement calculator during our call and shared her screen. · 5 min read
  9. The First Three Years Are Bumpier Than Your Spreadsheet ThinksCheryl is 57, has 31 years in PERS Plan 2 with a county public works department, and she brought a spreadsheet to our first call. · 5 min read
  10. The retirement spending assumption most Washington State employees never questionDoug shares his screen and pulls up the retirement spreadsheet he has been building since March. · 5 min read
  11. Who can legally step in for your DRS accounts if you can't?Wendy calls me on a Tuesday morning, and I can tell right away this one is different. · 5 min read
  12. The Retirement Question Most Washington Public Employees Never Get AskedThere is a moment on a planning call I have learned to watch for. · 6 min read
  13. The spending problem most great savers don't see comingHe is 55, a facilities manager for the county, and he has 28 years in PERS 2. He and his wife have done everything right. They maxed the DCP for years.… · 5 min read
  14. Why Market Timing Matters Less When You Have a Washington State PensionBy the time a client is ready to retire, most of the hard work is already done. · 5 min read
  15. Why “One More Year” Is Rarely About the MoneyRon showed up to our call last fall with a spreadsheet he’d clearly been staring at for months. · 5 min read
  16. The Hidden Price of a Familiar Fund NameDale comes to our first video call with his statements already pulled up on his screen. · 6 min read
  17. Why careful savers freeze when it’s time to spend in retirementGreg is meeting with me, sharing a spreadsheet he built himself. · 5 min read
  18. Why the Inflation Number in the News Probably Isn't YoursThe examples and case studies in this article are hypothetical but represent real situations I have encountered in my practice working with Washington… · 5 min read
  19. 5 Umbrella Insurance Mistakes That Leave Retirement Savers ExposedThe examples and case studies in this article are hypothetical but represent real situations I have encountered in my practice working with Washington… · 6 min read
  20. Why the Year You Retire Might Matter More Than How Much You've SavedThe examples and case studies in this article are hypothetical but represent real situations I have encountered in my practice working with Washington… · 6 min read
  21. Why a Pension and a Healthy Savings Account Still Don't Feel Like EnoughThere’s a pattern I keep seeing, and it’s become one of the more interesting things about this work. · 7 min read
  22. The Social Security Question Most Washington State Public Employees Are Getting WrongWhen the Social Security question comes up, most people have already made up their mind before we even start talking. They’ve heard the advice. Wait… · 6 min read
  23. How Your DRS Pension Changes the Social Security Timing DecisionThe examples and case studies in this article are hypothetical but represent real situations I have encountered in my practice working with Washington… · 5 min read
  24. The Most Overlooked Retirement Decision (It's Not Your Portfolio)When should I take Social Security? How much can I withdraw each year? Should I do Roth conversions? · 6 min read
  25. The Retirement Account Threat Most Washington Public Employees Aren’t Thinking AboutThe examples and case studies in this article are hypothetical but represent real situations I have encountered in my practice working with Washington… · 6 min read
  26. The Investment Scorecard That's Misleading Washington State RetireesThe examples and case studies in this article are hypothetical but represent real situations I have encountered in my practice working with Washington… · 5 min read
  27. Your Pension Already Solved the Hardest Part of Retirement HappinessThe examples and case studies in this article are hypothetical but represent real situations I have encountered in my practice working with Washington… · 6 min read
  28. Most Stocks Lose Money. Here's Why That Should Change How You Invest for Retirement.I spend a lot of time talking with Washington State public employees about what to do with their DCP savings, their IRAs, and the other investment… · 6 min read
  29. The Roth Conversion Rule That Trips Up Almost EveryoneThe examples and case studies in this article are hypothetical but represent real situations I have encountered in my practice working with Washington… · 6 min read
  30. The Spending Problem Nobody Talks About in RetirementThe examples and case studies in this article are hypothetical but represent real situations I have encountered in my practice working with Washington… · 6 min read
  31. The Healthcare Gap That Keeps Washington Public Employees Working Too LongI keep a running list of the questions I hear most often in client meetings. And if I had to pick the one that comes up more than any other, it would be… · 7 min read
  32. Dividend Investing Feels Safe. Here’s What It’s Actually Costing You.I was reviewing a portfolio for a county employee, 24 years in PERS Plan 2. · 8 min read
  33. The Risk That Actually Ruins Retirement Plans (And It’s Not What You Think)I was re-reading one of my favorite pieces of financial writing last week. · 7 min read
  34. What 100 Years of Market History Tells Us About Your Retirement PlanShe's 53, a PERS 2 member with 28 years in, sitting on about $650,000 between her DCP and personal savings. Planning to retire at 58 in just under five… · 8 min read
  35. The Annuity Question I Keep Hearing (And What You Should Know Before Signing)I was sitting in a meeting with a client last month when she pulled out a colorful brochure. · 9 min read
  36. This is What a Real $750,000 Retirement Portfolio Looks Like for a Washington Police OfficerI met with a prospective client recently who had a question that stopped me cold. · 5 min read
  37. The Debt Question I Keep Hearing from Washington Public EmployeesThere's a question I hear some version of almost every month. · 4 min read
  38. What Do You Actually Do All Day When You Stop Working at 57?I think about this question a lot when I'm working with clients on their retirement plans. · 6 min read
  39. Should I Downsize My Home When I Retire?There's a moment that happens in a lot of retirement planning conversations. · 5 min read
  40. Should I Work Part-Time After I Retire?I get this question all the time from clients approaching retirement. · 6 min read
  41. If You’re Incapacitated, What Happens to Your DRS Pension and DCP?A husband suffers a massive stroke. He's a PERS 2 member with 28 years of service at the city. Not retired yet. Still working. · 4 min read
  42. Do Washington Public Employees Really Need Life Insurance in Retirement?I was reviewing a retirement plan last month when my client said something that caught me off guard. · 5 min read

2025

  1. Will vs. Beneficiary: How WA Public Employees Keep Pensions and DCP in SyncI opened an email recently that stopped me mid-sip of coffee. · 5 min read
  2. Power of Attorney in WA: Pick Competence Over ConvenienceI was sitting across from a prospective client recently when she said something that made me pause. · 5 min read
  3. The 5 Estate Documents WA Public Employees Need - Before It’s Too LateI was on a Zoom call with a new client when she said something that made me pause. · 5 min read
  4. How Washington State Employees Can Create a Retirement Paycheck That Lasts 30 YearsCarol, a 63-year-old retired County Parks Department supervisor, followed the classic retirement advice: withdraw 4% of her portfolio every year, no… · 6 min read
  5. The 5 Investment Mistakes Washington State Employees Make in Their 50s That Could Wreck Their Retirement PlansDavid, a 54-year-old Sheriff's deputy, panicked when the market dropped and moved his entire $890,000 deferred compensation plan to "safe" money market… · 7 min read
  6. The Portfolio Rebalancing Mistake That's Costing Washington State Employees Their Retirement DreamsLisa, a 59-year-old State administrator, had been contributing to her deferred compensation plan for 25 years but never rebalanced her portfolio. She… · 6 min read
  7. The Critical Investment Mistake That Could Cost Washington State Employees Their Retirement DreamsMark, a 58-year-old Washington State Patrol sergeant with 32 years of service, thought he was being smart by moving his entire $1.2 million deferred… · 6 min read
  8. Don't Let Poor Health Insurance Planning Derail Your Early Retirement DreamsSarah had it all planned out. After 28 years of working for the State, she'd saved $850,000 in her deferred compensation plan and was ready to retire at… · 5 min read
  9. The $152,570 Long-Term Care Reality Every Washington State Employee Must FaceDavid, a 65-year-old retired Washington State employee, never gave long-term care much thought. He had a solid pension, good health, and figured Medicare… · 5 min read
  10. The Medicare Supplement Mistake Washington State Retirees MakeA 65-year-old retired Washington State employee, signed up for Medicare and thought he was done. Three months later, he received a hospital bill that… · 5 min read
  11. The Medicare Mistake That Cost a Washington Teacher Her SEBB CoverageKaren, a 65-year-old Washington State teacher, thought she had everything figured out for retirement. She'd had health coverage for 28 years and assumed… · 5 min read
  12. The Tax Break Most Washington Public Employees MissTom, a retired firefighter, discovered something that made his stomach drop when reviewing his tax situation. · 4 min read
  13. Will My Medicare Premiums Increase Based on My Retirement Income?Meet Captain Sarah Martinez, a 30-year veteran firefighter in Washington State. At 57, she's eligible for LEOFF Plan 2 retirement with a solid pension… · 6 min read
  14. Should You Convert to Roth Before Retiring from Public Service?Meet David, a 58-year-old city police officer with 30 years of service. Like many Law Enforcement Officers' and Fire Fighters' (LEOFF) 2 members, David… · 5 min read
  15. The Washington State Employee's Guide to Tax-Smart Retirement WithdrawalsMaria, a 58-year-old Washington State Department of Transportation supervisor, has diligently saved $400,000 across her 457(b) and Roth IRA accounts. Her… · 6 min read
  16. How Am I Taxed in Retirement?Meet Sarah, a married Seattle firefighter with 28 years of service. At 53, she's planning to retire at 55 with a solid financial foundation: a LEOFF 2… · 5 min read
  17. Supercharge Your Deferred Comp Before RetirementMeet Sarah, a 58-year-old city manager earning $200,000 annually. She has $500,000 in her deferred compensation account and plans to retire at 62. Sarah… · 5 min read
  18. Social Security Strategy for DRS Members: Timing Your Way to Higher BenefitsMeet Sarah, a 63-year-old King County Parks supervisor with 28 years of service earning $95,000 annually. She's eligible for her PERS 2 pension at 65 and… · 5 min read
  19. How Much Will Early Retirement Cost You?Meet Mike, a 53-year-old firefighter with 25 years of service who's considering early retirement after a recent back injury. Like many Washington State… · 6 min read
  20. From Confusion to Clarity: Your Washington State Pension Benefits ExplainedPicture this: You're sitting at your kitchen table, looking at your annual DRS statement, and wondering how those numbers translate into your actual… · 6 min read
  21. When Is the Right Time to Retire? Timing Your Exit from Public ServiceSarah, a 58-year-old state employee with 27 years of service, sits at her desk wondering if she should retire at 60 or wait until 65. Like many… · 6 min read
  22. Can You Still Retire on Time After a Market Crash? (Yes, Here's How)Picture this: You're 65, planning to retire next month with your PERS 2 pension, and suddenly the market drops 20%. Your supplemental retirement savings… · 4 min read
  23. Mental Health and Wellness in RetirementPicture this: After 30 years of teaching in public schools, you finally retire with your Teachers' Retirement System (TRS) pension. You're financially… · 5 min read
  24. Creating a Retirement Budget That Actually WorksPicture this: You're five years from retirement, sitting at your desk at the Department of Transportation, and your colleague mentions they're worried… · 4 min read
  25. What You Need to Know About The New Tax BillMy focus in this analysis will be specifically how this impacts public employees . There are certainly additional provisions that I will not cover here. · 4 min read
  26. Supporting Adult Children Without Compromising Your RetirementYou love your children unconditionally. From sleepless nights with a newborn to watching them take their first steps, you've sacrificed for them their… · 5 min read
  27. What Your Insurance Won't Cover: Essential Healthcare Gaps Every Washington State Public Employee Should Know Before RetiringPicture this: You're 57, eligible to retire from your state job with 30 years of service, but you won't be eligible for Medicare for another eight years.… · 5 min read
  28. When Does Downsizing Make Financial Sense for Washington State Public Employees?You've worked in the public sector for decades, building your career and your retirement benefits. Now you're looking at your four-bedroom house and… · 4 min read
  29. Protecting Your Nest Egg: A Washington State Public Employee's Guide to Weathering Market StormsAs a Washington State public employee, you've worked hard to build your retirement savings through your DRS pension, Deferred Compensation Program (DCP)… · 6 min read
  30. Legacy Planning Beyond Money: A Guide for Washington State Public EmployeesAs a Washington State public employee approaching retirement, you've likely spent years carefully saving through your DRS pension plan, a DCP account… · 5 min read
  31. Combatting Loneliness in Retirement: A Guide for Washington State EmployeesAfter decades of serving the public in Washington State, retirement offers well-deserved freedom. Yet for many DRS members, the transition from a… · 5 min read
  32. Test-Drive Your Retirement Budget: A Guide for Washington State EmployeesAre you making the most of your retirement planning? As a Washington State public employee approaching retirement, understanding how to test-drive your… · 4 min read
  33. Maximizing Your Social Security Benefits: Smart Strategies for Washington State Public EmployeesAre you making the most of your Social Security benefits? As a Washington State public employee approaching retirement, understanding how to optimize… · 6 min read
  34. Long Term Care Insurance: Do You Really Need It?When planning for retirement, most people think about their investments, pension, Social Security or where they'll live. But there's another important… · 4 min read
  35. The "Magic Number" Myth: What Washington Public Employees Really Need to Know About Retirement Planning"How much do you need to have saved to feel confident in retirement in addition to your pension?" · 4 min read
  36. Beating Inflation: Strategies for Washington Public EmployeesThis concern has become increasingly common among Washington public employees. After decades of service to state or local government, many retirees are… · 3 min read
  37. When Health Forces Early Retirement: A Guide for Washington Public Employees"I thought I had another decade to prepare. Now I don't even know where to start." · 4 min read
  38. Smart Travel Strategies for Washington Public Employees"I never thought I'd be sipping coffee in Paris on a government pension." · 3 min read
  39. The Uncomfortable Truth About Family Money in Retirement"I've spent 30 years being the family safety net, but now I'm terrified I won't have enough for myself." · 3 min read
  40. The Hidden Truth About Medical Costs in Retirement: What Washington Public Employees Need to KnowWhen public employees in Washington State approach retirement planning, healthcare costs often remain the most underestimated expense. Many are shocked… · 4 min read
  41. The Washington Public Employee Advantage: Aging in Place"I love my home, but I'm worried about those stairs in ten years." · 5 min read
  42. Risk Tolerance in Your Final Working Years: A Washington Public Employee's GuideAfter decades of serving the people of Washington in state or local government, retirement is finally on the horizon. The question many public employees… · 4 min read
  43. Planning Your Forever Home: Aging in PlaceWe recently launched a YouTube Channel! The channel's name is "Plan Your Washington State Retirement!" Check it out by clicking the button below: · 6 min read
  44. A Critical Estate Planning Guide for Washington State Employees: Protect Your LegacyAs a CPA and financial advisor serving Washington State and local government employees, I've seen how proper estate planning protects the benefits earned… · 3 min read
  45. Finding Purpose After Your Government CareerDon’t get me wrong, I care about your financial plan. But what is more important to me is that you have a plan for finding purpose when you retire. You… · 3 min read
  46. The Two-Year Retirement Countdown: A Washington State Public Employee's GuideAs a former city employee, I understand the unique challenges of planning for retirement in public service. These to-dos will help you navigate the… · 3 min read
  47. When should you start taking Social Security?Did you know that choosing the wrong time to take Social Security could cost you thousands? As a Washington State employee, you have a unique advantage –… · 4 min read
  48. Securing Your Health in Retirement: A Washington Public Employee's Guide to Smart Healthcare PlanningI hope you enjoy this week's email. If you’d like to meet with me to get your questions answered in a one-on-one setting, here’s a link to request a time… · 5 min read
  49. The Hidden Gaps in Your Pension (And How to Fill Them)Thanks for reading this week. I hope you enjoy and learn from this week's email. If you ever have questions and want to learn more about how I help… · 6 min read
  50. Preparing for the Unexpected: Building and Maintaining an Emergency Fund in RetirementThank you for reading this week. If you'd ever like to chat, here is a link to request a time to meet. · 7 min read
  51. WEP/GPO Repeal: What Washington State Public Servants Need to KnowAs a former city employee and current financial planner specializing in Washington state public sector benefits, I’ve seen firsthand how the Windfall… · 3 min read
  52. Estate Planning Essentials for Washington Public Employees: Protecting Your LegacyAs a Washington state public employee, you've dedicated your career to serving others. Now it's time to ensure that your legacy is protected, and your… · 6 min read

2024

  1. From Full-Time to Freedom: Exploring Phased Retirement Options for Washington State and Local Government EmployeesAre you a Washington state or local government employee dreaming of retirement, but not quite ready to make a clean break from your career? · 7 min read
  2. Freedom from Your Mortgage: Is Early Payoff Right for Your Retirement as a WA Public Servant?As you approach retirement, you might ask yourself, "Should I pay off my mortgage before I retire?" It's a question that many Washington state public… · 6 min read
  3. Tax-Smart Withdrawal Strategies for Washington Public Employees in RetirementYou've spent your career serving the public and diligently saving for retirement. Now, as you approach or enter retirement, you're faced with a new… · 6 min read
  4. Balancing Act: Managing Market Volatility in Your Washington DCP and Personal Retirement AccountsAs a Washington state public employee, you're building a secure financial future through your pension, the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP), and… · 7 min read
  5. Hidden Social Security Cuts: What Washington State Public Employees Must Know About WEP and GPODid you know that over 140 different agencies in Washington State don't participate in Social Security(1)? · 6 min read
  6. Navigating the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) Program: Healthcare Options for WA RetireesAs you approach retirement, you probably have a lot on your mind. But there's one thing that you shouldn't overlook: your healthcare coverage. The Public… · 5 min read
  7. Unlocking the Secrets to Early Retirement for Washington's Public ServantsPicture this: It's Monday morning, but instead of rushing to beat traffic, you're sipping your coffee and planning your next adventure. No more alarm… · 5 min read
  8. The Shocking Truth About Long-Term Care: What Washington Public Employees Need to Know NowPicture this: After decades of serving the public in Washington state, you're enjoying a well-deserved retirement. Your pension checks are steady, and… · 4 min read
  9. Maximizing Your Washington State Pension: 7 Key Strategies for a Secure RetirementAs a Washington state employee, you've dedicated your career to public service. Now, it's time to ensure your pension works just as hard for you in… · 6 min read
  10. The Hidden Retirement Perks for Washington State Public Employees That Most Financial Advisors MissDid you know that as a Washington State public employee, you might be sitting on a gold mine of retirement benefits that even your financial advisor… · 6 min read
  11. The 4% Rule: Your Retirement Roadmap or Just Another Detour?Picture this: After years of careful saving, you're finally ready to retire. You've heard about the famous 4% rule and wonder if it's your ticket to a… · 6 min read
  12. Retire or Re-wire? The Surprising Reality of Post-Retirement WorkImagine this: After 30 years of dedicated service to the state of Washington, you're ready to trade your office chair for a beach chair. But wait – what… · 7 min read