Finance + Legal Services

Diversification Never Stopped Working

For the better part of two years, the hardest thing to own was a diversified portfolio.Not because it lost money. Because it was boring while everything else looked brilliant. A small handful of giant technology companies carried the whole market higher, month after month, while nearly everything else sat still. Small companies. International markets. Steady dividend payers. The holdings that fill out a real long-term plan looked like dead weight, and they looked that way long enough that people...

Local Services

Finding Forever Homes, One Cat at a Time

Felines offer companionship to anyone who is looking and that search starts with adoption Article by Abby Snethen | Photography by Steven Paul Most species of animal make for great pets but cats offer something deeper. From late night cuddles, early morning zoomies, to gossiping with a being that will never disagree with you and creating an unbreakable bond, cats will be your go-to. But every search for companionship must start somewhere.  Cat Adoption Team is a non-profit organization...

Home + Design

Transforming Your Backyard

A look inside the family owned business, Willamette Valley Patio Covers Article by Abby Snethen | Photography by Steven Paul Chris and Vashti Young reside in Oregon but their story didn’t start there. Chris grew up in Southern California, spending most of his time biking, hiking and surfing. Vashti grew up in Alaska, spending most of her time outdoors doing activities such as cross-country skiing and hiking. She decided to move to Southern California for college, where she met Chris in 1989...

Finance + Legal Services

The Long Game

The family dog is the first estate plan Article by Nathan Oeming When people ask me about legacy, they almost always mean money — how much to leave, what the documents should say. Those are real — but they’re the second question. The first is: who are you leaving it to? Not which names. What kind of people. Here’s what I believe down to the ground. Wealth without wisdom causes problems. Money handed to someone who never learned to steward it doesn’t bless them — it exposes them. So the real...

Local Services

Sniffing Out Pet Friendly Places

Wag more and worry less at these pet friendly destinations where you and your companion can enjoy each other's company Article by Abby Snethen Amy & Reba’s Day Drinking Wine Tours Enjoy wonderful wineries in the Willamette Valley with Amy and Reba in their Airbnb winery tour. Bring your dog for extra company on your three hand selected tours, complimentary van ride, and gorgeous views. The experience lasts about five hours with rates starting at $200. Visit the Airbnb website @Amy & Reba’s...

Arts + Culture

Music Knows No Bounds

Transforming music into inspiring melodies, rhythms, and identities Article by Abby Snethen | Photography by Photos provided by Hossein Salehi Hossein Salehi was first introduced to music at the age of seven during his 1st grade graduation. Salehi saw a group of musicians playing instruments and was asked by his father what he would like as a prize for finishing the 1st grade. He asked his father what they were playing and that he wanted one as his prize. He began to play the santoor, a...

Finance + Legal Services

Enough For What?

Create an article.I've sat across from more than one person who did everything right.Thirty years of saving. Bonuses banked, not spent. The mortgage gone. The children through school without debt. By every measure that shows up on a statement, they had won.So I ask a simple question. What do you want the money to do?And often, there is no answer. Not a vague one. Not a wrong one. Nothing at all. Three decades of building something, and not once a pause to ask what it was being built for.This is...

Travel

Into the Wild: Weekend Escapes

Your next travel adventure is just a car ride away Article by Abby Snethen Are you itching to get out of the house, explore the state of Oregon, create memories that will last a lifetime and possibly start yearly traditions? Oregon offers many weekend getaways but these are the ones that take the cake and pique the interests of many. Adventure awaits you and your family, so pack up, put on some travel tunes and enjoy your escape.  1. Milo McIver State Park The Milo McIver State Park offers...

Fitness

Gear up & Go

Bicycles and coffee merge together for an unforgettable shopping experience at Local Cyclist Article by Abby Snethen | Photography by Brian Simcoe The term “cyclist” has the common misconception that if you’re not riding an expensive bike, or traveling hundreds of miles by pedal, you’re not a cyclist. The owners of Local Cyclist, located on Southwest Old Tualatin-Sherwood road, would deeply disagree. Simply owning a bike and using it, no matter the distance or the quality, makes you a...

Event Planning + Services

Sip, Socialize and Savor

Calling all wine connoisseurs-- tickle your tastebuds and engage in camaraderie at Balsall Creek Vineyards Article by Abby Snethen | Photography by Brian Simcoe Complex and flavorful grapes cover the 20 acre vineyard that makes up Balsall Creek, winding carefully on vines and growing to complete perfection. From Aligoté, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc to Pinot Noir, Gamay Noir and Pinot Meunier grapes, 14 different wines are made to stimulate and satisfy any and all wine devotees.  Jon and...