Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Tesla Supercharger: Drive for Free, Forever, on Sunlight.


The countdown continues as we’ve learned 400 Teslas have now been delivered – only 688 more to go before Candy finally gets hers, and the excitement continues!  ElonMusk, CEO and product architect for Tesla Motors recently revealed the Supercharger network of charging stations it has secretly been building.  These Supercharger stations can add 150 miles of range in about 30 minutes of charging time, and perhaps best of all, these stations will remain free forever for Tesla owners.  Musk is also the CEO and CTO of SpaceX (world’s most advanced rockets and spacecraft) and chairman of SolarCity (revolutionize the use of solar energy).  Truly a milestone in today’s technological advancement, we are excited to see how this may transform the automotive industry as we know it.

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Shrimp in Coconut Milk Soup

The leftover coconut milk from our Saigon Beef recipe can be used to make this delicious shrimp soup. A perfect meal as we head into fall, it will warm you from the inside while the tropical aromatics of the dish bring a little piece of summer right to your kitchen.  You can adjust the amount of spice depending on your taste, and we generally find that more can be used if you are serving the soup with a starchy side dish like rice or bread.

Roth IRA Conversions: Opportunities and Deadlines


With the possibility of federal income tax increasing soon, a 2012 Roth conversion may be an attractive option.  When you convert a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA, the conversion is generally taxed as ordinary income (except for any after-tax, nondeductible contributions you've made). With the "Bush tax cuts" set to expire at the end of 2012, federal income tax rates will jump up in 2013. Unless Congress acts, we'll go from six federal tax brackets to five.  While there continues to be discussion about extending the expiring tax cuts, many believe there's little chance of resolution until after the November election.

Monday, September 10, 2012

Stronger: Seattle Children’s Hospital


Chris Rumble, a 22-year-old Seattle Children’s Hospital cancer patient has created a truly inspirational music video with the collaboration of doctors, nurses, and fellow patients, to the tune of Kelly Clarkson’s hit song “Stronger.”  I enjoyed it very much and thought you might too – it makes me proud to be a part of this wonderful organization’s Professional Advisors Network.