12th Century: The Medieval Cloth Trade and the Champagne Fairs

Recent historical research provides evidence that credit and derivative contracts, so dominant in modern investment and finance, were in existence in Europe at least as early as the High Middle Ages (ca. 1000-1300).  Some of these contracts were designed to meet the needs of those involved in the cloth trade, a vital aspect of the medieval economy.

Click here to read full article © Russell Investments 2013. All rights reserved. Reprinted with permission.

Trends and Innovations: A Mass of Water

3 times bigger in volume than all of the Earth’s oceans has been discovered by Northwestern University scientists using seismometer technology.  The reservoir sits deep beneath the surface.  The discovery supports the theory that the planet’s seas originated from deep within.

Article obtained from Investor’s Business Daily.

976 AD - The Greatest Invention Ever?

In the Codex Vigilanus of 976 can be found the earliest mention in a western work of the Arabic numeral system, a development that can lay claim to being perhaps the greatest of all the great moments in western financial history.  Too lofty a claim?  Hardly, when you consider what life would be like without it.

Click here to read full article © Russell Investments 2013. All rights reserved. Reprinted with permission.

Pepper Sirloin Steak

After many months of Seattle grey we have been blessed by a few spectacular warm sunny days that entice us outside to dust off the BBQ.  Our preferred method for steak is off a very hot Big Green Egg charcoal grill.  This large sirloin steak recipe is great for four to six but if there are only two of you like us, don’t worry, the leftovers are great for steak and eggs in the morning or for a hearty steak salad.  

Click here to view recipe

Columbia Tower Club

Candy has been a member of the Columbia Tower Club for over 15 years.  She has met many wonderful people there, hosted many events, chaired the startup of the popular CEOtoCEO Breakfast Series that started at the club and served on the Board of Governors.  The club is an excellent venue to meet business colleagues, clients and friends.  We are pleased to announce that the Club featured Candy in their May/June member’s magazine.

Click here to view a copy of the Columbia Tower Club’s article about Candy 

Automatic Marriage Day

Many of Washington State’s same sex partners went through the process to legally marry in 2013 when the new law allowed them to do so.  Those that were registered as domestic partners that chose not to go through the formal process will automatically be given marital status as of June 30, 2014.  If the couple does not wish to marry they must officially opt out.  Estate attorney, Sean Bleck reminds couples that marriage is an event that should automatically trigger a review of your will and estate documents. 

There was a good article in the Seattle Times on Valentine’s Day that provides additional background information on the June 30 deadline.

Click here to view article

Transfer on Death (TOD) Deeds Now Available in Washington State

Washington State has legalized the ability to execute a deed that will automatically transfer the ownership of our real estate to your beneficiaries without going through probate effective March 2014.

Although this tool will be a good option in some cases, estate attorney, Pat McGowan cautions individuals to make sure using this new option does what it is intended to do, and does not conflict with your will or existing trusts.   Elder Care Attorney, Sean Bleck warns of a potential time bomb for the beneficiaries.  The State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) have the option to file liens against the property up to two years after death.  It is wise to consult your attorney and financial planning professionals prior to implementing a TOD Deed.

Click here for more information on the new TOD Deed.