Business

Robert Toomey, CFA/CFP, is Vice President of Research for S. R. Schill & Associates on Mercer Island.
Money matters

Financial planning perspective on life milestones | Money Matters

By Robert Toomey

  • Jun 17, 2022

 

A heatmap showing the inclusivity of each state, which is based on the total Business Climate Score. The green states are the most inclusive, while the red are least inclusive; yellow and orange fall in the middle. Courtesy of Out Leadership.

Washington ranks 13th in State LGBTQ+ Business Climate Index

Washington’s lowest score was 13 out of 20 points in the Work Environment and Employment section.

 

Robert Toomey, CFA/CFP, is Vice President of Research for S. R. Schill & Associates on Mercer Island.
Money matters

News of market volatility has felt like a pinball machine lately | Guest column

Webster’s dictionary defines the word volatility as “characterized by or subject to rapid or unexpected change.” Interestingly, Webster cites the stock market as one example… Continue reading

  • May 17, 2022

 

Matt and Lori Swanson have brought their business, Guardian Roofing, a long way from its founding in 2005, adding more than 100 employees to the roster and to sales of more than $20 million in 2021. Photo by Robert Whale, Auburn Reporter

Couple grows Auburn roofing business into a thriving enterprise

When Lori Swanson answered the phone during the earlier years of Guardian Roofing, typically there’d be a man on the other end, who, hearing a… Continue reading

Matt and Lori Swanson have brought their business, Guardian Roofing, a long way from its founding in 2005, adding more than 100 employees to the roster and to sales of more than $20 million in 2021. Photo by Robert Whale, Auburn Reporter
tsr

Dick’s Drive-In to open new location in Federal Way

This will be Dick’s ninth burger restaurant; plans to open in 2023.

tsr
(Left to right) Bill, Nina and Tom Contoravdis, co-owners of Athens Pizza and Pasta, pose for a photo in front of their restaurant that is set to re-open for take-out on Friday, April 1. Photo by Henry Stewart-Wood/Sound Publishing

After 16 months, Athens Pizza and Pasta re-opens on April 1

A fire forced the restaurant to close after 40 years of business in Auburn.

(Left to right) Bill, Nina and Tom Contoravdis, co-owners of Athens Pizza and Pasta, pose for a photo in front of their restaurant that is set to re-open for take-out on Friday, April 1. Photo by Henry Stewart-Wood/Sound Publishing
Auburn has embraced Sea Axe, the first ever axe-throwing range ever to settle in the city, as this band of customers demonstrates. Photo courtesy of Duke Managhan

Business partners hit the bullseye with Auburn’s first axe-throwing range

At first, Duke Managhan and his close friend and business partner, Vance Olsen, fretted that their axe-throwing range would be deadsville for its opening weekend… Continue reading

Auburn has embraced Sea Axe, the first ever axe-throwing range ever to settle in the city, as this band of customers demonstrates. Photo courtesy of Duke Managhan
Photo by Robert Whale/Auburn Reporter Zola’s Café owner Matt Noesen is ready for normal times and business to resume at his downtown Auburn eatery.

Downtown Auburn cafe among businesses awaiting the return to ‘normal’

After all this time, Matt Noesen’s feet and back ache, and the owner of Zola’s Café in downtown Auburn is a tired man in need… Continue reading

Photo by Robert Whale/Auburn Reporter Zola’s Café owner Matt Noesen is ready for normal times and business to resume at his downtown Auburn eatery.
Robert Toomey, CFA/CFP, is Vice President of Research for S. R. Schill & Associates on Mercer Island.
Money matters

Volatility and disciplined planning in 2022’s stock market | Guest column

The stock market in January experienced significantly increased volatility. In the first 14 trading days in January, the S&P500 declined about 12.5% on an intraday… Continue reading

  • Feb 11, 2022
Robert Toomey, CFA/CFP, is Vice President of Research for S. R. Schill & Associates on Mercer Island.
Teaser

SeaAxe Throwing is coming to downtown Auburn

‘It’s kind of like darts on steroids,’ says co-owner.

Teaser
Teaser

Downtown Auburn boutique taps into the spiritual side of things

Aura Song Gifts is open for business.

Teaser
Snoqualmie Casino. Courtesy photo

Kirkland-based company sues to challenge ‘tribal gaming monopoly’ in Washington

Company called the state’s policy an “erroneous application of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.”

Snoqualmie Casino. Courtesy photo
Robert Toomey, CFA/CFP, is Vice President of Research for S. R. Schill & Associates on Mercer Island.
Money matters

The forces behind our current COVID-induced inflation | Guest column

Recent inflation numbers have been quite high and at levels not seen for 40 years. As financial planners, inflation is important element of our financial… Continue reading

  • Jan 11, 2022
Robert Toomey, CFA/CFP, is Vice President of Research for S. R. Schill & Associates on Mercer Island.
Robert Toomey, CFA/CFP, is Vice President of Research for S. R. Schill & Associates on Mercer Island.
Money matters

The ‘year end’ elements of financial planning | Guest column

With the end of the year fast approaching, we remind clients that now is a good time to review key aspects of their finances. As… Continue reading

  • Dec 28, 2021
Robert Toomey, CFA/CFP, is Vice President of Research for S. R. Schill & Associates on Mercer Island.
Airhouse Adventure Park is opening its doors to the public on Jan. 7, 2022, at 1101 Outlet Collection Way. Photo courtesy of Airhouse Adventure Park.

Multi-activity adventure park to open in Auburn

Airhouse Adventure Park will offer laser tag, trampolines and dodgeball among other activities

Airhouse Adventure Park is opening its doors to the public on Jan. 7, 2022, at 1101 Outlet Collection Way. Photo courtesy of Airhouse Adventure Park.
Henry Stewart-Wood / Sound Publishing An Orion Industries mentor (center) supervises participants in one of the manufacturing processes at the Auburn factory on Nov. 16. Orion Industries is an aerospace manufacturing company that trains people with barriers to employment to enter the workforce.

Orion Industries is breaking down barriers to employment in Auburn

Factory offers paid job training and more.

Henry Stewart-Wood / Sound Publishing An Orion Industries mentor (center) supervises participants in one of the manufacturing processes at the Auburn factory on Nov. 16. Orion Industries is an aerospace manufacturing company that trains people with barriers to employment to enter the workforce.
Robert Toomey, CFA/CFP, is Vice President of Research for S. R. Schill & Associates on Mercer Island.
Money matters

How financial planners address plan uncertainty | Guest column

One of the key challenges we face as financial planners is dealing with the uncertainties around forecasts and assumptions in the planning process. I like… Continue reading

  • Nov 16, 2021
Robert Toomey, CFA/CFP, is Vice President of Research for S. R. Schill & Associates on Mercer Island.
Robert Toomey, CFA/CFP, is Vice President of Research for S. R. Schill & Associates on Mercer Island.
Money matters

Is cryptocurrency really an investment? | Guest column

Undoubtedly you have heard about the new form of money known as digital or “crypto” currencies. It is a fascinating new development in the financial… Continue reading

  • Oct 5, 2021
Robert Toomey, CFA/CFP, is Vice President of Research for S. R. Schill & Associates on Mercer Island.
Stock photo

Grocery store workers have right to wear Black Lives Matter buttons

National Labor Relations Board ruling against ban by Kroger-owned QFC, Fred Meyer

Stock photo
Carolynn Bernard, owner and operator of Bless Ewe Sheep Company pets one of the sheep on her farm in Enumclaw on Aug. 17, 2021. Photo by Henry Stewart-Wood/Sound Publishing

COVID, droughts put local sheep sanctuary in jeopardy

Owner Carolynn Bernard took to GoFundMe in hopes of raising money to make it through the winter.

Carolynn Bernard, owner and operator of Bless Ewe Sheep Company pets one of the sheep on her farm in Enumclaw on Aug. 17, 2021. Photo by Henry Stewart-Wood/Sound Publishing