Do Alaskans Need Tax Planning?

Tax planning for Alaska residents—financial strategy tools including calculator, piggy bank, and investment charts.

Alaska is one of only nine states that has no state income tax. As a State of Alaska employee, you may be thinking, “Tax planning? Is that even something that should be on my radar?” Yes! Yes, it should be. Many of the public employees that I work with weren’t even aware of the many […]

Is Now a Good Time to Invest in Real Estate?

Real estate investment in Alaska—log cabin under Northern Lights, showcasing property opportunities.

Wondering if 2022 is the year to purchase another real estate property? Now could be an excellent time to buy – or not.  2021 was undoubtedly a unique year for real estate. With record-low interest rates, more work-from-home opportunities, and a great migration of people moving out of densely populated areas, Americans saw housing prices […]

What Should a Financial Plan Include for Alaska State Public Employees?

Financial advisor assisting a client with financial planning for Alaska state employees, discussing Alaska PERS financial planning strategies.

Being a State of Alaska employee grants you access to great benefits and retirement planning options. However, you may find that understanding all your options and taking advantage of the best ones for you can be a challenge. Your overall financial picture involves more than just managing your brokerage IRAs and your Empower retirement accounts. […]

4 Questions You Must Ask Before You Retire with Your State Retirement Plan

Retired couple walking barefoot on the beach, reflecting on state retirement plan questions and securing their future through PERS and TRS retirement options.

As a State of Alaska employee, you have access to excellent retirement benefits. However, you may worry that your state retirement still doesn’t fully meet the financial needs of the life you envision after working. Thankfully, you can take advantage of several options to bolster your retirement income and ensure your golden years are secured […]

What You Need to Know About Alaska State Retirement Benefit Elections

Person sitting in an open Alaskan landscape, reflecting on Alaska state retirement benefit options and financial planning for retirement.

The State of Alaska Retirement System offers many benefits to SOA employees, but do you know if you are making the most of the retirement benefits available to you? The truth is, with an abundance of benefits options, you can get easily overwhelmed with all the choices. You want to make the best choice, but […]

What States Don’t Tax Retirement Income?

Illustration of a forklift moving tax-labeled crates on a U.S. map, symbolizing states without retirement income tax and tax-free retirement states.

You’ve worked hard your entire career to earn a living and save for retirement. Now, you want to make sure your retirement is protected and lasts as long as possible. You don’t want to hand over a portion of your retirement income to the IRS if you don’t have to.

Unfortunately, many states tax retirement income. Depending on where you live, the money you worked so hard to build up for the future could be subject to taxes down the road. States like Arizona and New Mexico are popular for snowbirding Alaskans; however, it’s important to be aware that they do tax your retirement income.

The good news is that not all states operate this way. Alaska, for instance, does not tax your retirement income at all. However, many Alaskans plan to move out of state for retirement for lower cost of living, easier climates, closeness to family, and access to healthcare.

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