Taxes and investing can seem difficult, because of the enormous amount of irrelevant (or just misinformed) noise that surrounds personal finance. But actually, sound investment advice is not particularly complex and it is not particularly new. In fact, it is often not even particularly interesting. But it works. Good tax advice can occasionally become very complex, and the tax code is constantly changing. However, effective tax coaching does not rely on being aggressive or searching for grey areas. Good tax coaching, yes, reduces your tax bill, but it also brings you peace of mind and helps you prepare for possible changes without over-reacting.
We have helped people with their finances since this firm began over 60 years ago, and we still aim to illuminate the essential truths about taxes and investing in as many places and for as many people as possible. There is very little more beautiful than that “aha!” experience that people have when it all comes together.
Let us help you experience your finances and your future from a perspective of abundance, rather than scarcity. After all, you shouldn’t have to worry about taxes and investments—you probably have more exciting things to think about.
Statement of Purpose
As fee-only legal fiduciaries, we fully integrate tax and investment coaching so that our clients can experience financial abundance, confidence and peace of mind.
Our Qualifications
Certified Public Accountant, licensed in Washington State.
Registered Investment Advisor-Washington State CRD 127537.
Personal Financial Specialist (PFS) Designation, American Institute of Certified Accountants.
Licensed Independent Insurance Agent-Life, Health and Disability and Long Term Care Insurance-Washington State.
Member: American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
Member: Washington Society of Certified Public Accountants.
Meet Our Team
CURTIS ERICKSON
CPA, PFS, President curt@curtcpa.com
Since 1986, Curtis has been working with Seattle area clients, real estate and small businesses on how to improve their financial future. He is, simultaneously, a registered CPA tax advisor and a Registered Investment Advisor. Between 1989 and 2006, Curtis was a partner in Nelson, Watson & Erickson CPAs and Erickson Retirement Advisors. These firms have evolved today to Erickson Wealth & Tax Management, a team-based firm that features tax, wealth and retirement distribution planning.
Curtis and his wife Kathy are life-long residents of Washington and live in Northwest Seattle. They have one son, Austin. Curtis loves to golf, play basketball and is a classic film buff. A popular speaker in the Seattle area, Curtis has published a book called “The Investor Awareness Guide” and audio CD “The Seven Deadly Traps and Three Power Strategies.” He is also featured weekly on Mike Siegel's radio show on KKOL, 1300, business radio.
LAUREN JEAN-LOUIS VIGNEC
Financial Advisor lauren@curtcpa.com
Lauren joined Erickson Wealth & Tax Management as an Investment Advisor Representative in July 2009. With over five years experience in the world of financial advisories, and having earned a Bachelor's in Economics from the University of Washington, Lauren is focused on client relationships, community outreach, and investor education.
Lauren is proud to have been chosen to co-author parts of "The Boglehead's Guide to Retirement Planning", to be released by Wiley and Sons in Fall 2009. This unconventional group, which comes together mostly on the bogleheads.org internet forum, is devoted to the example and message of Jack Bogle, founder of Vanguard, the pioneer of low-cost investing. Visit the forum and spread the word!
JIM WOODWORTH
Financial Advisor jdwoodworth2@comcast.net Jim brings with him over 20 years of experience in the financial services industry. Prior to becoming an investment coach he was an educator, doing everything from teaching math and science to being a high school principal. Of the two career paths, the most enjoyable and, at the same time, the most challenging is the investment business.
Jim joined up with Erickson Wealth and Tax Management after becoming convinced that market movements are indeed a random walk, and that no one knows how to time the market or pick winning stocks consistently. Sound investing is based on principles like diversification and rebalancing. “Erickson Wealth & Tax Management is one of the few companies nationwide that employs these principles. I am proud to be a part of this organization.”
SUE FULKERSON
Financial Advisors Assistant sue@curtcpa.com
Sue Fulkerson started working for Curtis Erickson in 1990, first with his CPA practice Office Manager and, as of November 2005, with his financial planning practice as Financial Advisors Assistant and Event Coordinator. Nothing is more exciting than to see a young person start saving for their retirement!
Outside of work, Sue enjoys spending time with her family, reading, hiking and various crafts and volunteer work with her church.
STEPHANIE SOLOMON
Office Manager stephanie@curtcpa.com
Stephanie Solomon joined the Erickson Wealth & Tax Management team in August of 2008. A Western Washington University alum, Stephanie has a Bachelor’s in business, with a concentration in finance.
In her free time, Stephanie and her husband are being kept very busy with their 2-year-old Golden Retriever, Mollie. She enjoys spending quality time with her family and friends, running/working out, hiking, camping and exploring the great Northwest.
Fee-based investment management and hourly fee planning are offered by W Curtis Erickson, PS Inc. dba -Erickson Wealth And Tax Management, CPAs and a Washington State Registered Investment Advisor.
