Preparing for Big Life Changes

What’s that saying? Something about the one constant in life is change? Sure, it can sound trite, but that’s probably because it’s true. There is so much beauty in the fact that our lives are ever-evolving. But evolution can come with some stress, too! 

We understand that navigating big life changes is a whole lot easier when you know where to start. We’ll tell you this—you can start right Downtown Edmonds. Isn’t that great? 

So, take a few deep breaths and pull up a chair while you read on. Whether you’re making your house feel like a home, starting a business, navigating relationship changes, or something else entirely, Downtown Edmonds has a resource for you. 

KSD Home

Creating Your Home

Just moved to town (congrats!) or looking for a decor refresh? You don’t have to go far to start planning your floor plan and furnishings. Interiors of Edmonds and KSD Home bookend Downtown. The Cline Company takes you toward the library on Main Street and is housed in a cute little cottage that is super homey in its own right. Whatever you decide, you’re in great hands at these homegrown businesses. 

Launching a Business

Whether you need someone to help you register your LLC, advise you on a business partnership, or draw up contracts, Beresford Booth PLLC is the firm for you. They’ve been in Edmonds since 1946, so they have a decades-long history of supporting local business owners. The Edmonds Chamber offers tons of resources for new businesses, too, so don’t hesitate to get to know them, their team, and attend some of their wonderful events, all geared toward local business owners. 

Also, after you’ve figured out how to structure your business, you need to think about the money bit. Choose a bank (there are several Downtown, including Coastal Community Bank, Pacific Premier Bank and Sound Credit Union). If you’re in the market for a small business loan, talk to them about that while you’re there. As for taxes, set up time with DME CPA Group PC or McDevitt & Duffy, CPAs. Talk to a financial advisor like Koenig Financial Group or TFS Advisors to look at the whole financial picture.  

Don’t forget that Ed! was also built to support local business owners! The Edmonds Downtown Alliance is all about keeping our downtown thriving. We work to ensure Edmonds stays a fun, beautiful, and successful place for businesses and everyone who visits.

Alley Bell Music

Preparing for Baby

Growing your family? Congrats! You have a lot of decisions to make, including decisions that now impact your kids (sorry to make it heavy, but it doesn’t have to be). Breathe easy and make putting together a will, learning about trusts, and ensuring your affairs are ready for anything a breeze. This applies to any life stage, too, but it becomes more front and center once kids enter the picture. And if you are a grown kid of aging parents and you know they haven’t worked on these things, encourage them to follow your lead. 

Edmonds Wills & Trust offers complete estate planning services. Jordan Law Firm helps you create a will, trust, power of attorney, and health care directives. Jordan Law even offers free wills workshops to jump-start your planning process. Similarly, Sound Estate Planning provides personalized estate planning solutions to individuals, families, and small business owners.

On a lighter note, you might want to take babe to music classes once they join you earth-side. Check out Alley Bell Music when you’re ready. 

Gracie Barra Women’s Class

Navigating Relationships

Divorce, kids off to college, evolving friendships—Zoe Riggs can help you navigate it all. For women who are spending more time alone, Gracie Barra Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu offers Women’s Self-Defense classes. Twist Yoga helps yogis of all ages and genders get out of their heads and into their bodies. As your relationships change, know you have lots of tools and support to access right Downtown Edmonds. 

Supporting Aging Parents

In addition to helping them with their wills (if necessary, see above), supporting aging parents can be a delicate dance. If they need help with their computer or other technology, Sound IT comes in to support all things related to PCs. They’ll troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair computer software and hardware, all with a smile—so you don’t have to. 

If the parentals need to get their eyes, ears, or teeth looked at, we rounded up all the resources in a feature from a few months back. You can read (and bookmark) it here.

And, if you’re concerned about their well-being living alone, Edmonds Landing emphasizes wellness and independence. Your parents may even have a more packed social schedule than you do once they move in. From cocktail-hour gatherings where you can learn about the nuances of a good Bourdeaux, to a discussion of the latest literary bestseller in their Life-Long Learning series, to exploring new ways to stay healthy in a fitness class, Edmonds Landing has built a safe and vivacious community unlike any other. Peace of mind is priceless. 

Do You Feel Supported?

We hope you’re feeling any weight you were carrying lifted off your shoulders. And, if you visit any of these businesses, shout them out on Instagram and Facebook and tag us! It’s always nice to know you’re feeling the love Downtown.

By Whitney Popa, photos by Matt Hulbert