Articles Library

Contributed by: Nicholas Brown, CFA, CFP® Donor Advised Funds (DAFs) have long been a cornerstone of charitable giving strategies for families and individuals who value both philanthropy and tax efficiency. At Granite Harbor Advisors, we’ve previously written about how DAFs can be used as a flexible vehicle for managing charitable contributions, especially in high-income years or as part of a long-term…

Granite Harbor Advisors FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 8, 2025 Granite Harbor Advisors Welcomes Derek Taylor to Lead New Private Markets Vertical Houston, Texas — Wednesday, October 8, 2025 — Granite Harbor Advisors, an independent Registered Investment Adviser with more than $600 million in assets under management, today announced the appointment of Derek Taylor as Managing Partner to launch Granite…

Contributed by: Austin Manning, CFP® Business owners who have invested years of effort into building successful enterprises eventually face a difficult but essential question: what happens to the business when an owner departs, retires, or passes away? The answer often lies in a well-crafted buy-sell agreement. These agreements establish a clear plan for the transfer of ownership and can prevent disputes,…

Contributed by: Timothy Smith, CFP® As the year draws to a close, many families and business owners take time to reflect on their values and how they can make a meaningful impact through charitable giving. For those with Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs), this season presents a valuable opportunity—not only to support important causes but also to optimize tax efficiency before year-end deadlines arrive. Yet,…

The IRS has finalized key provisions of the SECURE Act 2.0, and while these changes may appear technical, they carry important implications for families focused on long-term wealth preservation and legacy planning. If you have significant qualified retirement assets, own a business, or are focused on strategic tax and estate planning, here’s what you need to know. Qualified Retirement Accounts: Still…

Contributed by: Pijus Bulvinas, CFP® It might seem unlikely that your Labrador’s early morning routine or your shepherd’s unflinching loyalty could offer lessons in financial stewardship, but they do. In a world driven by urgency, volatility, and short attention spans, our four-legged companions offer a powerful counterpoint: consistency, discipline, and perspective. These aren’t just characteristics…

Contributed by: Caleb Christian, CFP®, CLU®, ChFC® Entrepreneurship is often portrayed as the ultimate path to independence, control, and wealth creation. For many high-net-worth individuals, especially those who have built their wealth through business ownership, the rewards of entrepreneurship are clear. But what is often less acknowledged—and far less glamorized—are the persistent risks that continue…

Contributed by: Nicholas Brown, CFA, CFP In wealth management conversations, the focus often lands on asset allocation, market performance, or investment selection. Yet one of the most influential drivers of long-term after-tax wealth has nothing to do with the market at all—it’s how your investment accounts are structured. Most high-income earners and affluent families hold a combination of retirement…

What is the Qualified Business Income Deduction? The Qualified Business Income (QBI) Deduction is a tax provision introduced under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2017. This deduction, available under Section 199A, allows eligible taxpayers to deduct up to 20% of their qualified business income from their taxable income. The purpose of this provision is to provide a tax break to small business…