Articles Library

Co-Authored by: Aaron Ball, Partner & Corporate and Energy Attorney, Ball PLLC In high-stakes estate or business succession planning, the value of a well-structured voting trust is often overlooked. For business owners and families with concentrated private holdings, this vehicle can help manage shareholder voting rights, streamline governance, and protect against disruptions during times of transition.…

Contributed by: Caleb Christian, CFP, CLU, ChFC Reconsidering Life Insurance: Seven Misunderstandings Wealthy Families Should Avoid Among individuals with significant wealth, life insurance is often viewed as unnecessary. With assets sufficient to cover family needs, taxes, and liabilities, the assumption is that life insurance serves little purpose. Yet this view overlooks how insurance can function…

Contributed by: Dale Shaw, CFP For affluent investors, capital gains tax is more than a line item on a tax return. It's a lever that can meaningfully impact net investment outcomes, legacy planning, and overall financial efficiency. Yet many investors—even those with considerable portfolios—lack clarity on how the tax is calculated. Understanding the underlying methodology is key to making smarter,…

It takes no planning to leave an inheritance, you just have to pass away owning something. However, most wealthy families are more interested in leaving a legacy, which does require significant thought and planning. The Dilemma John has worked his entire life to achieve success in both his personal and professional life. He wanted nothing more than to create the best life for his loved ones, and worked…

Contributed by: Tom Kelley, MBA Estate planning is a critical element of wealth management, particularly for individuals and families aiming to preserve and transfer wealth across generations. Selecting the right investment options plays a pivotal role in supporting the preservation of financial legacies while mitigating tax liabilities and legal complexities. When aligned with a comprehensive estate…

Authored by: Brian W. Sak, CFP®, CLU®, ChFC® In a significant update for estate planning and wealth management, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has announced an increase in the estate and gift tax exemption for 2025. The exemption amount will rise to $13.99 million per person, up from $13.61 million in 2024. Additionally, the annual exclusion gift tax limit will rise to $19,000 per individual up…

Contributed by: Tom Kelley, MBA As an executive in the oil and gas industry, particularly for leading companies like ConocoPhillips, Exxon, or BP, strategic financial planning is essential to managing your wealth effectively. One powerful tool that may be available to you is Net Unrealized Appreciation (NUA), a tax strategy that could significantly enhance your retirement distribution plans. In this…

Contributed by: Austin Manning, CFP For high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs), effective wealth management requires more than just growing investments. Preserving wealth often hinges on mitigating tax liabilities, ensuring that more of your assets can be allocated toward personal goals, family needs, and legacy planning. With increasing complexity in the tax code, proactively adopting tax-efficient strategies…

Contributed by: Pijus Bulvinas, CFP As summer approaches, so does a subtle shift in mindset. For many families, business owners, and executives, the season offers a temporary pause – a time for travel, leisure, and reflection. Yet this shift in pace also presents a unique opportunity to recalibrate your financial plan. While the warm months invite relaxation, they also reward those who remain intentional…