Articles Library

Contributed by: Austin Manning, CFP® In periods of market uncertainty or exuberance, investors often find themselves tempted to adjust their portfolios in reaction to short-term movements. It’s a natural impulse—markets are dynamic, news cycles are constant, and the pace of change can be dizzying. But this raises an important question for any serious investor: what is the right way to position a portfolio…

Understanding Premium Financing Premium Financing represents a sophisticated financial strategy that involves the procurement of a bank loan to pay for insurance premiums. This approach is particularly advantageous for high-net-worth individuals seeking to preserve their use of capital in other areas, while securing desired life insurance coverage for liquidity planning. The Mechanics of Premium Financing Premium…

Contributed by: Dale Shaw, CFP, RICP As wealth advisors, one of the most common questions we address involves the value of Roth conversions as part of a comprehensive financial strategy. While Roth conversions can be a powerful tool for tax efficient retirement planning, they are not a one size fits all solution. It’s essential to weigh the advantages and disadvantages carefully, considering your unique…

Contributed by: Caleb Christian, CFP®, CLU®, ChFC® For many corporate executives and key employees at oil & gas companies such as BP, Chevron, or Shell, compensation extends beyond salary and annual bonuses. Increasingly, companies are using Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) as part of long-term incentive plans. While RSUs can represent a substantial portion of total compensation, they also carry complexities—particularly…

Contributed by: Timothy Smith, CFP® In the world of wealth planning, quiet legislative changes often have an outsized impact on how families and business owners structure their estates, minimize taxes, and leave a legacy. The “Big Beautiful Bill” is a prime example. Though its title may sound casual, the potential implications for charitable legacy planning are anything but. Designed to modernize and…

As you prepare for retirement with confidence, we wanted to share key findings from Ernst & Young's newly released 2025 study, 'Holistic Planning: Integrating Insurance Products for Better Outcomes in Retirement' The 2025 study by Ernst & Young on incorporating life insurance and guaranteed income strategies into a holistic financial plan expands on its 2021 study and further validates that…

Authored by: Brian Sak, CFP®, CLU®, ChFC® Historic Expansion (and contraction) of Exemptions One of the most impactful provisions within the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) is the permanent increase in the federal estate, gift, and generation-skipping transfer (GST) tax exemptions. While the term “permanent” suggests long-term certainty, history tells a different story. Over the past several decades,…

Contributed by: Pijus Bulvinas, CFP & Richard Dorfman, Vice President, SRS Real Estate Partners Real estate investors are constantly seeking ways to maximize their returns while minimizing their tax liabilities. For those looking to sell appreciated property without incurring significant capital gains taxes, the 1031 exchange offers a powerful solution. Named after Section 1031 of the Internal…

Authored by: Nicholas Brown, CFA, CFP® In the ever-evolving world of tax legislation, clarity and consistency are rare luxuries. Yet that is precisely what the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (the Act) aims to deliver—a sweeping tax reform package designed to bring permanence to key provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) and introduce several notable changes affecting high income earners, small…