Articles Library

Contributed By: Brian Sak, CFP, CLU, ChFC Estate planning is often viewed as a task to be handled "later." For many successful individuals and families, it’s easy to deprioritize because it involves difficult conversations—about incapacity, mortality, and control. Yet, the absence of a structured plan doesn’t defer those outcomes. It simply removes your voice from them. At Granite Harbor Advisors,…

Contributed By: Tim Smith, CFP New IRS rules on donor-advised funds could reshape charitable giving strategies for high net worth families. Philanthropy has long been a cornerstone of wealth stewardship among high net worth families. Whether motivated by a commitment to legacy, community impact, or tax efficiency, charitable giving plays a critical role in many estate and financial planning strategies.…

Authored by: Austin Manning, CFP Market volatility is an unavoidable reality for investors, particularly high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) who have substantial assets exposed to financial fluctuations. While these shifts can create unease, they also bring potential for reassessment and repositioning within a well-structured investment framework. Addressing market turbulence effectively requires a…

Contributed by: Dale Shaw, CFP, RICP For high-net-worth individuals, managing investments independently might seem like a cost saving strategy. However, without professional oversight, even the most financially savvy individuals can fall into costly traps. Investment mismanagement can lead to missed opportunities, excessive risk exposure, and significant tax inefficiencies. Here’s why DIY investing…

Authored by: Nicholas M. Brown, CFA, CFP In recent weeks, the conversation dominating the financial headlines has centered on tariffs—and whether or not they will ultimately be implemented. Initially perceived by many as a tactical move—a bargaining chip in the administration’s broader agenda, which includes border security, trade rebalancing, and domestic manufacturing support—tariffs have quickly…

Authored By: Brian Sak, CFP, CLU, ChCF In early 2025, a new wave of tariff policy updates has unsettled global markets. As trade rhetoric intensifies between the United States and major economies—including China and the European Union—investors are once again contending with heightened volatility, fluctuating commodity prices, and geopolitical uncertainty. While headlines focus on the noise of tariffs…

Authored by: Nicholas M. Brown, CFA, CFP In their 2016 book War By Other Means, Robert Blackwill and Jennifer Harris argue that the United States has historically lagged in leveraging economic tools to achieve political objectives. That same year, the country elected a president who made economic policies—particularly trade tariffs—a central pillar of his foreign policy approach. As President Trump…

Contributed by: Tom Kelley, MBA For many business owners, transitioning a company—whether through sale, succession, or strategic restructuring—is one of the most significant milestones of their professional and financial lives. This process often involves navigating complex decisions about legacy, value realization, and future growth. Private equity (PE) can play a critical role in facilitating these…

Authored by: Brian W. Sak, CFP, CLU, ChFC With a Republican administration and Congress in power, potential tax reform measures could significantly impact high-net-worth individuals, small business owners, and corporate executives. While the specific proposals remain uncertain, historical legislative priorities offer insight into the possible changes on the horizon. This article explores the key areas…