Articles Library

Contributed by: Briak Sak, CFP, CLU, ChFC When clients begin to think more intentionally about their legacy, few tools offer the flexibility, control, and tax advantages of an Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust, or ILIT. Often overlooked in general financial planning conversations, the ILIT is a sophisticated estate planning solution that can address multiple objectives: preserving wealth across generations,…

The media cycle is relentless. From morning talk shows to 24-hour business news, there’s a constant drumbeat of market commentary that can rattle even the most seasoned investors. On one screen, there’s a warning about an impending recession. On another, a pundit claims this year’s “must-own” stock is already doubling in value. For investors trying to protect and grow their wealth, this information…

Contributed by: Dale Shaw, CFP For many high-net-worth families and successful business owners, the traditional rules of retirement may no longer apply. Portfolio models built exclusively on stocks, bonds, and annuities may still serve a purpose, but they are increasingly insufficient for those seeking more control, higher income potential, and better protection from volatility and taxes. The investment…

Contributed by: Pijus Bulvinas, CFP Financial literacy has long been a cornerstone of individual and family success. Yet, as financial markets grow more complex and life expectancy increases, equipping the next generation with financial knowledge has never been more critical. This isn’t a matter of teaching children to save their allowance; it’s about preparing them to navigate an intricate web of…

The Power of a Holistic Approach to Public and Private Equity Markets for Accredited Investors When it comes to growing and preserving wealth, accredited investors have a unique advantage in harnessing the often-underestimated synergy between public and private equity markets. By utilizing a comprehensive strategy that integrates both markets, investors can optimize their returns and build a robust…

Contributed by: Austin Manning, CFP In today’s shifting economic environment, successful wealth management requires more than simply choosing investments that “perform.” It demands an intentional balancing act — between growing assets to meet future goals and preserving the wealth already built through years of effort, risk, and success. For affluent families, corporate executives, and business owners,…

Since 1926, the U.S. stock market has served as a powerful engine of wealth creation, delivering an average annualized return of approximately 10%. While this long-term performance is encouraging, it's important for investors to understand that these returns are not delivered in a straight line. In fact, they mask a wide range of outcomes that investors have experienced from year to year. The Reality…

Every day investment professionals across the globe hear some version of the same question: What’s the market going to do? We are all guilty for asking, or at least thinking, about this question. There are also extremely insightful and thoughtful answers to that question. Unfortunately, on any given day the answer is almost a 50/50 chance of being “up” or “down”. Equally as unfortunate is that we all…

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,…