Articles Library

Contributed by: Pijus Bulvinas, CFP® For many high-net-worth individuals, retirement is less about accumulating assets and more about using them wisely. Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) can present both an opportunity and a challenge. On the one hand, they provide steady income from retirement accounts. On the other, they often trigger tax consequences that may feel unnecessary, especially if…

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…

Contributed by: Tim Smith, CFP At the height of a corporate career, success often brings complexity. For executives in their prime earning years, many of whom are managing significant equity compensation, growing philanthropic interests, and contemplating long-term legacy decisions, the stakes are high. Navigating this stage without a deliberate financial strategy can lead to missed opportunities,…

Contributed by: Austin Manning, CFP Retirement planning for corporate executives involves far more than deciding when to exit the workforce. With deferred compensation packages, concentrated stock positions, non-qualified plans, and golden parachutes in the mix, the path to financial independence is layered with complexity. One often overlooked tool in managing this transition is the annuity – a word…

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: 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,…