Articles Library

Contributed by: Austin Manning, CFP® Business owners who have invested years of effort into building successful enterprises eventually face a difficult but essential question: what happens to the business when an owner departs, retires, or passes away? The answer often lies in a well-crafted buy-sell agreement. These agreements establish a clear plan for the transfer of ownership and can prevent disputes,…

The IRS has finalized key provisions of the SECURE Act 2.0, and while these changes may appear technical, they carry important implications for families focused on long-term wealth preservation and legacy planning. If you have significant qualified retirement assets, own a business, or are focused on strategic tax and estate planning, here’s what you need to know. Qualified Retirement Accounts: Still…

Contributed by: Pijus Bulvinas, CFP® It might seem unlikely that your Labrador’s early morning routine or your shepherd’s unflinching loyalty could offer lessons in financial stewardship, but they do. In a world driven by urgency, volatility, and short attention spans, our four-legged companions offer a powerful counterpoint: consistency, discipline, and perspective. These aren’t just characteristics…

Contributed by: Caleb Christian, CFP®, CLU®, ChFC® Entrepreneurship is often portrayed as the ultimate path to independence, control, and wealth creation. For many high-net-worth individuals, especially those who have built their wealth through business ownership, the rewards of entrepreneurship are clear. But what is often less acknowledged—and far less glamorized—are the persistent risks that continue…

Contributed by: Nicholas Brown, CFA, CFP In wealth management conversations, the focus often lands on asset allocation, market performance, or investment selection. Yet one of the most influential drivers of long-term after-tax wealth has nothing to do with the market at all—it’s how your investment accounts are structured. Most high-income earners and affluent families hold a combination of retirement…

What is the Qualified Business Income Deduction? The Qualified Business Income (QBI) Deduction is a tax provision introduced under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2017. This deduction, available under Section 199A, allows eligible taxpayers to deduct up to 20% of their qualified business income from their taxable income. The purpose of this provision is to provide a tax break to small business…

What to do with Your 401(k) after Leaving a Job: Key Considerations & Advanced Tax Strategies When navigating a job transition, whether entering retirement or an unexpected layoff, one crucial aspect that requires careful consideration is what to do with your 401(k) plan. Making informed choices is of utmost importance to safeguard your financial future. By taking stock of your existing plan and…

Authored by: Brian Sak, CFP®, CLU®, ChFC® When it's time to transition a business, the structure of the deal matters just as much as the successor. Whether passing it to family, selling to key employees, or exiting through a third-party sale, each strategy carries its own tax implications—some immediate, others long-term. This article outlines the most common succession techniques, the tax challenges…

Contributed by: Dale Shaw, CFP®, RICP® There’s a common misconception among high-net-worth families and successful business owners: if the market is quiet and the balance sheet looks strong, doing nothing might be the safest move. After all, isn’t inaction better than a misstep? It’s a comforting idea — but a dangerous one. The truth is that wealth erosion rarely announces itself with a dramatic event.…