Articles Library

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…

Contributed by: Austin Manning, CFP Estate planning is an essential component of managing and preserving wealth, particularly for families, business owners, and executives with significant assets. Among the many tools available, trusts stand out as a versatile and effective way to protect, manage, and transfer wealth in alignment with your wishes. Understanding the role of trusts in estate planning…

For many families with significant wealth, creating a lasting legacy that benefits future generations is a paramount goal. Intergenerational wealth planning goes beyond simply transferring assets—it requires a thoughtful approach to ensure that your values, priorities, and financial strategies align to serve your family well over time. At Granite Harbor Advisors, we believe intentionality is a cornerstone…

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…

Contributed by: Caleb Christian, CFP, CLU, ChFC For successful individuals and business owners, self insurance can seem like an appealing alternative to traditional insurance. By taking on the financial responsibility of covering potential losses rather than transferring risk to an insurance provider, self insurance may offer greater control and cost savings—but it also comes with significant risks.…

Many people think of life insurance in rather uninspired terms. They generally consider it a liability and an expense that shows up in cash flow projections, not a true asset. This is sometimes why investors will surrender a policy or let one lapse. But before doing either of those things, policyholders should consider a life settlement. When used strategically as part of a comprehensive financial…