Articles Library

Contributed by: Caleb Christian, CFP, CLU, ChFC Real estate has long been a cornerstone of wealth building strategies for investors, offering the potential for income generation, capital appreciation, and diversification. However, like any investment, it is not without its risks. Managing these risks effectively requires a proactive approach and careful planning to safeguard your wealth and optimize…

Contributed by: Dale Shaw, CFP, RICP As wealth advisors, one of the most common questions we address involves the value of Roth conversions as part of a comprehensive financial strategy. While Roth conversions can be a powerful tool for tax efficient retirement planning, they are not a one size fits all solution. It’s essential to weigh the advantages and disadvantages carefully, considering your unique…

Contributed by: Timothy B. Smith, CFP Charitable giving is a core value for many high-net-worth families, corporate executives, and small business owners. Whether driven by a desire to leave a legacy, engage the next generation in philanthropy, or simply support causes they care about, strategic charitable planning allows individuals to maximize their impact while taking advantage of significant tax…

Authored by: Nicholas M. Brown, CFA, CFP As 2024 draws to a close, many investors find themselves in a fortunate position. The markets have delivered a year of solid growth, and many portfolios could be brimming with appreciated securities. While this success is worth celebrating, it also creates an opportunity to reassess philanthropic strategies. One powerful option is donating highly appreciated…

Contributed by: Brian W. Sak, CFP, CLU, ChFC For high-net-worth individuals, preserving family wealth across generations often involves balancing two competing priorities: minimizing estate taxes and maximizing the capital gains tax benefits through a basis adjustment. These two objectives frequently intersect, particularly when deciding whether to leave assets in an estate or transfer them into a…

Contributed by: Austin Manning, CFP For high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs), effective wealth management requires more than just growing investments. Preserving wealth often hinges on minimizing tax liabilities, ensuring that more of your assets can be allocated toward personal goals, family needs, and legacy planning. With increasing complexity in the tax code, proactively adopting tax-efficient strategies…

Authored by: Tom Kelley, MBA The SECURE 2.0 Act, signed into law in December 2022, introduced significant updates to retirement planning rules, including changes to required minimum distributions (RMDs). These adjustments offer retirees more flexibility to manage their savings effectively while opening new opportunities for incorporating annuities into retirement plans. Among these, annuities stand…

Investing in the education of future generations is one of the most impactful legacies a family can create. For many affluent families, this means going beyond standard savings plans and exploring sophisticated strategies that ensure educational goals are met while maintaining financial stability. Granite Harbor Advisors understands the unique challenges and opportunities of educational planning, and…

Contributed by: Pijus Bulvinas, CFP For families with significant wealth, managing financial, legal, and operational complexities can feel like juggling a set of constantly moving priorities. The stakes are high—not just for protecting wealth but for maintaining family harmony and ensuring that your wealth aligns with your values and long term goals. This is where a family office becomes indispensable. A…