Contributed by: Tom Kelley, MBA In the dynamic world of business, continuity and stability are paramount. Business owners often face the challenge of safeguarding their enterprise against unforeseen events that can disrupt operations. One of the most effective tools in ensuring business continuity is the buy-sell agreement. This strategic legal document is essential for protecting your business from…

Authored by: Austin Manning, CFP® In recent years, the financial landscape has witnessed a significant uptick in the size of Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs), with balances reaching unprecedented levels in 2024. This trend is not just a statistical anomaly but a reflection of several contributing factors that have converged to shape retirement planning in profound ways. Factors Driving Growth…

Contributed by: Dale Shaw, CFP®, RICP® High-income earners face a pivotal aspect of their retirement planning—understanding and managing the Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA) surcharge associated with Medicare. This surcharge, which can significantly increase Medicare costs, is a crucial consideration for those in higher income brackets. This article aims to demystify the nuances of…

Contributed by: Tom Kelley, MBA As an executive in the oil and gas industry, particularly for leading companies like ConocoPhillips, Exxon, or BP, strategic financial planning is essential to managing your wealth effectively. One powerful tool that may be available to you is Net Unrealized Appreciation (NUA), a tax strategy that could significantly enhance your retirement distribution plans. In this…

In the realm of private equity investing, a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies of the J-Curve is essential for investors aiming to optimize their portfolios. The J-Curve serves as a graphical representation of the typical return trajectory experienced by private equity funds, illustrating the initial dip in returns followed by a substantial rise as investments mature. This phenomenon is…

By: Brian Sak CFP®, CLU®, ChFC® Selling your business is a monumental milestone, often accompanied by a wave of emotions and critical financial decisions. For many exiting business owners, this moment represents both the culmination of years of hard work and the start of a new chapter. But what happens after you've shaken hands on the deal? In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through the essential…

By: Brian Sak CFP®, CLU®, ChFC® Navigating the complexities of estate planning can feel daunting, especially for ultra-high-net-worth families and business owners. With the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) tax cuts set to expire on December 31, 2025, now is the time to act. The current lifetime exemption limits are at an all-time high, offering a unique opportunity to shift wealth outside of the taxable…

Contributed By: Brian Sak CFP®, CLU®, ChFC® Congratulations! By making gifts to a trust, you’ve taken a significant step towards optimizing your financial future and taking advantage of the current tax environment prior to the potential TCJA (Tax Cuts and Jobs Act) sunset. This proactive move helps protect your wealth, ensuring that it benefits your family and future generations. However, this is only…

Ensuring compliance while managing personal investments is a significant challenge for senior executives and directors of public companies. Company trading policies often impose restrictions to prevent conflicts of interest and insider trading, making it difficult for executives to sell shares. However, Rule 10b5-1 trading plans offer a solution. This article provides an in-depth look at these plans,…