Articles Library

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…

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…

Authored by: Dale Shaw, CFP, RICP As your wealth grows, so does the complexity of your financial obligations. One of the most significant and often misunderstood aspects of financial planning is navigating tax thresholds. These thresholds, the income levels at which specific tax rates or rules apply, play a pivotal role in determining your overall tax liability. For high-net-worth individuals, business…

Contributed by: Timothy B. Smith, CFP® Strategic giving allows families, business owners, and executives to maximize the effectiveness of their contributions, create a lasting legacy, and experience the fulfillment of purposeful generosity. At Granite Harbor Advisors, we understand the complexities of wealth management and the unique considerations of high-net-worth individuals when it comes to charitable…

Contributed by: Nicholas M. Brown, CFA, CFP 2024 is shaping up to be another banner year for equity investors, with the S&P 500 up over 20% for the year at the time this article was written. To the extent those gains occur in accounts with capital gains exposure, a positive market could also create the possibility for significant tax liability. One way to address capital gains exposure is through…

Contributed by: Tom Kelley, MBA For many families, a business is not just a source of income; it is a legacy. Successfully passing on a family business to the next generation involves more than a handshake or an informal agreement. It requires intentional planning, strategic preparation, and a focus on preserving family harmony while ensuring the business remains strong and sustainable. At Granite…