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…

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: 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…

Contributed by: Dale Shaw, CFP, RICP In today’s increasingly mobile world, high-net-worth individuals often find themselves weighing the benefits of relocating to a state with more favorable tax laws. While the prospect of saving on state income taxes, property taxes, or estate taxes is appealing, changing your state domicile requires careful planning. This guide highlights the possible substantial…

Contributed by: Timothy B. Smith, CFP For many high-net-worth families, philanthropy is not just a way to give back—it’s an opportunity to leave a legacy and create meaningful change. Increasingly, families are discovering the power of collaborative philanthropy, where they partner with other wealthy families to amplify their collective impact. At Granite Harbor Advisors, we understand that successful…