Articles Library

Private aviation is often seen as the ultimate symbol of success, efficiency, and convenience. For individuals and families with significant wealth, the decision to use private aviation is less about luxury and more about optimizing time, ensuring safety, and maintaining privacy. Yet, a critical question remains: should you lease or buy a private aircraft? This article explores the key considerations…

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: 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…

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…