3 minutes read

Planning for Educational Investments for Future Generations

Contributed by: Nicholas E. Gonzalez, CEPA, CRPS, CDMA 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…

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4 minutes read

How to Use a Family Office to Unify Wealth and Governance 

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…

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4 minutes read

Understanding Tax Thresholds

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…

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4 minutes read

How to Create a Strategic Giving Plan Aligned with Your Values

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…

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5 minutes read

Tax Loss Harvesting in a Positive Market

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…

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4 minutes read

How to Pass on a Family Business to the Next Generation

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…

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5 minutes read

Building Liquidity into a High-Net-Worth Portfolio

Contributed by: Austin Manning, CFP® High-net-worth (HNW) individuals often face unique financial challenges. A key consideration among these is liquidity—ensuring access to cash or liquid assets when unexpected opportunities or emergencies arise. While a robust portfolio typically includes a mix of investments designed for growth, income, and preservation, building liquidity is essential for both…

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5 minutes read

(eCLAT): Combining Philanthropy with Wealth Transfer Strategies

Contributed by: Brian W. Sak, CFP®, CLU®, ChFC® For high-net-worth individuals seeking to balance charitable giving with strategic wealth transfer, the Enhanced Charitable Lead Annuity Trust (eCLAT) is a powerful tool. This sophisticated strategy enables donors to make substantial contributions to charity while preserving and growing wealth for their families. By incorporating life insurance into a…

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4 minutes read

How to Prepare Your Business for Sale: 10 Tips for Success

Contributed by: Pijus Bulvinas, CFP® and Sam Breske, Director, Affinity Ventures If you are getting ready to sell your business or believe that a sale may be on the horizon in the next several years, it is crucial to plan accordingly. Proper planning and preparation for the sale of your business can significantly impact the success and profitability of the transaction. Here are 10 steps to consider…

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4 minutes read

Planning for Luxury Real Estate Purchases

Contributed by: Nicholas E. Gonzalez, CEPA®, CRPS® Luxury real estate represents not just a home but also a significant investment, a statement of personal style, and often a strategic component of a broader wealth management plan. For high-net-worth individuals, the purchase of a luxury property can be both exciting and complex. To ensure the process aligns with your financial goals and avoids costly…

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3 minutes read

Navigating the Secure 2.0 Act's Higher Catch-Up Limits

Authored by: Dale Shaw, CFP®, RICP® Beginning in 2025, the annual contribution limits to 401(k) plans, 403(b) plans, governmental 457 plans, and the federal government’s Thrift Savings Plan will increase to $23,500. The age 50+ catch up contribution will be $7,500. Also, the SECURE 2.0 Act introduces a higher catch up contribution for those between the ages of 60-63 bringing their catch up contribution…

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5 minutes read

The Benefits of Establishing a Private Foundation

Contributed by: Timothy B. Smith, CFP® In the world of philanthropy, private foundations hold a unique and esteemed position, offering wealthy donors, philanthropists, and nonprofit leaders an avenue to maximize their charitable impact. Establishing a private foundation is an important strategic move that provides lasting benefits to society and personal legacy. This article explores the many advantages…

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6 minutes read

Adapting to Interest Rate Changes

Authored by: Nicholas M. Brown, CFA, CFP® Investors are navigating a unique economic landscape today, characterized by declining interest rates alongside a yield curve that seems to be shifting from an inverted state to a more typical configuration. It's a much different environment than even just 12 months ago. Understanding the dynamics of this environment and its implications for different asset…

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2 minutes read

New Year, New Limits: The 2025 Estate and Gift Tax Updates You Need to Know

Authored by: Brian W. Sak, CFP®, CLU®, ChFC® In a significant update for estate planning and wealth management, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has announced an increase in the estate and gift tax exemption for 2025. The exemption amount will rise to $13.99 million per person, up from $13.61 million in 2024. Additionally, the annual exclusion gift limit will rise to $19,000 per individual up from…

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3 minutes read

Valuing Your Business for Succession and Sale

Contributed by: Tom Kelley, MBA In the dynamic world of business, preparing for succession or sale demands a meticulous approach, with business valuation standing out as a critical component. Accurately valuing your business not only sets realistic expectations but also lays the foundation for a successful transition. Here, we review the importance of accurate business valuation and explore key principles…

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2 minutes read

Wealth Preservation in Times of Political Uncertainty

Contributed by: Austin Manning, CFP® In today's rapidly changing political climate, high net worth individuals and investors face unique challenges when it comes to preserving wealth. The strategies outlined below are potential financial planning and wealth management solutions to safeguard assets amidst uncertainty. Proper Diversification of Asset Classes Diversification is a fundamental strategy…

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3 minutes read

Navigating Business Exit Planning: What Are My Options?

Contributed by: Nicholas E. Gonzalez, CEPA®, CRPS®, CDMA® For business owners contemplating their next steps, understanding and evaluating exit options is crucial. This article explores the fundamentals of exit options analysis, emphasizing its significance and exploring the two primary categories for private ownership transitions: "inside" and "outside" strategies. The Essence of Exit Options Analysis Exit…

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4 minutes read

Educating the Next Generation on Financial Responsibility

Contributed by: Pijus Bulvinas, CFP® In today's rapidly changing economic landscape, financial education has become more critical than ever for the next generation. With challenges such as rising student loans, economic uncertainty, and an increasingly complex financial world, it is imperative for young people to develop a strong foundation of financial literacy early on. By equipping children and…

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3 minutes read

Business Continuity Planning for Entrepreneurs: Securing Your Future

Contributed by: Caleb Christian, CFP®, CLU®, ChFC® In the dynamic world of entrepreneurship, the resilience of your business is just as crucial as its growth. Business continuity planning (BCP) is an essential strategy that ensures your business can weather unforeseen disruptions. For entrepreneurs and small business owners, a robust business continuity plan is not just a safeguard—it's a strategic…

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4 minutes read

How to Align Philanthropy with Personal Values

Contributed by: Timothy Smith, CFP® In the current landscape, philanthropy offers a significant opportunity for individuals to make a meaningful impact within their communities and beyond. To maximize the benefits of charitable giving, it is essential that these endeavors align with one's personal values and long-term goals. With over 25 years of experience in financial planning and philanthropy, I…

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4 minutes read

Election Year Markets

Authored by: Nicholas M. Brown, CFA, CFP® We are just a few short days away from Election Day, where the United States will elect its next President, the entire House of Representatives, and a third of the US Senate seats. This election cycle has seen a swirl of political activity unlike any other previous election cycle. It is not uncommon for election seasons to bring uncertainty, speculation, and…

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9 minutes read

Generation Skipping Tax (GST) Simplified: Pitfalls and Planning Opportunities

Contributed by: Brian Sak CFP®, CLU®, ChFC® Navigating the seemingly endless tax regulations can feel daunting, especially for high-net-worth families and business owners striving to preserve and protect generational wealth. According to the book "Preparing Heirs: Five Steps to a Successful Transition of Family Wealth and Values", 90% of family wealth is dissipated by the third generation. Ineffective…

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3 minutes read

Using Buy-Sell Agreements to Protect Your Business

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…

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3 minutes read

Navigating the Rise of Historically Large IRA Balances

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…

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4 minutes read

Navigating the Complexities of Medicare and the IRMAA Surcharge in 2024

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…

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5 minutes read

Understanding Net Unrealized Appreciation (NUA) for Oil & Gas Executives 

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…

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5 minutes read

You've Agreed to Sell Your Business. What's Next?

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…

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7 minutes read

Charitable Planning: A Strategic Avenue for Philanthropic Impact and Wealth Management

Contributed By: Timothy Smith, CFP Charitable planning stands as a cornerstone in the realm of wealth management, offering affluent individuals and families a pathway to leave a lasting impact on society while simultaneously optimizing their tax strategy. A charitable approach can provide substantial benefits, including tax relief, income generation, and most importantly, legacy preservation. Some…

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4 minutes read

Mitigating Estate Tax: The Role of Spousal Lifetime Access Trusts (SLATs)

Contributed by: Brian W. Sak, CFP®, CLU®, ChFC® In the complex world of estate planning, the Spousal Lifetime Access Trust (SLAT) can be an attractive strategy for married, high-net-worth couples looking to manage taxes, preserve wealth, and transfer assets across generations. Understanding a SLAT's benefits is crucial for those aiming to secure their family's financial future. This knowledge is vital…

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3 minutes read

Understanding the Qualified Business Income Deduction

What is the Qualified Business Income Deduction? The Qualified Business Income (QBI) Deduction is a tax provision introduced under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2017. This deduction, available under Section 199A, allows eligible taxpayers to deduct up to 20% of their qualified business income from their taxable income. The purpose of this provision is to provide a tax break to small business…

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4 minutes read

Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS)

Contributed By: Nicholas E. Gonzalez, CEPA®, CRPS® Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS) presents a significant opportunity for investors seeking to minimize tax liabilities while supporting small businesses. Established under Section 1202 of the Internal Revenue Code, QSBS offers unique tax incentives that can be highly beneficial for both entrepreneurs and investors. This article will provide an…

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7 minutes read

The Importance of Life Insurance in Retirement Planning During the Great Wealth Transfer

The “Great Wealth Transfer” refers to the monumental shift of wealth from the Baby Boomer generation to its heirs. Over the next few decades, an estimated $84 trillion will be transferred to younger generations. This unprecedented movement of assets presents opportunities, but also challenges, for families seeking to secure their financial futures through the seamless transfer of wealth from one generation…

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4 minutes read

Supreme Court's Decision in Connelly v. United States: Implications for Business Owners with Buy/Sell Agreements

On June 13, 2024, the Supreme Court delivered its decision in Connelly v. United States, a landmark case that has significant implications for business owners with entity redemption buy/sell agreements. This ruling has reshaped the landscape of estate tax calculations and necessitates careful consideration of alternative structures for buy/sell agreements and life insurance policy ownership. Below…

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8 minutes read

The Great Wealth Transfer is Underway: Navigating New Frontiers in Retirement

The impending transfer of wealth from Baby Boomers to Millennials and Gen Z is not just an unprecedented shift in economic power, estimated at $84.4 trillion by the year 2045, but also a crucial lifeline for the latter generations who are navigating through a vastly different and more challenging economic landscape than their predecessors. Unlike the Boomers, Millennials and Gen Z have been grappling…

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8 minutes read

Navigating the Complexities of 280G Regulations in Mergers and Acquisitions

Contributed by: Nicholas Gonzalez In the journey of any business, the strategic steps of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) stand as pivotal moments that can shape the company's path for years to come. For those entering this field, it's crucial to grasp that every move carries significant weight. Even a minor action can trigger a tax consequence under Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code, impacting…

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6 minutes read

Ensuring Your Legacy through Estate Planning: Preparing for the Inevitable

During a recent estate plan meeting, one of our most trusted partner estate attorneys shared a thought that deeply resonated with us and our clients. She emphasized, "Leaving your family without a plan in place is one of the most inconsiderate things you could do." We couldn't agree more. When a loved one passes away without a proper plan, it can cause significant stress, unintended burdens, and consequences…

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4 minutes read

Tips for Increasing the Benefits and Tax Breaks of Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)

In the complex world of healthcare finance, one tool often stands out for its versatility and tax advantages - the Health Savings Account (HSA). HSAs are tax-advantaged medical savings accounts available to taxpayers enrolled in high-deductible health plans. But beyond being merely a savings tool, the HSA, when used strategically, can offer significant financial benefits. This guide will provide valuable…

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5 minutes read

Navigating the Alternative Minimum Tax Changes: A Comprehensive Guide for High Income Earners

Navigating the Alternative Minimum Tax Changes: The landscape of taxation is complex, and it becomes even more intricate when it comes to high income earners. One such complexity is the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT), a tax system designed to ensure that wealthier taxpayers pay a minimum amount of tax, regardless of the deductions and credits they may claim. With the changes brought about by the Tax…

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2 minutes read

Understanding Premium Financing: A Strategic Approach to Wealth Building

Understanding Premium Financing Premium Financing represents a sophisticated financial strategy that involves the procurement of a bank loan to pay for insurance premiums. This approach is particularly advantageous for high-net-worth individuals seeking to preserve their use of capital in other areas, while securing desired life insurance coverage for liquidity planning. The Mechanics of Premium Financing Premium…

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4 minutes read

Financial and Estate Planning for High-net-Worth Individuals with a Blended Family

In the intricate realm of financial and estate planning, an additional layer of complexity arises when dealing with high-net-worth individuals who have blended families. The challenge lies in striking a delicate balance between the financial needs and goals of each family member, while also ensuring that wealth is strategically managed and preserved for future generations. This blog post aims to illuminate…

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6 minutes read

Navigating Complex Tax Regulations for High-Net-Worth Individuals

Navigating Complex Tax Regulations for High-Net-Worth Individuals When it comes to tax planning, high net worth families must pay adequate attention to three distinct taxes on their wealth: income tax, capital gains tax, and estate tax. Understanding and managing these taxes effectively is not only a requirement but also a strategic move to safeguard wealth and ensure future financial health. This…

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7 minutes read

Empowering Your Estate: The Dynamic Partnership of Estate Planning Attorneys & Wealth Advisors

The Dynamic Partnership of Estate Planning Attorneys & Wealth Advisors Co-Author – Amy R. Koontz, Attorney at Malouf Nakos Jackson & Swinson, P.C. As American retirees prepare to transfer a staggering $36 trillion over the next 30 years to families, friends, and charitable organizations upon death1, it’s critical to understand that a seamless transfer of wealth requires more than just a will.…

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7 minutes read

Maximizing Real Estate Returns in Texas

Maximizing Real Estate Returns in Texas: Investment Strategies & Ownership With Texas's changing property tax landscape, real estate is becoming an increasingly attractive asset class. Discover if and how real estate may fit within your investment portfolio. Governor Abbott recently signed one of the most significant property tax cuts in American history, officially using $18 billion of the state’s…

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5 minutes read

Maximizing Tax-Advantaged Wealth: Creating Strategic Partnerships Between CPAs & Wealth Advisors

One of the most significant threats to the long-term success of wealth accumulation, particularly for high-net-worth individuals, is the burden of taxes. The question to all finance professionals, from CPAs to wealth advisors, is simple: What steps can we take now to proactively help maximize wealth and minimize tax burdens in the future? Often, these strategies require the partnership of a CPA and…

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6 minutes read

Secure Your Business Legacy: The Power of Buy-Sell Agreement Planning for Business Owners

The Power of Buy-Sell Agreement Planning for Business Owners As a business owner, ensuring the long-term success and continuity of your enterprise is usually at the very top of the list of priorities. One of the essentials that can help you achieve this goal is effective buy-sell planning. This article delves into the significance of buy-sell planning for business owners and highlights the key strategies…

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7 minutes read

Understanding Your Retirement Benefits: Things to consider as a BP Executive Preparing to Retire

How do I make the most of my BP retirement benefits? As one of the most lucrative positions in the oil and gas industry, BP executives enjoy exceptional employee benefits. However, navigating these offerings can be overwhelming, even for high-level executives. From cash compensation and severance packages to stock options and bonuses, the array of benefits can be daunting to navigate—especially anticipating…

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6 minutes read

Managing Your 401(k) After Job Transition: Key Considerations & Advanced Tax Strategies

What to do with Your 401(k) after Leaving a Job: Key Considerations & Advanced Tax Strategies When navigating a job transition, whether entering retirement or an unexpected layoff, one crucial aspect that requires careful consideration is what to do with your 401(k) plan. Making informed choices is of utmost importance to safeguard your financial future. By taking stock of your existing plan and…

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4 minutes read

A Comprehensive Guide to the Private Equity Due Diligence Process

Private equity investments offer the potential for significant returns, but they also carry a considerable amount of risk. Therefore, conducting a thorough due diligence process is crucial to evaluate the viability and suitability of these opportunities. We have constructed a robust infrastructure that allows us to bring private equity opportunities directly to you, ensuring a more transparent and…

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5 minutes read

The Clock is Ticking: Why Accredited Investors are Taking Advantage of Private Placement Life Insurance (PPLI)

As today's top federal estate tax rate, or "death tax," currently tops out at 40%, proactive planning is needed for high-net-worth individuals who want to avoid nearly half of their estate going to taxes rather than their heirs upon death.1 With sizeable estate tax exemptions currently set to expire on December 31, 2025, combined with today's historically attractive tax rates, there has never been…

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4 minutes read

Pros and Cons of Private Equity Investing: What You Need to Know as a High-Net-Worth Investor

Private equity investments can be an attractive option for investors looking to diversify their portfolios and potentially earn higher returns. However, before jumping into this type of investment, it's critical to consider whether it's the right choice for your individual financial goals and risk tolerance. What are the pros of private equity investing? Higher potential returns: Private equity investments…

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10 minutes read

The Ultimate Guide to Private Market Investing

Getting Started with Private Markets as part of a Comprehensive Investment Strategy for Accredited Investors. Private Market Investing has become increasingly popular over the years as investors seek higher returns in a low-interest-rate environment and an alternative to the daily volatility of the public markets1. Private Markets can be a profitable venture for the right investor. While investing…

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6 minutes read

Is my money safe? Understanding the impact of a bank collapse

The recent collapses of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) and Signature Bank (Signature) resulted in two of the three biggest bank collapses in U.S. history, behind the 2008 collapse of Washington Mutual. This has created uncertainty over the stability and liquidity of all banks, especially for those with over $250,000 FDIC limits in a single institution—including many small businesses needing liquidity for…

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6 minutes read

Inheritance or Legacy?

It takes no planning to leave an inheritance, you just have to pass away owning something. However, most wealthy families are more interested in leaving a legacy, which does require significant thought and planning. The Dilemma John has worked his entire life to achieve success in both his personal and professional life. He wanted nothing more than to create the best life for his loved ones, and worked…

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6 minutes read

Tax-Efficient Strategies When Selling a Business

For business owners who may have worked for decades to build up their companies, deciding to sell the business can be an emotional process. But it’s also a practical one where savvy business owners need to find ways to minimize the tax implications of selling a business to benefit themselves and other stakeholders. There are a number of strategies, particularly during the planning stage and the sales…

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5 minutes read

How to Create Liquidity by Selling a Business to an ESOP

Selling a closely held business can be an incredibly complex process that requires a lot of thoughtful planning. For business owners, two challenges often come to the forefront: finding a buyer and creating a liquidity event for the business owner. Selling a business to an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) can address both of these issues while also creating an incentive for employees. Here’s a…

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4 minutes read

Why Average Rate of Return is Not the Key to Retirement Income Planning

Many investors use the average rate of returns as one of their primary metrics for assessing portfolio performance. In your earning years, the average rate is a useful benchmark because most people are focused on total wealth accumulation. But when you enter retirement, the order in which you experience those returns becomes much more important. A bad year or two at the start of retirement could have…

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6 minutes read

Income Tax Planning in Early Retirement: Strategies for HNWIs

Anyone entering retirement must manage the tax implications that come with shifting their primary income source from their employer to other income streams like social security. But for high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) with robust portfolios, income tax planning can be particularly complex. Retiring early can complicate the tax planning process even further. In a recent video presentation, Granite…

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6 minutes read

Cash flow in early retirement: Six considerations for high-net-worth individuals

Many people dream of retiring early so they can spend more time with family and their passions outside of work. But early retirement can present some unique risks, even for high-net-worth individuals. To ensure financial goals are met, thoughtful planning is required, particularly when it comes to cash flow. In a recent video presentation, Granite Harbor partner Tim Smith, CFP® discussed considerations…

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4 minutes read

Benefits of Private Placement Life Insurance (PPLI) for the Ultra-Affluent

Tax rates are currently at or near historic lows. But ask just about anyone and the expectation is that taxes are sure to increase in the future. So, finding tax-efficient shelters for wealth accumulation is important for protecting long-term portfolio value and accomplishing tax planning goals. For the ultra-wealthy, private placement life insurance (PPLI) can provide powerful tax benefits while helping…

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4 minutes read

Don’t Let Age Guide Your Retirement Planning

There are many rules of thumb in the world of personal financial planning, particularly when it comes to retirement planning. Some common “rules” are to be more conservative with your money as you get older, or that the percentage of bonds in your portfolio should be equal to your age. These rules may be appropriate for some, but not for all. Many affluent individuals often have more flexibility as…

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4 minutes read

The Sandwich Generation: Breaking the Cycle to Create Multi-Generational Wealth

“The sandwich generation” is a term used to describe those people who are simultaneously raising children and taking care of their aging parents, all while trying to plan for their own retirement and personal needs. Being sandwiched in between two generations can create an unsustainable financial situation that introduces new risk, potentially jeopardizing your long-term financial health. Let’s look…

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5 minutes read

Stock Compensation Strategies: How to Balance Risk and Achieve Tax Efficiency

Many corporate executives receive stock as part of their total compensation package. This not only helps align personal goals and company objectives while rewarding top talent with appreciable assets, but many executives enjoy tying their finances, in part, to their employer. They believe in their company and in their own ability to help that company grow. But as total compensation becomes skewed toward…

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6 minutes read

Using life insurance to transfer wealth

Good estate planning answers three key questions: Where does your stuff go? Who is in charge? And what are the rules? Life insurance can be one of the most tax-efficient ways to answer these questions because it can limit tax exposure while protecting and facilitating generational wealth. Here’s a look at how you can develop a life insurance strategy that will help preserve your legacy for generations…

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7 minutes read

10 Interview Questions to Ask Your Financial Advisor

Ask the Right Questions Not all financial advisors are the same. Asking the right questions can help you find the right advisor for your specific goals. However, you may not be aware of what questions to ask or even what a good answer would be. You may find this concise summary of questions helpful in your search. 1. Are you…

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4 minutes read

Inflation: Responding Appropriately with Flexibility and Discipline

Inflation is a hot topic these days with many experts and financial institutions offering predictions about the short- and long-term outlook. The truth is, no one can tell the future, and trying to guess our way around what will or will not happen is poor financial planning. Instead, let us take an objective look at the risks associated with inflation, the right mentality for approaching the issue,…

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2 minutes read

Opening the back door to tax-free earnings

As covered in our 401(k) – Super Roth article, a Roth IRA offers an attractive tax benefit. But, what do you do if you do not have a 401(k) or your 401(k) does not allow post-tax contributions? The answer is the Backdoor Roth which is the conversion from a Traditional to a Roth IRA. Both the Super Roth and Back Door options are for people who exceed the income limits (single filers that make over $139,000…

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3 minutes read

Navigating a Job Transition

Mostly gone are the days where someone spends their entire career working for one company. Talented executives have become “free agents” and can transition between companies as needed. When planned, these job transitions can be an exciting time. Sometimes factors beyond our control force us to endure an unplanned job transition. This can add stress, usually at the worst possible time, as a variety…

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3 minutes read

Do I Need a Financial Advisor?

In the 21st century, endless information is accessible in the palm of our hands. With a few clicks, we can find the basic information we need to make financial decisions quickly and easily. But for some of us, basic information is not enough. Additionally, we tend to have limited amounts of time for researching, implementing, and monitoring financial decisions. If you find yourself thinking about some…

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4 minutes read

Rolling over your 401(K)? Consider Net Unrealized Appreciation first

At Granite Harbor Advisors, we believe in helping our clients better understand all of their options so they can make the best decision for their families. To that end, here is a more detailed look at what net unrealized appreciation is and how you can use it to advance your financial goals. What is net unrealized appreciation (NUA)? Net unrealized appreciation is simply the difference in value between…

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3 minutes read

Super Fund your Roth IRA for Tax-Free Earnings

United States Army veteran William Victor Roth will forever be remembered for creating one of the most utilized tax-savings tools available. During his 30-year career as a US Senator, he pioneered a new retirement savings vehicle, the Roth Individual Retirement Account (Roth IRA), as part of the Tax-Payer Relief Act of 1997. With the previously established “traditional” IRA, the tax benefits are realized…

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3 minutes read

Keys to Effectively Setting and Reaching Goals

Have you heard the saying, “you can do anything if you set your mind to it”? Well, there is a lot of truth to that statement. The real question is, how do we “set our mind to it” effectively? The answer is in effective goal setting. This short article will outline an efficient process for setting and reaching virtually any goal. The key is to be S.M.A.R.T. about it. Which is to say that goals should…

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2 minutes read

Is This Risk Worth Taking?

Have you ever been faced with a difficult decision? Not sure which way to go because you didn’t fully understand the risks involved? Much like playing cards, there are times where we need to fold, and move on, and there are times where we should stay in the game based on anticipated risks and rewards. When evaluating risk associated with financial planning, there are some risks that we are willing…

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