Articles Library

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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 in-depth look at what QSBS is, how it functions, who…

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…