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At Granite Harbor Advisors, we value the educational process, giving our clients the knowledge to move forward with confidence.

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 Tips for Increasing the Benefits and Tax Breaks of Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)
3 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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Unraveling the Secrets of Cash Value Life Insurance
3 minutes read

Unraveling the Secrets of Cash Value Life Insurance

Cash Value Life Insurance, also known as permanent life insurance, combines a death benefit with an investment component called the cash value. In a cash value life insurance policy, part of each premium you pay is allocated towards insuring your life, while the remaining portion is dedicated to building up a cash value. The cash value portion of your policy grows tax-deferred, and if structured properly,…
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Navigating the Alternative Minimum Tax Changes: A Comprehensive Guide for High Income Earners
4 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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Understanding Premium Financing: A Strategic Approach to Wealth Building
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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Understanding Tax-Loss Harvesting: A Guide for Investors
3 minutes read

Understanding Tax-Loss Harvesting: A Guide for Investors

Understanding Tax-Loss Harvesting: Tax-loss harvesting is a sophisticated investment strategy that involves the selling of securities at a loss to offset a corresponding gain. When applied effectively, this technique can reduce the taxable income and enhance the tax-efficiency of an investment portfolio. The essence of tax-loss harvesting lies in its capacity to lower the investor's current year's…
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The Power of a Holistic Approach to Public and Private Equity Markets for Accredited Investors
3 minutes read

The Power of a Holistic Approach to Public and Private Equity Markets for Accredited Investors

The Power of a Holistic Approach to Public and Private Equity Markets for Accredited Investors When it comes to growing and preserving wealth, accredited investors have a unique advantage in harnessing the often-underestimated synergy between public and private equity markets. By utilizing a comprehensive strategy that integrates both markets, investors can optimize their returns and build a robust…
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Financial and Estate Planning for High-net-Worth Individuals with a Blended Family
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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The Impact of Presidential Elections on the Stock Market
2 minutes read

The Impact of Presidential Elections on the Stock Market

The Impact of Presidential Elections on the Stock Market Investors often ponder the connection between elections and stock market performance, whether it's during mid-term elections or presidential elections. This topic tends to resurface every election year, sparking discussions and analysis among market participants. Whether you're a novice dipping your toes into the world of investing or a seasoned…
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Navigating Complex Tax Regulations for High-Net-Worth Individuals
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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Maximizing Your Social Security Benefits and Minimizing Taxes
4 minutes read

Maximizing Your Social Security Benefits and Minimizing Taxes

Is Social Security income taxable? As we approach tax season, many individuals are wondering if their Social Security income will be subject to taxation by the IRS. This is a common concern among retirees and those nearing retirement age. The answer to this question is not a simple yes or no, as it depends on various factors. In this blog, we will explore the topic of Social Security income and its…
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Empowering Your Estate: The Dynamic Partnership of Estate Planning Attorneys & Wealth Advisors
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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Maximizing Real Estate Returns in Texas
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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The Corporate Transparency Act
3 minutes read

The Corporate Transparency Act

The Corporate Transparency Act: Implications and Considerations As the clock ticks closer to January 1, 2024, businesses across the nation are preparing for the implementation of the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA). This landmark legislation aims to enhance transparency and accountability in the corporate world. Here we will discuss the main provisions of the CTA, discuss its implications for small…
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Top Tax Moves for High-Net-Worth Investors to Consider Before December 31
4 minutes read

Top Tax Moves for High-Net-Worth Investors to Consider Before December 31

Top Tax Moves for High-Net-Worth Investors to Consider Before December 31 As 2023 draws to a close, now is the time to proactively review your accounts with your team of wealth professionals to make strategic tax moves before the end of the year. With accurate annual income projections in sight, there are several timely opportunities to consider: maximize pre-tax deductions and strategically plan…
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Maximizing Tax-Advantaged Wealth: Creating Strategic Partnerships Between CPAs & Wealth Advisors
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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Secure Your Business Legacy: The Power of Buy-Sell Agreement Planning for Business Owners
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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Understanding Your Retirement Benefits: Things to consider as a BP Executive Preparing to Retire
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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Managing Your 401(k) After Job Transition: Key Considerations & Advanced Tax Strategies
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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A Comprehensive Guide to the Private Equity Due Diligence Process
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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The Clock is Ticking: Why Accredited Investors are Taking Advantage of Private Placement Life Insurance (PPLI)
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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Pros and Cons of Private Equity Investing: What You Need to Know as a High-Net-Worth Investor
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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The Ultimate Guide to Private Market Investing
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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Inheritance or Legacy?
5 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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Navigating SECURE 2.0 Retirement Reform: Key Changes & Planning Strategies
5 minutes read

Navigating SECURE 2.0 Retirement Reform: Key Changes & Planning Strategies

Retirement savings rules have recently undergone significant changes with the implementation of SECURE 2.0. From age changes for required minimum distributions (RMDs) to more opportunities to save with catch-up contributions, read on to learn some of the fundamental changes from this legislation and how they may impact you and your comprehensive financial plan for retirement. What is SECURE 2.0? With…
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10 Interview Questions to Ask Your Financial Advisor
4 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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Do I Need a Financial Advisor?
2 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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15-Minute Quarter: Recession or Recovery?
15 MINUTES WATCH

15-Minute Quarter: Recession or Recovery?

First Quarter 2024 Quarterly Market Summary Welcome to another episode of The 15-minute Quarter! Each quarter Granite Harbor Advisors presents a 15-minute overview of the last 90 days in the market and answers many common questions we have received. In this episode, Recession or Recovery?, our very own Nick Brown, CFA, CFP® provides commentary on the last quarter and how we are navigating the current climate.
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Using Life Insurance to Transfer Wealth

Using Life Insurance to Transfer Wealth

Using Life Insurance to Transfer Wealth Life insurance can be a useful tool to accomplish many different planning goals. Specifically, if you are investing for a purpose that extends beyond your lifetime like preserving wealth for generations to come then life insurance can be a very attractive investment vehicle. Keep reading to see how a well-designed life insurance strategy can be a tax-efficient way to transfer wealth and protect your legacy.
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Money in Motion

Money in Motion

Preparing for life’s significant triumphs, transitions and setbacks. As a business owner or executive, you recognize the value of hard work and have achieved success through persistence and determination. You also understand that goals are best accomplished using a team of professionals collaborating to bring fresh ideas, innovations and perspectives. When it comes to wealth planning, it’s vital to take the same collaborative approach with trusted advisors to build upon a solid foundation and achieve maximum potential. A fiduciary-level team of advisors can help you manage your finances at every stage of life and provide guidance to make your money work for you more efficiently. This ebook will cover the moments in life when your money is (or should be) in motion and how a team of advisors can provide guidance and recommendations that serve your best interests.
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How and Why Wealthy Families Use Life Insurance

How and Why Wealthy Families Use Life Insurance

A different approach to life insurance Many people think about life insurance as financial protection against premature death. The death benefit to be paid is a replacement for lost income and helps keep the family going. But most affluent families aren’t overly concerned with income replacement. Instead, wealthy families use life insurance to protect assets because of the specific tax benefits and ROI it can provide. Including insurance products in a well-diversified portfolio can help investors achieve financial goals for the current family while also protecting wealth for future generations. In essence, there are three major themes when it comes to how and why wealthy families use life insurance: wealth accumulation, leverage, and liquidity. This ebook will explore these themes and offer insights into how to use insurance strategies most effectively.
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Avoid Emotional Money Mistakes

Avoid Emotional Money Mistakes

Making financial decisions with confidence Experienced leaders understand that emotional reactions and split- second decisions rarely yield the best results. When challenges arise, business owners and executives instead rely on data, thoughtful strategies, and experience to help their organizations achieve performance goals. The same is true for personal finances. When uncertainty arises or things do not go as planned, letting emotion guide your decision-making can have profound financial implications. After years of hard work to achieve success, it can be extremely difficult to separate emotions from disciplined decision-making. Even a brief moment of compromised judgment can have a lasting effect on your financial health and legacy. To help you avoid missteps, a team of fiduciary-level advisors can provide valuable objectivity and a voice of reason when complex emotions are involved. This ebook examines situations that can sometimes lead to emotional decision-making and how the right advisors can help you stay on track toward successful wealth management.
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Succession Planning Starts Now

Succession Planning Starts Now

Define your legacy Leaving a business you built from the ground up or played a significant role in shaping is never easy. You want to know that the legacy you created will be protected and outlast your time with the company. That’s why succession planning and continuity planning are so important. With a written plan in place, you can feel confident your vision, goals, priorities, and values will be respected and continued for years to come. At Granite Harbor, we recommend business owners begin continuity and succession planning as soon as their business comes into existence. We also help business owners create and modify plans as needed, offering guidance to protect personal finances as well as the financial health of the business. That’s also why we created this eBook, to highlight some of the most pressing issues facing business owners in the succession planning process. You’ll find insights on how to approach a variety of scenarios and what to consider at each stage. By identifying your goals and the financial strategies to achieve them, you can develop continuity and succession plans that define your legacy and position your company for long-term success.
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Retirement Planning with Purpose and Confidence

Retirement Planning with Purpose and Confidence

Retiring with Peace of Mind Everyone has a different vision for what their retirement looks like. However, the foundations to get there are always the same: Thoughtful planning and attentive financial management from the time you start your career all the way through your retirement years is essential. Whether you are a young executive just starting to formulate a retirement strategy, approaching retirement age, or making the long-awaited transition into retirement, a trusted team of financial advisors can provide experienced and objective guidance to help keep your plans on track. This eBook offers insights on how executives and business owners should approach each stage of their retirement journey.
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