Opal Blog

Net Investment Income and Additional Medicare Tax: Everything You Need to Know

Net Investment Income and Additional Medicare Tax: Everything You Need to Know

In addition to the standard Medicare tax of 1.45% (or 2.9% for self-employed individuals), high-income earners may also be subject to the Medicare Surtax, or Net Investment Income Tax (NIIT), and the Additional Medicare Tax, depending upon their… more

How Do U.S. Elections Affect Stock Market Performance?

How Do U.S. Elections Affect Stock Market Performance?

With the presidential election quickly approaching, it’s safe to say this has been a campaign season unlike any other. Even during less newsworthy election years, investors come to us asking how the election might impact the stock market… more

Getting Married Later in Life? 3 Questions to Discuss First

Getting Married Later in Life? 3 Questions to Discuss First

The average age of marriage is 32—of course, it’s not unusual to see people getting married for the first time in their 20s.1 Though every family is different, spouses tend to bring fewer financial assets and dependents (children… more

How to Teach Your Grandkids About Financial Literacy

How to Teach Your Grandkids About Financial Literacy

People often associate legacy planning with leaving an inheritance to their children and grandchildren. But direct financial gifts aside, there’s something just as valuable you can leave to your family—and that’s the gift of financial literacy. When you… more

Understanding the Tax Treatment of Your Retirement Income

Understanding the Tax Treatment of Your Retirement Income

Earning income in retirement looks much different than what you were used to during your working years. No longer will you be working in exchange for a paycheck each month, with taxes automatically withheld. Instead, your income will… more

Estate Planning Strategies for High Earners

Estate Planning Strategies for High Earners

Estate planning is a crucial aspect of financial management, especially for high earners. With significant assets at stake, it's essential to have a well-thought-out estate plan to protect your wealth and ensure that your wishes are honored.  The… more

College Planning Pays for High-Net-Worth Families

College Planning Pays for High-Net-Worth Families

College is a significant investment for families. However, it is often considered worthwhile, with college graduates averaging $1.2 million more over their lifetime earnings than non-graduates, according to the Association of Public & Land-Grant Universities. Luckily, opportunities to… more

Financial Planning Tips for Small Business Owners

Financial Planning Tips for Small Business Owners

Everyone can benefit from financial planning, but creating both a personal financial plan and a business financial plan has multiple benefits for small business owners. Although business planning and personal financial planning are two separate disciplines, each impacts… more

Unlocking Portfolio Potential: The Value of Alternative Investments

Unlocking Portfolio Potential: The Value of Alternative Investments

Diversification, with risk spread across various asset types, can help reduce portfolio volatility. The classic rule of 60/40 allocation, with less volatile bonds (40%) matched by riskier equities (60%), may have been a reliable method, but it could… more