Guides and analysis from the Harness team and the advisors on the platform.

The total average cost of working with a financial advisor will depend on what type of advice you're seeking, as well as the fee structure the advisor uses for the services you receive.

Understand BOI reports, who needs to file, and how. Our guide covers everything you need to know about Beneficial Ownership Information reporting.

Estate planning for high-net-worth couples is entering a period of major transition. With the federal estate and gift tax exemption scheduled to drop by roughly half on January 1, 2026, many families are re-evaluating strategies to reduce future tax exposure while maintaining financial flexibility. One tool gaining renewed attention is the Spousal Lifetime Access Trust (SLAT)—an irrevocable trust that allows one spouse to transfer assets out of their taxable estate while still preserving indirect access to those assets through the other spouse.

SECURE 2.0 is reshaping retirement planning, with the most significant provisions taking effect in 2025. If you're wondering how these changes will impact your retirement strategy and what opportunities you should prepare for, read on.

Despite 529 accounts being an effective way for parents to save for their children's education, many families have hesitated in the past to fully fund their 529 accounts. This is largely due to concerns that unused funds will face penalties if a child's education plans change, which often leads to under-saving for college expenses.

The numbers behind the “Great Wealth Transfer” are staggering—an estimated $124 trillion is expected to pass from Baby Boomers and older generations to heirs by 2048. But what’s often lost in this headline-grabbing statistic is how complex, fragile, and deeply personal this transfer can be.

For all the considerable advantages that a Roth IRA brings to retirement planning, it comes with small print that investors need to be aware of. Chief among these details is the Roth IRA 5-year rule—a timing requirement that determines when you can access retirement funds tax-free and how conversions from traditional accounts get treated.

As self-employment has continued to grow as a career path, so too has the importance of retirement planning. The decision between a SEP IRA or Solo 401(k) carries more weight now than ever, with 2025 bringing adjusted contribution limits and fresh tax considerations.

A 529 college savings plan is a tax-advantaged tool that helps families meet the challenge of college costs. For those with substantial assets, a strategy that can be more impactful is "superfunding." Superfunding uses a special provision in the tax code to contribute a large lump sum to a 529 plan, treating it as five years of gifts. This strategy allows individuals with larger sums of money to accelerate college savings while reducing their taxable estate.

Starting in 2025, a new tax-advantaged savings vehicle is being introduced for families: Trump Accounts for Kids. These federally backed accounts provide $1,000 in seed funding for eligible newborns, with tax-deferred growth and contribution opportunities designed to support long-term wealth building.

College education represents one of the most significant investments in your child's future. With tuition costs climbing relentlessly, many families struggle to fund higher education without burdening their children with crushing student loan debt.

The allure of early retirement has given rise to a powerful financial strategy known as FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early). The strategy focuses on building a life where your expenses can be comfortably covered by passive income, granting you the freedom to pursue retirement long before the traditional retirement age.

Throughout today's complex financial environment, trusts have emerged as sophisticated instruments for protecting and transferring wealth. These legal frameworks offer families a powerful way to safeguard assets, maintain privacy, and ensure their legacy passes to future generations exactly as intended.

The total average cost of working with a financial advisor will depend on what type of advice you're seeking, as well as the fee structure the advisor uses for the services you receive.

Looking for a wealth manager? Harness can connect you with hand-picked tax, financial, and estate experts from around the United States.

Table of Contents:

Looking for a financial or tax advisor? Harness can connect you with experienced hand-picked tax, financial, and estate professionals from around the United States.

Looking for a financial advisor? Harness can connect you with hand-picked tax, financial, and estate experts from around the United States.

These are the seven areas of your financial picture that you need to consider optimizing before year end, particularly after yet another tumultuous year.

ISOs have a favorable tax treatment on exercise, but understanding your tax obligations and how to minimize your tax burden can be complicated. Before taking any decisions around your ISOs, it's important to understand the tax consequences and how that impacts potential future profits.

What can individual investors do to de-risk their portfolio despite the mechanical and psychological headwinds they face? This is where the discipline, knowledge, and experience of a financial advisor can add tremendous value.

What can individual investors do to de-risk their portfolio despite the mechanical and psychological headwinds they face? This is where the discipline, knowledge, and experience of a financial advisor can add tremendous value.

These are the seven areas of your financial picture that you need to consider optimizing before year end, particularly after yet another tumultuous year.

These are the seven areas of your financial picture that you need to consider optimizing before year end, particularly after yet another tumultuous year.
Tax and equity insights, delivered to your inbox.