Viewpoints

Viewpoints is Beacon Hill Private Wealth’s library of articles on financial planning and long-term investing. We publish practical, research-informed guidance to help individuals and families think more clearly about long-term financial decisions.

Topics commonly covered include:

Retirement planning and distribution decisions
Tax planning and after-tax strategy
Estate planning and legacy considerations
Risk management and wealth protection
Charitable giving and philanthropic planning
Behavioral finance and decision-making
Investment management principles

Use the categories below to explore topics most relevant to your situation.

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Some readers find it helpful to explore how these planning concepts relate to their own circumstances. If that would be useful, you’re welcome to request a brief introductory conversation to discuss fit and approach.

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Phantom Stock for Company Executives

March 4, 2021 Retirement Planning Risk Management

High-level executives and directors are often incentivized with complex compensation packages. If your business is offering a phantom stock plan, here's what you need to know.

62, 70 or Somewhere In Between? When Should I Claim Social Security?

March 4, 2021 Retirement Planning

Deciding to wait or claim Social Security benefits is a personal decision. Here are some important factors anyone nearing or in retirement should consider now.

Rain, Snow & Ice: 4 Tips For Preventing an Insurance Claim This Winter

February 19, 2021 Risk Management

As winter continues on, there are a few things you can do to prepare for and prevent a costly insurance claim.

A Guide to Understanding the Complexities of Equity Compensation

February 18, 2021 Protecting Wealth Retirement Planning Risk Management Most Read

Equity compensation can be a complex subject. Here's what you need to know about the value, risks and tax implications that go along with equity compensation.

A Shift in Government Could Mean Big News for Environmentally-Focused Investors. Here's What We Mean

February 8, 2021 Investment Management

33% of total invested assets are currently placed in sustainably focused investments. With a new administration in Washington, D.C., what could the future look like for environmentally-focused investors?

High-Income Earners May Have Trouble Saving For Retirement: Your Guide to Overcoming Some Surprising Roadblocks

February 4, 2021 Retirement Planning

If you're earning six figures or more a year, you may hit some unique financial hurdles when it comes to saving for retirement. Here's what we mean and what you can do to overcome them.

Trying to Supersize Your Retirement Savings? A Mega Backdoor Roth IRA Conversation Could Come in Handy

January 28, 2021 Retirement Planning Tax Planning

Mega backdoor Roth IRAs are complicated retirement savings strategies. But for the right person, they could offer a big tax advantage.

The Behavior Gap Is Real, and It Can Be a Major Player in Your Investment Decisions. During Times of Market Volatility, Be Aware of These 4 Emotions

January 20, 2021 Behavioral Finance Investment Management

Sometimes our natural instincts can cost us money and peace of mind. How to shape our behaviors to foster smarter financial decisions.

Saving Too Much Too Early in the Year Can Hurt Your Retirement

January 20, 2021 Retirement Planning

When it comes to retirement planning and building up the proverbial nest-egg, there are few pieces of advice more universally accepted than “save as much as possible as early as possible.” Certainly, taking such action is often one of the best ways to grow your retirement savings, but like nearly all generic statements about how “you” should plan for retirement, there are exceptions to the rule.

Protecting Your Parents: Identifying and Preventing Elder Financial Abuse in 2021

January 12, 2021 Financial Abuse Most Read

Growing older is a part of life, and while it's difficult to see your parents age, ensure that they have the protection they need by identifying and preventing these signs of elder abuse.