Deals are falling apart as the SBA is set to tighten loan rules in the name of safer lending–and restricting foreign ownership. The Trump Administration’s Small Business Administration is hitting rewind, bringing back old (pre-Biden) standards in an effort, it says, to make SBA-backed loans safer for the government. But some of the new rules, which kick in on June 1, are stricter than they were during Trump’s first term. One, for example, requires any business getting an SBA-backed loan to be 100% (up from 51%) owned by U.S. citizens and those who have been permanent residents for at least…

In the world of financial planning, few strategies have garnered as much attention and intrigue as the “Thiel Strategy.” Named after Peter Thiel, the co-founder of PayPal, this approach leverages the unique tax advantages of Roth IRAs by investing in high-growth, illiquid assets like startup equity. The essence of the strategy lies in funding a Roth IRA with assets that, while initially undervalued, such as founder’s stock, have the potential to appreciate significantly over time. In doing so, investors can potentially generate substantial tax-free wealth within their retirement accounts. Understanding the Thiel Roth IRA The core of the Thiel Strategy…

The gold stock ETFs and the silver stock ETFs have dropped from this year’s highs but they’re still up from this time last year. That Costco is now limiting customers to one purchase of a gold bar rather than two is some real background: the expectation remains that tariff-related inflation will lead to higher precious metals prices. Although President Trump is now telling Walmart to “eat the tariffs,” investors concerned with his on again/off again approach may find uncertainty uncomfortable. That it may be an “intentional negotiating strategy” is subject to debate but gold and silver, the classic inflation hedges,…

Tariffs. Inflation. Economic chaos. Bring it on, says Miles Lewis, manager of a portfolio of quirky stocks that, he says, are better equipped than the average stock to weather a tumultuous time in the U.S. economy. Recession? That should send shoppers for sporting goods out of high-class vendors to the down-market chain he favors. Rising interest rates? A steeper yield curve would benefit the venerable savings bank in which Lewis has a stake. Economic uncertainty? That will make it hard for municipalities to sell bonds, so they will be patronizing a bond insurer he likes. Lewis runs $1.5 billion, most…

The Medicare coverage you choose determines how much money you pay out of pocket for medical care during retirement, which medical providers can give you fully covered care, and other results. Choosing Medicare coverage can be a daunting process. First, you decide whether to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan or stay with original Medicare and add a Medicare supplement policy and a Part D prescription drug policy. Some people choose original Medicare but don’t add both a Medicare supplement and Part D prescription drug policy. Not adding that coverage often costs them more money in the long term. Then,…

You do things when the opportunities come along. I’ve had periods in my life when I’ve had a bundle of ideas come along, and I’ve had long, dry spells. If I get an idea next week, I’ll do something. If not, I won’t do a damn thing. – Warren Buffett in “Supermoney” (1972) Berkshire Hathaway’s (BRK/A, BRK/B) fourth-quarter 13F was filed after the market closed on May 15. This regulatory filing gives us a quarterly opportunity to observe what Warren Buffett and his investment team of Todd Combs and Ted Weschler are doing within Berkshire’s publicly traded equity portfolio. Berkshire…

In 2020, I explored several options for deferring capital gains tax on the sale of artwork. Since then, tax law has evolved, and new tools have emerged, offering collectors, investors, and estate planners updated strategies for managing highly appreciated art and collectibles. As of 2025, sellers face an effective federal tax rate that can exceed 31.8%, plus state taxes, when parting with artwork—making proactive tax planning more essential than ever. In this updated guide, I walk through the most relevant strategies available to defer, reduce, or even eliminate capital gains tax when selling artwork or collectibles—each tailored to different client…

Market volatility can make even the most seasoned investor uneasy. If you’re retired, those market swings can feel even more personal. After all, you’re no longer building your nest egg—you’re living off it. But here’s the good news: a little preparation (and a lot of perspective) can go a long way. Let’s talk about a few practical ways retirees can ride out market turbulence without losing sleep—or jeopardizing their financial future. 1. Focus on What You Can Control When markets get choppy, it’s easy to feel powerless. But the truth is, you have more control than you think. You can’t…

In previous discussions, we have highlighted several aspects of governance within family offices, particularly in relation to investment management. At the heart of investment governance is a vital document that outlines investment goals, objectives and strategies. In this article, we will explore the importance of this vital document that determines the success of family office investments. Understanding the Family Office Landscape Family offices are designed to manage the wealth of a single family, often spanning multiple generations, each with distinct financial needs, varying risk tolerances, and a wide range of long-term objectives. These objectives can range from wealth preservation and…

Walking into Venture Visionary Partners’ gleaming Sylvania, Ohio headquarters just outside of Toledo feels less like entering a wealth management firm and more like stepping into the lobby of a Silicon Valley innovator. A serene waterfall greets you at the door; sleek glass offices line the halls, while oversized digital screens pulse with real-time data and market updates. But the real centerpiece—and increasingly a beating heart of the operation—is tucked beyond the conference rooms up on the second floor: the Venture Visionary Lab. A brainchild of founder and CEO Craig Findley, the high tech control room is an unusual setting…