Gun Ownership and Your Homeowners Insurance
Owning a firearm carries significant personal and financial responsibility. In addition to understanding applicable laws and following safe-storage practices, gun owners should review whether their homeowners or renters insurance adequately covers the firearm itself and potential liability arising from an injury. At True North Wealth Management, we believe protecting your financial plan includes identifying risks […]
Grantor Retained Annuity Trusts: A Strategy for Transferring Future Appreciation
Families with substantial or rapidly appreciating assets often face a difficult question: How can they transfer future growth to the next generation without using an unnecessarily large portion of their federal gift and estate tax exemption? A Grantor Retained Annuity Trust, commonly called a GRAT, may provide one answer. A GRAT is an irrevocable trust […]
Good Health Is Good Business
Employee health affects more than insurance costs. It can influence attendance, productivity, morale, retention, and the overall strength of a workplace. Chronic illness, stress, physical inactivity, and other health concerns can make it harder for employees to perform at their best. A thoughtful workplace wellness strategy may help employees take better care of themselves while […]
Global vs. International Funds: What’s the Difference?
Investing outside the United States can give investors access to companies, industries, and economic growth that may not be fully represented in the U.S. market. Two common ways to gain that exposure are global funds and international funds. Although the terms sound similar, they describe different investment approaches. At True North Wealth Management, we help […]
Getting a Head Start on College Savings
College can become one of the largest expenses a family faces. For the 2025–26 academic year, the average total student budget at a public four-year in-state college is approximately $30,990. That includes more than tuition alone—it may also include housing, food, books, transportation, and personal expenses. Those numbers can feel overwhelming, especially while parents are […]
Gap Insurance for Leased Cars: Do You Need It?
Leasing a vehicle often requires less money upfront than purchasing one. However, a smaller initial payment can also create a financial gap if the vehicle is stolen or declared a total loss early in the lease. Standard collision or comprehensive coverage generally pays the vehicle’s current market value—not necessarily the full amount you still owe […]
Your First Year of Retirement: What to Expect
One morning, you wake up with nowhere you have to be. There is no commute, no meeting, and no inbox waiting for an immediate response. After years of deadlines and responsibilities, that freedom may feel wonderful. Then another question may appear: Now what? Retirement changes more than your schedule. It can change your identity, relationships, […]
Four Steps to Valuing an Estate
Determining an estate’s value is one of the first major responsibilities an executor or personal representative may face. An accurate valuation can affect estate tax filings, probate documents, beneficiary distributions, inherited-property basis, insurance claims, and decisions about whether to sell or retain assets. At True North Wealth Management, we help families organize estate assets and […]
Four Reasons Young Adults Need an Estate Plan
You may be young, have limited savings, and believe estate planning can wait. But an estate plan does more than distribute wealth after death. It also protects your wishes, identifies trusted decision-makers, and gives loved ones clear instructions during an emergency. At True North Wealth Management, we believe every adult should have a basic estate […]
Fixed-Rate vs. Adjustable-Rate Mortgage: Which Should You Choose?
Buying a home is one of the largest financial commitments most people make. Beyond choosing the property and negotiating the price, you also need to decide how to finance the purchase. One important decision is whether to choose a fixed-rate mortgage or an adjustable-rate mortgage, commonly called an ARM. The right choice depends on more […]