How the Federal Reserve Works
Have you ever taken a close look at paper money? Each U.S. bill has the words “Federal Reserve Note” printed across the top. Many people know the Federal Reserve exists, but they may not know why it issues currency or how it affects the broader economy. For investors, business owners, and families, understanding the Fed’s […]
How Income Taxes Work
Income taxes can feel complicated, especially when forms, deadlines, deductions, credits, and changing rules all come into play. But at a high level, how income taxes work follows a fairly simple structure. A tax return starts with income. From there, certain adjustments and deductions may reduce the amount of income that is actually taxed. After […]
How Financial Professionals Are Compensated
Understanding financial professional compensation, or how a financial professional gets paid, can help you make better decisions about the advice you receive. Fees are not automatically good or bad. What matters is whether you understand the cost, the services provided, the potential conflicts of interest, and whether the relationship fits your needs. At True North […]
How Boomers and Millennials Differ on Money
Families are entering one of the largest wealth-transfer periods in history, and boomers and millennials often approach money in different ways. Cerulli Associates projects that $124 trillion will transfer through 2048, with $105 trillion expected to pass to heirs and $18 trillion expected to go to charity. Baby boomers and older generations are expected to […]
Helpful Retirement Strategies for Women
Retirement planning can look different for women, and several retirement strategies for women may be worth considering. Women often balance careers, family responsibilities, caregiving, household finances, and long-term planning all at once. Those responsibilities can affect income, retirement savings, Social Security benefits, career advancement, and confidence about the future. Recent research from AARP and the […]
Healthcare Costs in Retirement: What Should You Expect?
Healthcare costs in retirement can become one of the most significant and unpredictable expenses retirees face. Yet many workers have not estimated how much they may need. In a 2025 retirement survey, only 41% of workers reported calculating how much savings they would need for retirement healthcare expenses. At True North Wealth Management, we believe […]
Gun Ownership and Your Homeowners Insurance
Owning a firearm carries significant personal and financial responsibility, including understanding how gun ownership and homeowners insurance may interact. 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 […]
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 is one strategy some families consider. A Grantor Retained Annuity Trust, commonly called a […]
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, which is why some employers consider an employee wellness program. Chronic illness, stress, physical inactivity, and other health concerns can make it harder for employees to perform at their best. A thoughtful workplace wellness […]
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. Understanding global vs. international funds can help clarify the options. Two common ways to gain that exposure are global funds and international funds. Although the terms sound similar, they describe […]