Johnson Fistel Blog

This article is reprinted with permission from Esq. Wealth Management, Inc. At EsqWealth, building wealth isn’t just about smart investments; it’s about making your money work as efficiently as possible through tax planning and asset location. By strategically placing the right assets in each tax bucket—taxable, tax-deferred, and tax-free accounts—you can not only reduce your…

This article is reprinted with permission from Esq. Wealth Management, Inc. With the Federal Reserve’s recent 50-basis-point rate cut, the financial landscape for high-net-worth (HNW) individuals is shifting rapidly. As interest rates drop, many HNWs are reevaluating how to manage cash reserves, diversify portfolios, and preserve capital. While some of these strategies may be broadly…

Among the string of significant rulings recently, the United States Supreme Court delivered a decision that has reshaped the landscape of securities law enforcement.  The case, Securities and Exchange Commission v. Jarkesy, brought into focus the constitutional limitations on the power of federal agencies, like the SEC.[1]  For individual and institutional investors alike, this decision…

This article is reprinted with permission from Esq. Wealth Management, Inc. At EsqWealth, we know the thought of changing tax laws can make even the savviest investors feel like they’re playing financial dodgeball. With 2025 on the horizon, high-net-worth individuals are facing new tax challenges that could throw a wrench into their carefully crafted estate…

This article is reprinted with permission from Esq. Wealth Management, Inc. With the U.S. Presidential election on the horizon, you might be wondering how different industries could fare depending on who wins. For instance, a shift in policy could benefit certain sectors like renewable energy if Democrats win, or boost defense and oil industries under…

A Washington state jury has ordered the Port of Seattle to pay its former police chief, Rodney Covey, $24.2 million—exceeding by $4 million the damages award suggested by his own counsel. The verdict followed a lengthy legal battle where Covey alleged he was wrongfully terminated in retaliation for raising issues relating to the propriety of…

This article is reprinted with permission from Esq. Wealth Management, Inc. Welcome to EsqWealth’s guide on a topic that might not be as exciting as a rollercoaster ride, but can certainly save you a lot of money—tax planning! Let’s face it, tax planning isn’t just about gritting your teeth and filing those forms every April.…

Frank J. Johnson, Managing Partner of Johnson Fistel, LLP, has been recognized once again by San Diego Magazine as one of the Top Lawyers in San Diego.  As in prior years, the magazine created a list of the Top Lawyers in San Diego for 2024 after consulting with “Martindale-Hubbell®, the company that has long set…

This article is reprinted with permission from Esq. Wealth Management, Inc. At EsqWealth, we understand that the investment landscape is often influenced by the actions of others. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement or fear that drives the masses. Imagine a flock of sheep deciding to follow the others up a hill…

Recently, Ripple Labs Inc was ordered by a federal district judge to pay a civil penalty of $125 million for violating federal securities laws.  This order was the latest development in a case that started in 2020, when the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) alleged that Ripple was selling its cryptocurrency, XRP, as an…