Luke Graves, CFP - Financial Planner

Luke Graves, CFP - Financial Planner I aim to provide financial confidence and clarity to people's lives! Please check FINRA’s BrokerCheck for a list of current registrations.

Securities and advisory services offered through Commonwealth Financial Network®, Member https://www.finra.org / https://www.sipc.org, a Registered Investment Adviser. The Financial Advisor associated with this profile may only discuss or transact business with residents of states in which they are properly registered. Review our Terms of Use: https://www.commonwealth.com/termsofuse.html

02/23/2026

New client case study:

I am in the process of helping 2 business owners who are partners convert $200k+ each from pre-tax IRAs to Roth IRAs while paying very little in income tax.

Why? They have business carryforward losses from the construction of a new office building that were sitting unused. In conjunction with their tax professional (who agreed it made sense), we are able to strategically use these losses to offset most, if not all, of the conversion income.

The best part? They had never heard of this strategy and will now be able to very efficiently move substantial assets from a tax-deferred to tax-free account.

This is a good reminder that you don’t know what you don’t know, and that a planner's value isn’t always just in picking investments — there can be tremendous value in having someone know your situation and being able to connect the dots through comprehensive planning.

Grateful to work alongside great tax pros and even more grateful for clients who trust the process.

*Disclaimer: this is a unique case and not guaranteed to apply to your specific situation. Consult tax and/or financial professionals for advice tailored to you.


11/10/2025

We’ve been working with a client who is exploring a 1031 exchange using a Delaware Statutory Trust (DST), and I've been reminded of how powerful this strategy can be for real estate investors and those who have significant unrealized capital gains in physical property.

As many people know, a 1031 exchange lets you defer capital gains tax when selling an investment property, as long as you reinvest into another “like-kind” property. This replacement piece is usually the challenge — but that’s where a DST can really shine. Through this, you have the ability to exchange your interest in physical property for fractional interest in a broad portfolio of real estate, like a REIT, using IRC sections 1031 and 721.

Through this DST, investors effectively "swap" into institutional-quality real estate (think large apartment communities, industrial, or medical properties) without having to manage it. You still get a respectable level of income (not guaranteed), diversification, and most importantly indefinite tax deferral — but with a lot less hands-on work or concentration risk.

It’s not a fit for everyone, but for those ready to step back from highly appreciated property, for whatever reason, while keeping their capital working and deferring taxes, it can be a great solution. Not to mention, from an estate planning standpoint, interest in a securitized portfolio of real estate is much easier to divvy up to heirs than physical property. And beneficiaries get a full step-up in basis at your passing just the same.

If you, or someone you know, has considered selling a highly appreciated property, it’s worth exploring how a 1031/DST might work to your advantage.



05/08/2025

1/1/25 - 4/8/25: S&P 500 down 15%

- uncertainty surrounding tariff policies and global trade war has financial markets shaken

4/8/25 - 5/8/25: S&P 500 up 14%

- Bond markets start to show signs of trouble so President Trump pumps brakes on aggressive tariff policy. Market rebounds

5/8/25 - 12/31/25 and beyond: ??

What I don't know? What markets will do in the short-term. What I do know? This is yet another case study on staying invested. Not to say the market can't or won't go back down from here, but missing the rebounds like the one we've seen over the last 30 days kills portfolios. Craft an investment plan that makes sense for you and what you're trying to accomplish and stick to it. Don't let your emotions come into play and try to time the market.

Also, having an objective third-party that keeps you accountable can make all the difference.

Placed a lot of finishing touches on the new office recently, most notably of which is our outdoor sign! Come and see us...
04/01/2025

Placed a lot of finishing touches on the new office recently, most notably of which is our outdoor sign! Come and see us!

Are you a high-earning 1099 independent contractor?Did you know you can set up a full-scale employer retirement plan, an...
02/11/2025

Are you a high-earning 1099 independent contractor?

Did you know you can set up a full-scale employer retirement plan, and that all you need is an LLC & EIN number?

1099 contractors have the unique ability to treat themselves as a standalone business, which unlocks powerful retirement savings options such as a Solo 401(k), SEP IRA, and SIMPLE IRA.

Instead of being limited to contributing to regular IRAs ($7,000/yr max*) and a 401(k) through work ($23,500/yr max*) like W-2 employees, you have the ability to start your own retirement plan. This could mean putting away upwards of $65,000/yr + into a tax-deferred or pre-tax account.

Reach out to learn more about what this could look like for you!

*Additional catch-up contributions apply if you are 50 years of age or older.

#1099





The new office is still very much "under construction," but it felt good getting the sign up in the lobby today!
01/28/2025

The new office is still very much "under construction," but it felt good getting the sign up in the lobby today!

01/14/2025

Inheritances

I've had an unusual amount of clients receive inheritances lately. The reality is these are usually tough moments. When loved ones pass, there is an onslaught of emotions and "to-dos," not to mention trying to navigate the financial aspect. I try my best in these instances to ease the stress and burden for my clients as much as possible by being available to answer questions, guiding them however possible, and ultimately creating an easy-to-understand roadmap on what will take place in coordination with their overall financial plan.

Another reality is that the current tax law doesn't make receiving money, by gift or by inheritance, straightforward (it never is, is it?).

There are many nuances to consider when receiving assets from loved ones: is it a gift or inheritance, are they qualified or non-qualified assets, if it is a gift are there securities with unrealized capital gains, what was the donor's holding period, does it exceed the annual gift exclusion? What are your goals and desires with these funds?

Having a trusted financial advisor in your corner can make this difficult, complex thing simpler.





01/06/2025

Anybody else have finance-related resolutions headed into this year besides me? 🙋‍♂️

My wife and I have made it a goal to be more organized and consistent with our budget this year, so I wanted to share a new tool we're adding to our toolbox.

Thanks to a client meeting I had last week, I discovered YNAB. I had heard of it several times in the past but never seen it before until last week. Over Zoom, my client walked me through his dashboard and all of the functionality, and I was impressed to say the least.

I'll post an update after this month for anyone interested on my feedback on it after one full budget cycle, but for now, if you are looking for a way to improve your budgeting skills, I'd say check into You Need A Budget!




Happy New Year, Facebook!I'm very excited to announce the launch of our new firm, Graves Wealth Management! Over the cou...
01/02/2025

Happy New Year, Facebook!

I'm very excited to announce the launch of our new firm, Graves Wealth Management! Over the course of the last year or so, Dana and I have decided to partner up, rebrand, and open an office in Greenville, SC. I'm incredibly proud and excited for this new journey. Having the privilege to be business partners with my Dad is something I've thought about and dreamt of for a long time, and I don't take it for granted.

GWM is a continuation of the high-quality service offering that we've provided for years. Although new, our firm is rooted in decades of commitment to excellent service and transparent financial advice that we are passionate about extending to folks local to us in Greenville.

For those that aren't familiar with us, we are a full-service wealth management and financial planning firm that serves individuals, families, and small business owners on their path to financial independence. Wherever you are in your journey, from asset accumulation to transitioning to retirement and legacy planning, we are here to walk alongside you as your trusted financial guide.

Reach out via this platform or my other contacts that can be found on my Profile page. I'd love to share more and discover how we might be a resource to you. A very happy and prosperous New Year to you all!

Blessings,

Luke

04/05/2024

If you are under 40 and have whole life insurance without a clear, defined reason why.....it's time to talk with an advisor (and not the one who sold it to you)
There are some cases (few and far between) where whole life makes sense for young people, but generally speaking...20 or 30 year term and invest the cost difference is the way to go.
*For educational purposes only. Speak to a qualified advisor about your specific situation.


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10 Lavinia Avenue
Greenville, SC
29601

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