Category Archives: Financial Planning / Investments

By Jennifer M. Boll, Esq.

In the last several months, we have seen the drastic impact of the COVID-19 crisis on our health, way of living and the economy. While these times may feel uncertain, there are still many factors in your control and even opportunities for those who seek them out. This is especially true as it relates to your estate and tax plan.

The current environment of low interest rates and depressed asset values presents several unique estate planning opportunities for individuals to make the most of their hard-hit assets and leverage the transfer of wealth and business interests.  There are a few items to consider.

BY JEANNINE DUBIAC, FPC

Employers be aware. The IRS has updated the 2020 Form W-4 Employee’s Withholding Certificate.

This new version of the W-4 form is required for all new hires in 2020 and for employees who want to make a change to their withholding for 2020. Employees hired prior to Jan. 1 are not required to submit a new form.

This new 2020 W-4 form will look different! There is no longer the ability to select withholding allowances to account for additional income, deductions and tax credits. The new form include lines where employees can enter those amounts directly that will be used in calculating the withholding amount.

By James Marco

I find it exciting that more and more conversations and news stories are talking about re-opening the economy.  I know that I’m ready to get back “out there” and start meeting people again.  I have my PPE and I’m ready to go.

Maybe you have been able to keep your business open, or maybe you have been able to keep your folks busy while working remote. If you have been shut down, then re-opening has some challenges that you’ll need to address.

This piece won’t focus on all of the legal requirements for re-opening. All the rules that were there before the pandemic still apply (Fair Labor Standards Act, Title VII, OSHA to name a few), as do some new rules under FFCRA, the CARES Act, and others.

By David L. Cumming
In the years approaching retirement, you should be thinking about whether your current plan puts you in the best position to achieve the lifestyle you envision for your golden years. For many people, the years leading into retirement are a time of not only eager anticipation, but also serious contemplation about what must be done to achieve their goals.
There are five key factors to consider when planning your retirement strategy.

BY Rob Snell
If you’re a dad, you may well be pleased to unwrap some tools as Father’s Day gifts. Of course, it might be a stereotype that all men are handy at repairs; women certainly can be every bit as good when it comes to building and fixing things.
In fact, the construction process is valuable for anyone to learn – and the same skills that go in to creating and mending physical objects also can be applied to financial projects – such as working toward a comfortable retirement.
Here are a few of those skills:
Diagnosing the challenge.

Two local small business were recognized during National Small Business Week in May at the U.S. Small Business Administration’s 21st Annual Small Business Excellence Awards luncheon in Albany.
Small businesses are selected for the Excellence Awards based on their company’s longevity, innovation, sales growth, increased employment, ability to overcome adversity or community contributions.