Blog
Growth Requires Good People
Last week, Matt, Todd, Jonathan, and I got together in Syracuse for what we call our “Growth Group,” and as I sat reflecting afterward, it was another reminder of just how important relationships are in both business and life.
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The Problems You Have May Be a Blessing
I came across an idea the other day that really stuck with me. It was simple, but powerful. Having multiple problems is actually a gift. At first, that sounds ridiculous. Most of us spend a good chunk of our lives trying to reduce problems,
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Preparing for the Future by Remembering the Past
It sounds cliché, doesn’t it? “Those who study history are doomed to repeat it.” I can still hear a high school teacher saying that, trying to convince a room full of kids that memorizing dates and events somehow mattered. At the time,
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Trust the Road You're On
This morning felt like one of those classic upstate New York spring mornings. The kind where you walk outside and the air hits you a little different, heavier, cool-warm, almost like you can grab it with your hands. The grass is starting to
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What Service Looks Like When It’s Not Perfect
“Service isn’t dead… it’s just evolving. And sometimes you only recognize it when something doesn’t go as planned.” Over the last couple of months, I’ve found myself thinking more about service than I probably have in a long time.
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A Hoodie & Hat Day
The reflection in the door of the local coffee shop tells the story. Today is a casual day. Baseball cap, brand new, with the logo of a golf club I belong to down south. A hoodie with a golf shirt underneath, same logo. Stretchy jeans
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The Wolf You Feed
Years ago, I came across a short story that stuck with me. I don’t remember exactly where I first read it, but it’s one of those ideas that quietly sits in the back of your mind and occasionally shows up again at just the right time.
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Trees Don’t Grow to the Sky
The room went completely silent when the photograph appeared on the screen. It was a simple image, a young woman in an oversized Army T-shirt holding a folded American flag in both hands and yet there was nothing simple about it...
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Speed Bumps or Mountains?
Most of the obstacles we face in life aren’t nearly as big as we make them. They just feel that way at first. Over time, I’ve come to realize that a big part of my role as a planner and advisor has very little to do with numbers on a
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What Do We Know Right Now?
It’s another one of those mornings that reminds you why paying attention matters. I’m driving to the airport, way earlier than I need to be, as usual. The sky is impossibly blue. Not a cloud anywhere. The sun is coming up just enough
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The Shock of Grief
I’ve really tried not to write this blog for the last few weeks. A few weeks ago, I received a text from a friend saying he had heard a rumor that one of my friends had passed away. It wasn’t someone you’d expect to hear that about.
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Population Growth Isn’t Disappearing, It’s Just Moving
In Part One, we looked at declining birth rates in the United States and China, and what that means for labor, economic growth, and long-term planning. But that’s only half the story. Because while much of the developed world is aging and
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Birth Rates, Labor, and the Quiet Economic Shift We’re Living Through
I spend a fair amount of time looking at data, not because numbers are exciting on their own, but because they usually tell a long story before we feel it in our day-to-day lives. I’m also, by nature, pretty curious.
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The Quiet Power of Consistency
The most powerful changes in our practice haven’t been dramatic. They’ve been deliberate, steady, and consistent. We’re growing. We’re adapting. We’re evolving. But none of that happened overnight.
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Part 2: The Drive Home
Well, that’s a wrap. After roughly nine hours, the 2026 New York State Agricultural Society Forum is officially in the books. As I’m writing this, I’m on the drive home, processing the day and maybe a little more than just the day.
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Part One: A Different Kind of Drive
This morning, I’m driving to Rochester, New York. On the surface, that doesn’t sound like much. A couple of hours in the car, some coffee, a podcast or two, and a winter highway that looks a lot like every other one in Upstate New York in
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Too Much to Do, Not Enough Time
Do you ever feel like you’re just always behind? Like, no matter how early you get up, how late you stay, or how many things you cross off the list, the list somehow grows faster than you can shrink it.
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The Road Is Always Under Construction (Part 2)
Much like road construction, maintenance, and repair, there’s always a Part 2. And this morning, as I continued west toward Buffalo, I realized the road metaphor wasn’t remotely finished. There was more to it—just like there’s always more
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The Road Is Always Under Construction (Part 1)
This time of year—now that winter has settled in and the snowplows have replaced the orange cones—road construction finally quiets down, but around here it still feels like it never really ends. It almost becomes background noise, like the
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Just One of Those Days
You ever have one of those days that just starts out sideways? Not tragic, not dramatic — just a day where all the small, insignificant things decide they’re going to test your patience one by one. Nothing big enough to complain about, but
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Storm Tested: Strength Grows Underground
There’s a tree you sometimes see on the coastline after a hurricane. You know the one. Bent practically sideways like it's trying to do yoga it did not sign up for. Leaves plastered backwards. Bark sandblasted down to the grain.
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Stretch: Reaching For Better
I played soccer growing up. Not just the occasional “let’s kick the ball around” kind — I mean the whole deal: the team shirts, the Saturday morning fields that were always somehow both dewy and dusty, and the great suspense of which color
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Don't Dwell. Draw.
Every once in a while, I get caught thinking about how many different careers I’ve had over the years. I’ve swung a hammer, hauled milk, built ropes courses, and helped people build financial plans. Some days I feel like I’ve lived a dozen
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Leadership, Legacy, and Letting Go: The Keys to a Successful Farm Transition
Every farm tells a story — but not every story is written to last. As the next generation steps forward, the success of a farm transition depends on more than a will or a trust. It’s about communication, honesty, and leadership.
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Change Doesn't Happen Until It Hurts
Life has a way of reminding us—sometimes sharply—that slowing down is okay. Earlier this summer, a table saw and a handful of stitches reminded me of a truth we all know deep down.
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Wearing Many Hats: Helping You Make Confident Financial Decisions
Last week I sat with a recently retired couple who are learning to navigate their “new normal.” After decades of waking up with a job to go to every morning, they’re balancing what comes next—planning trips to fun places, managing the daily
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When I See You, I Don’t See Your Mistakes
Mistakes have a way of taking center stage. Our own, other people’s—it’s what we replay in our heads long after the moment has passed. We assume everyone else sees them first too, that a single misstep can drown out every good thing...
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Reflections from the Road: What Stuck After Santa Barbara
It’s been a few weeks since I unpacked my small carry-on and settled back into a normal routine. The late-summer morning I left for Santa Barbara already feels like a different season—literally and figuratively...
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AssetMark Platinum Summit in Santa Barbara
Last week, I had the chance to fly out to Santa Barbara, California, for the AssetMark Platinum Summit. Just a couple hundred independent advisors from across the country were invited, and it was pretty special to be in that room.
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When to Change Clubs
For whatever reason, Mondays always seem to be charity day in the golf world. Lunch started half an hour ago, the shotgun start is at 12:30, and—as usual—I’m scrambling to get there, get my clubs on the cart, and beat the start horn.
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The Forecast Isn't Always the Future
I think we’ve all done it. We pull up our weather app, see a “40% chance of rain,” and instantly translate that in our head. For years, I thought that meant there was a 40% chance it would rain where I was standing.
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One Cast Closer
I don’t live very far from a lake, maybe a couple hundred yards as the crow flies. Every once in a while, I’ll find myself walking down just to wet a line. Nothing serious, nothing scheduled, just a quick walk and a few casts...
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Passion. Purpose. People. (Don’t Forget the People)
It always comes back to people. We spend so much time focusing on the mission—on growth, on strategy, on doing what’s right for our clients—that sometimes we forget the very thing that makes all of it possible: our people.
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When Inconvenience Knocks
I was in the middle of a woodworking project—a hobby I’ve grown to love—when the accident happened. Nothing too dramatic, but enough to land me in the hospital with a few stitches in my hand and a bruised ego...
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Looking Through the Keyhole
When you look through a keyhole, you feel like you're seeing the whole room. You can describe what’s inside—maybe even with confidence. The problem is, you’re only seeing one angle. It’s not until you open the door that you realize how...
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You Can't Coast Uphill
Are you growing or coasting? When you launch a small business, the first few years feel like standing at the helm of a skiff in heavy seas. Every wave matters, every gust can capsize you, and survival depends on constant motion.
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Uncertainty Meets Its Match
I took a quick break for lunch the other day, opened the news app, and—no surprise—another headline about unrest in the Middle East leapt out at me. Different factions, same desert backdrop, same tragic result: families uprooted while...
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Well, What Do You Think?
At work, I make decisions easily, but when it comes to other things, I usually I like to talk it out. Over the last several months, I’ve been working on a garage project in the side yard of my house. It’s been a design-build type of process
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The Voice in Your Head: The Power and Pitfalls of Self-Talk
Let me start by saying this: I’m not a psychologist. I don’t have a doctorate in human behavior or a stack of published research papers. Sure, I studied psychology a little bit, but I’m far from an expert. What I do have, however, is 25...
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Losing Battles, Winning Wars
Ever feel like you’re constantly putting out fires—answering one email, fixing one issue, dealing with one conflict—only to look up and wonder if any of it actually moved you forward? Yeah, me too...
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Embracing the Seasons of Life and Business
The weather in Upstate New York is predictable to the extent that it is, in fact, unpredictable. You never really know how long spring will hang on or when summer will fully take hold. But in the years when we do get a true spring...
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Tailored Words: The Power and Practice of Communication
Over the last couple of weeks, I’ve had a mix of situations—some professional, some personal, and some just good old-fashioned life—all reminding me of the same truth: the way in which we communicate is probably one of the most important...
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Stress Fades, Perspective Stays: The Lessons We Keep Forgetting
It’s wild how stress works. You’d think that after going through hard stuff—personal, professional, financial—we’d learn. We would carry those lessons forward and tuck them in our back pocket for the next time the storm rolls in, but...
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Stacking: The Secret to Progress in Work and Life
Some days just feel right. You get up on time. You drink some water, maybe sneak in a workout, answer that email that’s been sitting in your inbox for three days. You hit green lights on the drive to work. You make a few good calls....
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Sometimes It Just Works Out
Well, it’s about that time. Time to pack up the bags and head to the airport. My office is only about a ten-minute drive from Syracuse Hancock International, and while I travel often—probably more than I’d like to admit...
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Out of the Cyclical Storm and Into the Policy Fog
I recently had the pleasure of listening to Dr. David Kelly, Chief Global Strategist at J.P. Morgan, discuss the current state of the markets. He described our situation as moving "out of the cyclical storm and into the policy fog"...
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Motion vs. Progress: Why Busyness Doesn’t Always Lead to Success
Have you ever felt like you’re constantly moving – always working, always busy – but when you stop to reflect, you realize you haven’t made much progress-? You’re not alone. Many people confuse motion with progress...
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Identifying Pain Points and Pursuing Excellence in 2025
Unreasonable hospitality is the art of going beyond expectations, transforming something good into something truly unforgettable. It’s about creating an experience that lingers in people’s minds long after they’ve left, not just because...
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A Man Never Steps in the Same River Twice
The river is never the same, and neither are we. It’s a simple idea, but one that carries immense weight. Change is constant, whether we like it or not. We evolve, the world moves forward, and the circumstances we step into today...
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Reflections on the AssetMark 2025 Gold Forum: Learning, Connection, and Inspiration
Last week I traveled to Phoenix, Arizona, to attend the AssetMark 2025 Gold Forum. Throughout my career, I’ve attended many industry conferences, but this one has always stood out. It’s something I look forward to every year...
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The Power of Choice
Emotional reactions are automatic. When something unexpected happens- especially when it's out of our control- our initial response is often instinctive. But what happens next? That part is entirely up to us. How we choose to react can...
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Finding Balance: The Pursuit of Excellence Without Losing Perspective
I’m never fully off. Even when I step away— whether traveling, sitting down for dinner, or unwinding after a long day— my mind is always running. There’s always another call to make, another email to send, another decision that could...
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Investing, Emotions, and Why Booking a Hotel Almost Broke Me
Just about every month, one of the investment providers or platforms we work with hosts a dinner in a few cities across New York. The goal? Introduce investment providers and solutions, give us a chance to meet the people behind the...
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Safe Harbor Defined Contribution Plans: Overview and Key Features
Over the last 20 years, I’ve dedicated much of my career to designing and overseeing retirement plans for small to medium-sized companies. This work has become a passion of mine—not only because it allows us to collaborate closely with...
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Reflections on Almost 25 Years with the New York State Agricultural Society
Nearly 25 years ago, I received an invitation that would shape much of my professional and personal life. A then-partner suggested I attend a meeting of the New York State Agricultural Society in Syracuse, New York.
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Advisor, Consultant, Planner: Defining the Roles I Play
In my line of work, I get labeled as a financial advisor, financial consultant, or financial planner. These are words that get tossed around frequently, often interchangeably...
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Remember When You Wished for the Things You Currently Have
Gratitude is a powerful thing. It shapes our perspective, fosters contentment, and keeps us grounded amidst the noise of daily life. Recently, I read this statement: "Remember when you wished for the things you currently have."
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Motion Matters More Than Direction
This morning, as I headed out later than usual, I was reminded of an important truth: sometimes, motion matters more than direction. The lake effect snow had finally landed in our area, slowing everything down, including me...
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The Podcast Launch!
Well, it’s here—finally! After nearly ten months of planning, our first podcast has officially launched on our YouTube channel. Legacy Conversations from The Barn at Collamer Road is up and running, and I’m thrilled to share...
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Unplugging for Perspective: A Walk in the Woods
The other day, I found myself out in the woods, seeking something simple and essential—a chance to unplug. It was around 3 p.m. and even though the cold wasn’t biting as it has been in past years, the nip in the air was enough...
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Navigating The SECURE 2.0 Act: Key Updates as We Wrap Up 2024
As we approach the end of 2024, it’s a great opportunity to review some important SECURE 2.0 Act provisions that could affect your retirement plans. Staying on top of these updates ensures we’re prepared for upcoming changes and enables...
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Minimum Wage, Overtime, and Time-Off Changes for New York State Farm Workers
Navigating Minimum Wage, Overtime, and Time-Off Changes for New York State Farm Workers Outside NYC, Long Island, and Westchester County.
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What Brings Me Confidence?
What in the world makes me wake up and drive to work with a sense of assurance and purpose? Interestingly enough, it's two things: my wallet and my phone. Now, I can already hear some of you thinking...
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Planning for Your Child's Education: Pay Now, Pay Then, or Pay Later?
When families start thinking about how to pay for their child’s education, whether it’s primary, secondary, or college, the options can feel overwhelming. Many think of this as college planning, but it can extend to any stage of education.
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Election Week: A Time for Perspective
The election is here, finally. Like clockwork, it's going to dominate the week. No one escapes the flood of attention it brings. In my time on this planet, what I’ve noticed is that elections often become a period of stress...
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Three Simple Steps to Financial Success: Save, Grow, Use
When I think about what we really do as financial planners, it boils down to three key things: we help people save their money, grow their money, and eventually, use their money. That’s it—save it, grow it, and use it. It sounds simple...
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The Complexities of Small Business Consulting
At Legacy Wealth Advisors of NY, we often describe ourselves as a financial planning firm— helping individuals, families, and small businesses make informed financial and estate decisions. But what truly sets us apart is the time and...
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Back Up to Move Forward: What Archery Taught Me About Business
I took up archery last spring. Not that I didn’t already have enough hobbies—believe me, my free time is packed—but something about shooting a bow and arrow just clicked with me. Sure, I’d shot archery equipment in the past...
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Make a Habit of Reaching Out
"Make a Habit of Reaching Out to People Just Because They've Crossed Your Mind." The message made me pause. Quite honestly, it’s something I’ve done for as long as I can remember. It’s never been a calculated effort—just something that's..
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Mastering the Art of Preparation: Elevate Your Presentations for Any Occasion
In the fast-paced world of financial planning and client management, delivering impactful meetings, speeches, and presentations is important. But these skills aren’t just essential for work—they’re invaluable in every aspect of life...
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I'm Glad I Learned About Parallelograms in High School
“I’m so glad I learned about parallelograms in high school math instead of how to do my taxes. It comes in so handy during parallelogram season.” When I came across this gem of a quote recently, I couldn’t help but laugh...
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Key Points on Retirement Plan Trends
The retirement plan landscape is undergoing significant transformations, driven by evolving participant needs, regulatory updates, and advancements in technology and educational approaches. As we navigate through 2024, several critical...
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Understanding Organizational Reporting Structures: A Path to Efficiency and Support
Over the last decade, I've had the privilege of working closely with small businesses, offering support in development, bridging gaps between various service providers like Tax Professionals, Insurance experts, Bankers, Attorneys and...
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Why Do Investors Keep Their Advisors?
Every advisor dreams of having happy clients. Content clients stick around, give referrals, and rarely consider switching advisors. But what makes clients stay with their advisors isn't always obvious. While good investment returns are...
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Considering When to Take Social Security Benefits
Deciding when to start taking Social Security benefits is an important decision that can significantly impact your retirement income. This decision depends on several factors, including your expected longevity, the annual rate of return...
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Chasing the Feeling of Earned Success
Today was one of those perfect days for relaxation and reflection, a true Sunday fun-day. I managed to sneak away to some property I own, a peaceful spot that offers solitude and a chance to disconnect. For two and a half hours...
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The Golden Rule
There's a timeless piece of wisdom that never fades: "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." Found in James 6:31, this saying from the Bible resonates whether you're deeply religious or just casually familiar with...
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Stand Up for Those Who Stand Up for You
The other day, I came across a quote on social media that really resonated with me: "Surround yourself with people who will fight for you in rooms you're not in." I did some digging to find out who said it, but the source remains unknown...
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Navigating the Shift: From Saving to Spending in Retirement
As you approach retirement, a significant shift happens. You move from saving for and building your nest egg to figuring out how you're going to use those funds to sustain you through your retirement years...
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Understanding the SECURE 2.0 Act: Key Provisions and Impacts
The SECURE 2.0 Act aims to enhance retirement savings and increase plan participation across various demographics. Here’s a brief snapshot of some critical provisions and their anticipated impacts...
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The Power of Travel in Building Relationships and Enhancing Productivity
"Boy, you travel a lot." It's a comment I frequently hear from friends and colleagues. Yes, I do enjoy traveling—whether for work or leisure. It's not just the thrill of new places and experiences that drives me...
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Trust: The Cornerstone of Our Practice
There’s something about the open road that fosters introspection. Today, a brief encounter brought a profound realization to mind. A red Ford F-150 with a white logo and the phrase “A Foundation of Trust” on its tailgate caught my eye...
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A New Normal
I've been there before, more times than I can count, sitting across from someone whose world has just been turned upside down. Recently, it was a woman who had just lost her husband. The pain in her eyes was too obvious, and her words...
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Navigating Generational Transfer in Agriculture
The fabric of agriculture is woven with the threads of family, legacy, and the relentless pursuit of progress. As we stand at the edge of change, the generational transfer of agricultural businesses presents a unique set of challenges...
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Growth Group Heads West
Whitefish, Montana is a sleepy little town that’s starting to become less sleepy as more people discover the beauty of this part of the world. You land in a beautiful airport that’s, of course, under construction, with the mountains ...
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SECURE 2.0 Act: Key Updates for Small Business Owners
The SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022, signed into law on December 29, 2022, builds upon the original SECURE Act to enhance retirement savings and coverage. For small business owners, this legislation introduces significant changes and opportunities
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Same Place - Different Space
Kalispell, Montana. There's a little regional airport set just before the mountains in Glacier National Park. It's a Saturday afternoon, and I'm getting ready to start the journey home...
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A Vision for Impact: Our Journey Toward Enriching Lives
As we continue to grow and adapt at Legacy Wealth Advisors of NY, our dedication to providing valuable insights remains steadfast. This year, we're excited to expand our repertoire of resources, enhancing the depth of our content to...
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Creating a Recruitment Culture in Agriculture
In the ever-changing world of agricultural businesses, the pressing question isn't just about the next season's yield, production, or weather, but increasingly about how to attract and retain talent. As someone deeply embedded in the...
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The Power of Being Heard: Insights into Effective Advice
In recent discussions with fellow advisors, a poignant truth emerged, encapsulated in a simple yet profound statement: "People don't listen until they feel heard." This insight resonates deeply within the context of advice-giving, a...
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Big Things Come From Little Decisions
As the sun begins to peek over the sleepy town of Aiken, South Carolina, on a brisk 55-degree morning, I find myself enroute to a much-anticipated golf game with friends. The early morning drive through the near-empty streets, and the...
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Expectations and Accountability: Real World Frustrations and Strategies
Bridging Expectations and Accountability in Business Leadership: As a consultant and advisor, engaging with numerous business leaders and influential team members has afforded me a unique perspective on a recurring frustration across...
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Understanding the Basics of Social Security and Medicare (2024)
Understanding the Basics of Social Security and Medicare (2024) Navigating the complexities of Social Security and Medicare can often feel overwhelming, with various rules, eligibility criteria, and strategic considerations influencing...
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What's Next for Interest Rates?
The Uncertainty Ahead It's fair to start by acknowledging a universal truth in economic forecasting: no one really knows what is next. I certainly do not but I trust the economic experts as they weigh the past with the current data to...
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How We Make You Feel: Reflections from Our Visit in Tampa
Last week, I had the distinct pleasure of visiting our broker-dealer partner in Tampa, Florida. This visit was not just a routine check-in but proved to be a reflection on a pivotal decision made over two and a half years ago when we...
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Charting New Waters: Tax Management for Non-Qualified Investment Accounts
As the dust settles on another tax season, many find themselves reflecting on their financial landscapes and the looming tax implications of their investment strategies. Particularly for those managing non-qualified investment accounts...
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Striking a Balance: Reflections from the Journey of Life and Leadership
As I drive into work on a cool, overcast early spring day, my thoughts wander to the concept of balance. The idea of balance—be it work-life balance or professional equilibrium—has long occupied my mind, and today it seems to be at the...
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Maximizing Volunteer Board Member Effectiveness in Non-Profit Agricultural Organizations
In the dynamic landscape of non-profit organizations, the role of volunteer board members is both vital and challenging. Unlike paid employees, volunteers are driven by passion, belief in the cause, or a desire to give back, rather...
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Policies Over Politics: Financial Strategy in an Election Year
As we step into another election year, we are faced with anticipation, controversy, and, inevitably, a fair share of apprehension. Political discussions, both at the dinner table and in boardrooms, veer towards the future, with an eye...
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The Integration of Artificial Intelligence into Our Daily Lives
It’s the end of February in Orlando, Florida, and I just checked into my hotel for an annual conference. Over a thousand investment professionals have gathered to explore, once again, the investment landscape. The venue, a resort...
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Is the Old Way of Thinking Dead or Dying?
In recent years, the traditional balanced investment strategy, commonly referred to as the 60/40 portfolio allocation—60% in stocks and 40% in bonds—has come under scrutiny. For decades, this approach served investors well,...
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Mastering Communication in Today's World
Mastering Communication in Today's World: The Role of Phone Calls, Conference Calls, and Virtual Meetings in Effective Collaboration In today's fast-paced communication landscape, we're presented with several ways to connect....
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