Stay up-to-date on the companies, people and issues that impact businesses in Syracuse, Central New York and beyond.

Ask Rusty: When is the best time for me to claim Social Security?
Dear Rusty: I will be age 66 ½ in June and would like to discuss when would be the best time for me to start taking my Social Security benefits. I am still employed full time and don’t want to be penalized because of that. Please let me know what I need to do to […]

VIEWPOINT: AI and Long Term Care: Solving an Age-Old Challenge
Long-term care (LTC) planning has long been one of the most complex and emotionally charged areas of financial advisory services. As the aging population grows and care costs continue to escalate, advisors and clients alike face a daunting set of challenges. Traditional planning tools often rely on broad averages and generic simulations such as Monte

Ask Rusty: Can my wife and I get spousal benefits from each other?
Dear Rusty: My wife and I are currently collecting Social Security (SS). We both started receiving SS at 62 years old. That said, we get by on a tight budget. A retired friend told us about an option which allows a spouse to collect half of the other spouse’s SS monthly income. My question has

Ask Rusty: Can I Avoid Paying the Medicare Premium?
Dear Rusty: Is there any way I can get out of paying the $185 I am told will be taken out of my Social Security for Medicare Part B when I turn 65? We pay for Medicare all our working lives, and now I have to pay a monthly premium for insurance that only covers

VIEWPOINT: Talent Acquisition & the Importance of Employer Branding
Did you know 75 percent of job seekers research a company’s reputation before applying? If your employer brand isn’t strong, you could be losing top talent before they even hit “Apply.” A clear mission, positive employee testimonials, and a strong online presence all influence candidate decisions. Want to attract the best talent? Start by building

VIEWPOINT: Revolutionizing Long-Term Care at Home Pharmacy Services
An aging patient, living alone and confused by the complex regimen of medications she must take, gets help from a pharmacist. Another patient, unhappy with the results he is getting from his prescriptions, has a visit with an in-home pharmacist for help with medication-therapy management. Both patients (and many more like them) are benefitting from

VIEWPOINT: Navigating the 2025 Tax Cut and Jobs Act Expiration
What you need to know from a financial advisor Each year, a new legislative cycle brings potential changes to the tax landscape that every individual, family, and business owner should be aware of. One major factor to look out for in 2025 is the expiration of key provisions included in the Tax Cuts and Jobs

Ask Rusty: Did We Make a Mistake Starting My Wife’s SS now?
Dear Rusty: I hope we haven’t made a mistake. My wife just applied for her Social Security (SS) benefit. She was born in May 1962, and the estimated amount of her benefit is $1,280 per month. Her work income last year was $5,616; however, mine was about $65,000. I do not plan on taking my

Ask Rusty: Should I Wait until Age 70 to Claim Social Security?
Dear Rusty: I am a married woman, at my full retirement age (FRA), and the primary earner in my marriage. How do I know if I should take my Social Security (SS) now or wait until age 70? I will lose quite a bit if I take it now. How will it affect my taxes

VIEWPOINT: How to Stay Safe from Fraudsters During Tax Season
Tax season is here and with it comes increased security risks for payers. For most of us, tax season is already enough of a hassle without having to worry about falling victim to fraud. Unfortunately, fraudsters are always on the prowl and tax season provides the perfect opportunity to exploit taxpayers, especially when it comes
Stay up-to-date on the companies, people and issues that impact businesses in Syracuse, Central New York and beyond.