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Getting a Strong Start to 2017

March 5, 2017 by The Inside Press

BY SCOTT M. KAHAN

With the stock market hitting record highs, potential interest rate increases and the ongoing uncertainty as to what is going on in Washington, now is the time to organize. Here are a few quick things to address to get started.

Review your portfolio.

With the rally in equity prices, it’s probably a good time to review your asset allocation. A simple way to re-balance your portfolio is to first set what percent of your portfolio should be in each asset class. Then when reviewing your portfolio, the sectors that have gone up will be over weighted and should be reduced, while the underperforming sectors will be under weighted and can be added to. If you follow this practice, it forces you to sell high, buy low and take the emotions out of investing.

Review Your Taxes and Cash Flow.

If you are getting large tax refunds each year, review your withholding. Financially, it’s actually better to get a small refund or owe a small amount. When you get a refund, it’s your money being returned to you with no interest. In other words, you gave the government an interest free loan. Adjust your withholding or estimated tax payments to ensure you are not over or under paying your taxes by too much. Then look to see if you are fully funding your retirement plans. If not, use that extra money each pay check to fund your retirement plan. The retirement plan contribution usually is tax deductible thus saving you even more in taxes.

Review Your Estate Planning.

When was the last time you looked at your wills and other estate planning documents? Make sure all beneficiaries are in place in retirement accounts. Review to make sure you have named guardians for minor children. If you have avoided setting up your estate plans, now is the time to address this important issue.

Scott M. Kahan, is a Certified Financial Planner® professional and President of Financial Asset Management Corporation, a fee-only wealth management firm located at 26 South Greeley Avenue in Chappaqua. Call Scott Kahan at 914-238-8900.

How to Choose a Reliable and Cost-Effective Heat & Air Service!

February 15, 2017 by Inside Press

Wondering how to choose a reliable and cost effective Heating and Air Conditioning Service, and what cost increasing mistakes you should avoid at home? We asked Anthony Marmo, owner of Clover Comfort, a 31-year-old, family run business in Sleepy Hollow, NY, about what can make the difference between SUPERIOR SERVICE or an average or downright bad service, and about the common errors homeowners make that drive up their heating bills. — Grace Bennett

Manny, a 25-year employee at Clover Comfort in Sleepy Hollow, New York

What to Consider in Choosing a Service:

Easy access to the owner. Can you speak to who is in charge easily?
24-hour service. An emergency needs to be addressed right away.
Proper licensing, certifications and accreditation.In Westchester County, for HVAC companies, there is a Westchester Home Improvement license; any service you choose should be licensed through the county for home improvement and also licensed in plumbing. Many heating systems are fired by natural gas and do require a licensed plumber to work on them.

Mistakes that Drive up your Bill:

Purchasing a new Energy Star refrigerator and moving the old one to the basement or garage (and plugging it in to store the extra food for a party) will effectively double your utility costs, especially those old avocado or mustard colored ones we grew up with in our parents’ house! “Get rid of it,” advises Marmo, “and purchase a smaller compact Energy Star labeled refrigerator and plug it in as needed. “

There are several building construction design/installation faults that cause “Heat Bleed” and these can have a negative effect on home or commercial business heating & cooling utility costs. Most buildings have connections to unconditioned space, for example: roof-ceiling combinations, such as cathedral ceilings, finished dormered attics, cantilevered space or bonus rooms. Also, dropped ceilings, ventilated attics, basements and crawl spaces are a big connection to the outdoors.

Have any more questions about your home’s heating or air needs? To learn more or receive testimonials about Clover Comfort’s service, please visit 914 631-6744 or drop a line with Anthony, amarmo@clovercool.com

Aura Style Bar Aims to Have you Radiate Beauty

January 9, 2017 by Inside Press

Premium Blowdry and Makeup Studio in the Heart of Chappaqua

Looking for somewhere local where, following expert and convenient services, you can walk out and ‘radiate beauty’?” Introducing: The new “Aura Style Bar,” a premium blowdry and make up studio at 191 King Street in Chappaqua. According to stylists Leticia and Jenn, the goal every time will be to help you radiate beauty ‘from the inside out.’ As per the opening promotion information here, you can enjoy special introductory rates on all services, a complimentary scalp massage and conditioning masques through the end of February. ‘Sunrise hours’ of 7-9 a.m. are available by appointment, and walk ins are welcome during regular business hours. See additional info below or visit: www.auraboutiquesalon.com

At Aura Salon: Jenn Filardi (left) and Leticia Villagran.

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