Stay up-to-date on the companies, people and issues that impact businesses in Syracuse, Central New York and beyond.
VIEWPOINT: Estate planning is a key component of financial wellness
As we enter National Estate Planning Awareness Week (Oct. 21-27), this is a good time to help the public understand what estate planning is and why it is such a vital component of financial wellness. A Roper poll commissioned by the American Institute for Certified Public Accountants found that two-thirds of Americans over age 65 […]
VIEWPOINT: Marriott’s Wake Up Call: FTC Fines it $52M for Delinquent Cybersecurity Practices
In a settlement with Marriott International and its subsidiary Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) will require Marriott to implement a new comprehensive data-security program. The settlement stems from a series of data breaches spanning from 2014-2020, in which the FTC alleges bad actors accessed over 339 million consumer records, including
VIEWPOINT: ED Delays Financial-Value Transparency and Gainful-Employment Reporting
The U.S. Department of Education (ED) recently announced a revised deadline for submitting required data under the Financial Value Transparency and Gainful Employment (FVT/GE) rules. The new deadline for institutions to report and review Completers Lists has been extended to Jan. 15, 2025 — moving from the previous deadline of Oct. 1, 2024. This change
Ask Rusty: Will My Wife’s Survivor Benefit Dip After Taking SS Early?
Dear Rusty: I claimed Social Security (SS) at age 70. My wife claimed her own SS at 62, and her earnings were significantly lower than mine. I understand my wife will be eligible to claim my benefit if I pass before she does, but will Social Security reduce that benefit because she didn’t wait until
VIEWPOINT: Taking an AI approach to digital marketing
The rise of AI-generated copywriting and video scripts has been rapid and, in some corners, difficult to keep up with. Marketers who are not yet familiar with generative AI and large language models are already falling behind their peers. Harnessing these tools can make the creative process for marketers more efficient and, in many cases,
VIEWPOINT: Ask Rusty: Should my Husband File and then Suspend His SS Benefits?
Dear Rusty: My financial advisor recently used a computer program that told my husband to take his Social Security (SS) at age 68, then suspend it after a few months. What I understood was if my husband started and then stopped taking distributions, he would earn delayed retirement credits (DRCs) and thus get more at
VIEWPOINT: Reinventing Downtown Syracuse
Downtown Syracuse is experiencing a transformation. Over the past few years, I have observed our city reinvent its landscape into a vibrant community filled with remarkable places for exploration and attractive real estate for residency. Our goal is to develop a flourishing downtown area that is diverse and welcoming to all. The revitalization of downtown
VIEWPOINT: Revitalizing Syracuse: A Bold Vision for a Bright Future
Growing up in Syracuse, I have seen this city go through peaks and valleys. I remember the days when people would talk about Syracuse like it was a place stuck in time, clinging to its industrial past without much to look forward to. But I also remember the resilience of the people here — the
VIEWPOINT: Strategies to help N.Y employers improve employees’ mental health
A recent survey [from the American psychological Association] revealed that 90 percent of Americans believe the U.S. is in the midst of a mental-health crisis, and one-third of Americans reported they found it difficult to access help. In New York state, 15.4 percent adults experience frequent mental distress, according to the 2023 America’s Health Rankings
HISTORY OF OHA: The History of Henry Loftie – A Man of Many Talents
Henry Loftie was born in Auburn, on Feb. 28, 1839, and moved with his family to Syracuse in 1855. That year, Henry’s father, William, opened a hair-goods business in Syracuse, which he operated until his death in 1875. Henry became a clerk and later a partner in his father’s business, known as William E. Loftie
Stay up-to-date on the companies, people and issues that impact businesses in Syracuse, Central New York and beyond.