Blog

One of the all-time classic news headlines was printed in the New York Daily News in 1975 when NY City was facing a serious budget crisis (note that at lower right it says "Stocks Skid, Dow Down 12" - I wish). Now we have financial markets home and abroad skidding on the news that Congress and the P...

There is plenty of financial news this morning: All eyes have been on Washington where it looks like a default will be averted, as I suggested it would. US financial markets opened sharply higher, but have fallen back. Why? Congress and the President have only delayed our nation's financial recko...

When you stop by either of our offices you'll see our employees dressed for business and keeping busy. After business hours we all manage to keep busy, too, but we dress a little differently, especially on Tuesday nights. That's when you'll find our BSC Softball Team at the Cobb's Hill baseball diam...

I saw an article in the Democrat & Chronicle yesterday that is nearly an annual event: record demand for power at our local electric utilities. This is not uncommon around the country, and for a number of reasons: Some cite global warming and a corresponding demand for air conditioning in the...

For those of you who are either uber-geeks or have no life at all, you can now get social with your big brother, the IRS. The IRS recently launched a smartphone application called IRS2Go. This app allows you to get your refund status and tax updates directly to your iPhone, iTouch or Android phone...

We are hearing a lot lately from clients who are concerned about the possible ill effects on the markets of a looming federal default. While I hate to see clients having an anxious time or losing sleep, a heightened level of contact tells me things: What we hear from clients generally echoes w...

What do they have in common? Nothing. It's what sets them apart that is worth noting. Zillow, a real estate site known for aggregating price and tax information on houses for sale, went public yesterday in yet another Tech Bubble 2.0 offering. Although the shares initially tripled (yes, tripled), t...

On July 12th a team of 12 BSC clients and employees participated in a fundraiser at Rochester Brooks Int'l Trap & Skeet Club. In this the 11th annual event, over 130 participants raised more than $45,000 to benefit the Seneca Waterways Council of the Boy Scouts of America. It was a great day to be o...

Stock markets can expect to see higher-than-normal volatility as investors worry about Eurozone economic problems and continued brinksmanship in Washington over US debt and spending issues, They can't manage our finances, but the Federal government can make trouble for successful businesses. Goo...

Those of us in our 40's or 50's start to think about and plan for retirement. Income from social security benefits is certainly a significant variable in the planning process. Until recently the Social Security Administration made an annual mailing of your benefits statement. This statement contai...