Cobblestone Capital Advisors, LLC.

Check out this clip from Episode 52 of "The Trusted Partner Podcast," where hosts Jesse Cramer and Gabriel Chodak discuss the intricacies of the investment banking industry with David Riley, Director at Transitus Capital. David breaks down how investment banks facilitate large-scale financial transactions, including mergers, acquisitions, and capital raising. David also highlights the vital role of investment banks in ensuring smooth transactions, particularly for family-owned businesses, and the importance of early planning and professional advising.

As the calendar year winds down, it’s the perfect time to take stock of your financial health and set the stage for a prosperous new year. If it’s been a bit since you last checked your finances and you’re not quite sure where you stand, follow our handy to-do list: - Review your financial game plan by assessing what goals you hit and where you may need to adjust. - Give your investment portfolio a checkup regarding major life events, risk tolerance, and goals. - Plan for big purchases and life changes, such as your dream vacation or new home. - Update yourself on tax law changes, how they might affect you, and how to reduce your liability. - Check your emergency fund—it should be enough to cover 3-6 months of expenses. - Reassess your insurance coverage for potential savings. - Maximize your charitable impact to support causes you care about and lower your taxable income. - Review your credit report—it can affect everything from loan rates to job opportunities. Get more tips and details for these potentially money-saving steps in our latest article: https://lnkd.in/etK-TXyx #financetips #financegoals #financialhealth #newyearnewgoals #moneymatters

If you’ve been evaluating your retirement plan options related to your tax situation, one of your decisions is likely between a Traditional and a Roth account (whether a 401(k) or IRA). This largely depends on your age and what stage of life you’re in, as Tobin Woodruff, Senior Wealth Planner at Cobblestone, explains to Jesse Cramer and Gabriel Chodak in Episode #41 of The Trusted Partner Podcast. This is why it’s often wiser to contribute to a Roth plan when you’re younger and in a lower tax bracket. Because you’ll have already paid taxes on those contributions, you won’t have to pay a higher tax rate when you withdraw later. Remember, the tax rates will likely rise in future years, so “trading” tax rates by leveraging a Roth account could make a significant difference in retirement. For thoughts and tips on tax planning based on your stage of life and many more related topics, check out the podcast: https://lnkd.in/e2VM5Xme #taxplanning #taxtips #retirementplanning #retirementstrategy #personalfinances #financialplanning

Taxes can seem complex and intimidating—but they don’t have to be. Sometimes, we just need some clear guidance and a refresher on the essentials. That’s exactly what Jesse Cramer and Gabriel Chodak discuss with Cobblestone Senior Wealth Planner Tobin Woodruff in Episode #41 of The Trusted Partner Podcast. From a review of what you need to know about Form 1040 to defining the relationship between withholdings, estimated tax, and refunds to key considerations for those at different stages of life, this wide-ranging conversation contains many helpful insights and examples. The common theme throughout their discussion? Not necessarily whether you get a refund or owe taxes but, as Tobin says, how you can optimize your tax situation to ensure you’re paying the minimum amount. Listen to the full episode today: https://lnkd.in/e2VM5Xme #taxplanning #assetprotection #taxtips #wealthbuilding #investmenttips

With the soaring costs of college, many parents want to find the most effective way to save for their kids’ future education. You’ve likely heard of 529 college savings plans, which have many positives, like their tax benefits and flexibility. However, if you go this route, it’s essential to: - Be cautious about overfunding your plan - Consider funding a good portion of expected college costs in a 529 plan, with the remainder in more flexible accounts (to provide a buffer if your child receives scholarships or chooses a less expensive education path) - Research and compare plans—you’re not limited to your home state’s 529 plan, but your state might offer tax benefits for using its plan After all, some states (e.g., Ohio, Utah, Illinois, and New York) are consistently highly rated for their investment options and low fees. So, is a 529 plan the right college savings avenue for your children’s future? Talk it over with a Cobblestone advisor today: https://lnkd.in/dZnZnF3 #collegesavings #highereducation #collegefund #529plan #financialadvisors

The Cobblestone Capital team welcomed over 250 clients and friends to the Memorial Art Gallery last Thursday for our annual client appreciation event!?In addition to great food and drink, we enjoyed a heartfelt welcome and firm update from our Principal & CEO, John DiPasquale, followed by an engaging Market Update and Outlook for 2025 by Charles Ruff, CFA, Head of Investment Strategy & Communications.?Great job to our speakers and our entire team for pulling this event together.?But most of all, thank you to our clients and friends of the firm for their trust and ongoing support.??

Have you been considering a 529 college savings plan for your kids (or future kids)? If so, it’s certainly one wise option, thanks to the tax advantages. After all, the state-sponsored plan grows tax-free and offers tax-free withdrawals for qualified education expenses (e.g., tuition, fees, books, and room and board). Another major benefit of a 529 plan is its flexibility. Many parents wonder what happens to the funds if their child doesn’t attend college. Fortunately, the account could cover K-12 expenses up to $10,000, and up to $35,000 may be able to be rolled into a Roth IRA. However, not all state plans, including New York’s, consider these types of withdrawals to be qualified educational expenses. Depending on the state, taxes and penalties could be incurred on these distributions. Learn more about the ins and outs of 529 college savings plans in our article: https://lnkd.in/ejrurct8 #collegesavings #529plan #collegeplanning #financialplanning

Check out this clip from Episode 51 of "The Trusted Partner Podcast," where hosts Jesse Cramer and Gabriel Chodak explore the world of travel with Kimberly Greulich, owner of KG Travel Club. As a travel expert, Kim guides listeners through enhancing travel experiences beyond conventional methods, viewing travel as an investment in personal growth and family bonding, exploring lesser-known destinations, and smart budget management for traveling. You can listen and subscribe to The Trusted Partner Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at the?Cobblestone?Capital website (see the link below in the Comments).

Congratulations! You’ve reached retirement, the culmination of years of hard work and saving. Now comes an equally important phase: managing your hard-earned dollars to ensure a comfortable and fulfilling life. Just as we advise younger clients about goals-based investing, retirees can benefit immensely from goals-based budgeting. This approach helps you allocate your resources effectively, ensuring you meet your needs while still enjoying life’s pleasures. Here’s how to implement it. Identify and quantify your: - Must-haves (e.g., basic needs and bills) - Want-to-haves (e.g., travel, leisure, and hobbies) Then, prioritize and allocate them, ensuring all must-haves are covered first and distributing the remaining funds to your want-to-haves based on your importance. Be prepared to adjust as circumstances change. Learn more about goals-based budgeting for retirees in our latest article: https://lnkd.in/e8jNqkGd #retirementplanning #retirees #budgetingtips #goalsbasedbudgeting #financialgoals

Cobblestone Capital Advisors is proud of and grateful to our Board Member and longtime friend, Phil Saunders, for his generosity to the UR Medical Center and the Rochester Community! Disclosure:?Community involvement efforts, donations and sponsorships should not be construed as endorsement of Adviser’s investment acumen or a recommendation to retain Adviser for professional services by any mentioned entities or organizations. https://lnkd.in/gxEJteA2