Note Advisors

09/01/2026

Happy Birthday to someone whose vision and dedication have helped make Note what it is today.

We’re grateful for everything Shawn does for our team and our clients. Please join us in wishing him a very happy birthday and a great year ahead!

08/27/2026

Do you know what your 401(k) plan actually costs?

We recently had a business owner come to us for a second look at their retirement plan after a new hire questioned what they were paying.

When we dug into it, the costs were higher than expected, largely because of fund expenses that had never really been questioned. The business owner had no idea.

Retirement plans aren’t always transparent, especially when a plan has been in place for years, and unless someone takes the time to review the documents and understand the structure, those costs can go unnoticed for years.

08/18/2026

Legacy planning isn’t just about what you leave behind. It can also be about what you choose to give while you’re here.

We’re seeing a generational shift in how people think about passing down wealth. Rather than waiting to leave money behind, some parents and grandparents are choosing to give now, while they’re here to see their children and grandchildren enjoy it.

But even if giving the money away is part of the plan, your family may not be as comfortable receiving it.

That’s why family communication is so important. When everyone understands the bigger picture, gifting can feel less like “giving money away” and more like carrying out the plan exactly as intended.

08/11/2026

When most people think about saving for retirement, they default to an IRA.

It is a solid starting point, but it can be more limited than people realize. You are contributing your own dollars, there is no employer match, and there is only so much you can set aside each year.

As income grows, that structure can start to fall short. Options like a SIMPLE IRA or a 401(k) open the door to higher contribution limits and, in many cases, employer contributions as well.

In a 401(k), it is common to see matches around 5 percent, sometimes with additional profit sharing depending on the plan. Over time, those differences add up.

The type of account you have plays a meaningful role in how much you can actually save and how efficiently you build toward retirement.

08/07/2026

Thanks to everyone who joined us at our annual golf clinic at Glen Oak Golf Club yesterday! It was a beautiful day to be on the green.

Thanks to Chris and Matt for showing us how it’s done.

08/03/2026

We’re proud to see Shawn featured in Buffalo Business First discussing an important topic: retirement planning during the middle years of your career.

Thank you to Josh and the team at Buffalo Business First! If you’re thinking about your own retirement, this article shares some great insights.

Great job, Shawn!

Mid-career retirement planning starts with these simple steps >> See the full article below ⬇️

07/30/2026

Last night, we celebrated Christine's fifth anniversary over an unforgettable tasting experience at The Buffalo Club inspired by the Blue Zone of Ikaria, Greece.

Blue Zones are regions of the world where people consistently live longer, healthier lives than average. Researchers have found that these communities share more than just healthy diets. They're places where purpose, strong relationships, connection, and intentional living are woven into everyday life.

As we reflected on Christine's five years with our team, it struck us how closely those ideas align with the work she does with our clients every day. We're grateful for the care, wisdom, and perspective she brings to our team.

Congratulations on five years, Christine! Here's to many more.

07/22/2026

Our Eudemonic Tonic traveled 730 miles to beautiful Bar Harbor, Maine!

Eudaimonia is about living well, finding purpose, embracing meaningful experiences, and flourishing wherever life takes you.

Anyone travel, or planning to travel, anywhere fun this summer? Share in the comments!

07/15/2026

Financial decisions are about more than numbers.

Why does someone who is financially prepared to retire feel uncertain about taking that next step? Why does money bring peace to some and stress to others? The answer often has less to do with the numbers and more to do with our relationship with money.

Join Shawn and Christine for Understanding the Person Behind the Plan, where they'll explore how wealth coaching and financial planning work together to help you make more intentional financial decisions.

REGISTER: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_-E0tR7DVS-q7HkdkED9WQQ #/registration

07/08/2026

A few highlights from our Note night at the Bisons game! ⚾️

The score wasn't exactly in Buffalo's favor (18–3 😅), but we had the best time cheering them on together. The Note kids got to meet Buster Bison, everyone finally had a chance to meet each other's families, and a few of us even stayed up past our bedtime for the fireworks!

Grateful for a fun night with the best team!