Hightower Westchester

07/14/2026

Love the idea of a cash balance plan? Know the trade-offs first. These plans usually require annual contributions — even in a slower year. The employer generally takes on the investment risk. And they involve actuarial oversight and ongoing costs. A meaningful tool for the right situation, but it works well as one piece of a long-term plan.

07/07/2026

Here’s what makes cash balance plans worth a look for high earners: contribution limits can run well above a typical 401(k). For a business owner already maxing out, that may mean setting aside significantly more each year. And employer contributions may be tax-deductible, which could help reduce taxable income. Worth reviewing with your accountant.

06/30/2026

What exactly is a cash balance plan? Think of it as a hybrid — part pension, part 401(k). The key difference: it’s funded by the employer, not by your payroll deductions. Each year, money goes into a bucket that grows over time, and the owner and employees each hold a share. A different path to retirement savings.

06/24/2026

Maxing out your 401(k) and still feel behind on retirement? You may not be alone — and it might not be a discipline problem. The 401(k) simply has a ceiling. A cash balance plan is a tool that may work alongside it, helping some business owners save well beyond standard limits.

06/22/2026

What if the biggest risk to your retirement isn't market performance, but not having a clear plan for replacing your paycheck? As you shift from earning income to generating it, understanding where your money will come from becomes critical. Peter Lang walks you through key considerations to help you think strategically about retirement income.

As you start to think about retirement, there are a lot of things to consider like what you are going to do to fill your time, where are you going to live, and most importantly, where is your income going to come from? Throughout your career, you likely relied on a single job with a […]

06/17/2026

The phrase 'tax shelter' sounds aggressive. But most legitimate strategies — retirement accounts, municipal bonds, charitable giving, real estate planning — are standard tools in thoughtful wealth management. The key is understanding where the line is. Dawn Israel explains it simply.

06/16/2026

You can max out your 401(k) year after year, save aggressively, and still feel like you’re not getting ahead on retirement. For many business owners, that’s not a discipline problem — it’s a ceiling problem.

A cash balance plan is a hybrid retirement tool, funded by the employer, that may allow contributions well above standard 401(k) limits. For a high-earning owner already maxing out, that can be a meaningful way to accelerate savings — and employer contributions may be tax-deductible.

It isn’t for everyone. These plans involve required annual contributions, investment risk for the employer, and ongoing administrative oversight. But for the right situation, they’re worth understanding.

Curious whether it could fit your plan? The Hightower Westchester team is happy to talk it through.

06/11/2026

Opportunity Zones allow investors to reinvest capital gains into a Qualified Opportunity Fund — and potentially exempt the fund's appreciation from federal capital gains tax after 10 years, subject to applicable rules. These investments carry meaningful risk and illiquidity. But for the right situation, they're worth understanding.

05/28/2026

Smart investing matters. But so does understanding what happens at tax time. Capital gains taxes can take a meaningful bite — even from well-timed, well-executed decisions. Watch to learn why tax planning belongs in every investment conversation.

05/22/2026

Your portfolio review may be on the calendar—but life and markets don’t always stick to the schedule. Big life changes, market swings, or tax considerations can create moments where waiting to check in may mean missing something important. In this month's blog, Richard Flahive highlights five situations when it may be worth revisiting your portfolio sooner, offering practical insights to help you stay informed, aligned, and ready to have the right conversation with your advisor.

Waiting for Your Next Portfolio Review Might Not Be Enough If you’re working with a financial advisor, you likely meet once or twice a year to review your portfolio and make adjustments based on your goals and market conditions. These scheduled check-ins are valuable—but they’re not always ...