Hightower Westchester

11/06/2025

While pay gaps between men and women have narrowed over the years, they haven't disappeared—and the ripple effect is significant. It's not just about today's paycheck; over time, lower earnings mean less money flowing into savings, retirement accounts, and investments.

So how can you take control and strengthen your financial future? Dawn Israel shares nine practical strategies to help you build a solid financial foundation.

While long-standing compensation disparities between men and women have gradually improved, challenges remain. In the 1980’s women earned just 64% of what men earned; today, that figure has risen to just over 84%.1 Despite this progress, women’s earnings are still disproportionately affected by ...

11/04/2025

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBB) has brought significant changes to the tax landscape—making key provisions from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act permanent and introducing new deductions, credits, and reforms. To help you stay informed and prepared, we’ve put together the 2025 Tax Reference Guide, a comprehensive overview of the latest updates affecting individuals, families, and businesses. From income tax brackets and retirement contributions to estate planning and education savings, this guide is designed to support your financial planning throughout the year.

10/31/2025

Did you know that Halloween jack-o'-lanterns were originally carved from turnips in Ireland and Scotland? Irish immigrants brought the tradition to America but switched to using pumpkins because they were more readily available and easier to carve.

Happy Halloween!!

10/28/2025

Did your child just head off to college? It's an exciting milestone, but it also comes with new responsibilities—especially when it comes to health and medical preparedness. Here are some essential steps to ensure your student is ready to manage their well-being and handle unexpected medical situations. From legal documents and insurance coverage to prescriptions and healthy habits, this guide helps you support your child's transition with confidence. Click the link below to read our guide.

10/14/2025

As more older adults find themselves aging without a traditional support system, the concept of “solo aging” is becoming increasingly relevant. Whether you’re single, child-free, widowed, or simply living far from loved ones, planning for your later years can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be. Peter Lang offers thoughtful guidance and practical strategies to help solo agers build a life filled with independence, dignity, and meaningful support. Because aging alone doesn’t mean aging without care.

When planning for the financial and healthcare needs of older adults, it is often assumed that family members, such as children, grandchildren, or nieces and nephews, will be available to provide care and support. However, this assumption does not reflect the reality for a significant portion of the...

09/25/2025

Are you thinking of getting a new car but don't know whether you should buy it or lease it? Roman Ciosek walks you through the pros and cons of each option—from long-term ownership benefits to the convenience of driving something new every few years. Whether it's your first car or you're just ready for a change, we're here to help you figure out what fits best with your lifestyle and budget.

Roman Ciosek, Managing Director and Partner at Hightower Westchester discusses the differences between buying and leasing a car. Roman walks you through the ...

09/10/2025

Let's face it—investing can be emotional. Whether it's the rollercoaster of the pandemic years or the daily buzz of financial news, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. But understanding how emotions and biases shape your decisions can help you stay grounded and make smarter moves. If you've ever made a financial decision you've regretted, you're not alone. In this month's blog, Richard Flahive offers four strategies designed to help you pause and think critically before acting.

Understanding the Role of Emotions and Biases in Investing During the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent years, the global economy experienced significant volatility. Supply chains were disrupted due to labor shortages, factory closures, transportation bottlenecks, and geopolitical conflicts. Whil...

08/12/2025

Many of us pride ourselves on being independent - especially when it comes to our finances. But what happens when age or memory issues start to interfere with that independence? Peter Lang talks about a few things to be on the lookout for, whether for yourself or a loved one, and discusses some tools that can help protect your financial future.

Peter Lang, Managing Director and Partner at Hightower Westchester, discusses the difficulties of asking for help, or even knowing when you need help, when i...

08/07/2025

Starting a business takes more than a great idea—it takes money. From equipment and permits to payroll and marketing, early expenses can add up fast. If you're unsure how to cover these costs, you're not alone. In this blog, Roman Ciosek breaks down the most common funding options available to new business owners, helping you understand what’s out there and how to choose the right path for your startup.

Owning a business can be the first step toward financial independence, flexibility, and pursuing your true passions. However, for many aspiring entrepreneurs, securing funding to start their business is the biggest challenge. To operate effectively, a business needs to cover expenses such as payroll...

07/29/2025

Are you dreaming of launching your own business - or just getting started on a new business venture? This month, Roman Ciosek shares insights to help you lay a solid foundation for success. He offers 10 essential tips for new business owners designed to empower your entrepreneurial journey.

Roman Ciosek, Managing Director and Partner at Hightower Westchester shares tips to help entrepreneurs and business owners build a strong foundation for succ...

07/14/2025

With summer officially here our thoughts have turned to pool time, trips to the beach, and BBQ's. What's not on our mind? Estate planning. With that said, if you don't have a plan in place, it's time to stop putting it off and put pen to paper. In this month's blog, Peter Lang walks you through six simple steps to help you get started. It may be unsettling to start thinking about your own mortality, but knowing that you're creating a plan to protect your family and your legacy will make this much easier.

We have officially hit the mid-point of the year, a time when any new year’s resolutions have faded so far into the rear-view mirror that you can’t see them even if you stopped and waited. One resolution many of us make, aside from exercising and eating better, is to get more organized and atten...

06/18/2025

This month, Dawn Israel is shining a spotlight on women and investing. It's no secret that many women feel hesitant about diving into the world if investing - often due to a mix of uncertainty, lack of confidence, or simply not knowing where to begin. That's why Dawn's sharing eight practical tips designed to help you take that first step with clarity and confidence. Whether you're new to investing or looking to strengthen your financial foundation, these insights will empower you to make informed decisions and take control of your financial future.

Dawn Israel, Director, Wealth Advisor at Hightower Westchester, discusses women and investing. Dawn offers eight tips on how to approach investing and steps ...