The start of a new school year brings new classes, activities, friendships, and routines. It can also mean long hours sitting at a desk, carrying a heavy backpack, spending more time on computers and phones, and adjusting to an earlier schedule.

A few simple health habits can help students start the school year feeling their best and reduce the aches, fatigue, and stress that can come with a busy school routine.

Backpack Safety Matters

Backpacks are an everyday part of school life, but carrying too much weight or wearing a backpack incorrectly can contribute to neck, shoulder, and back discomfort.

Encourage students to:

• Carry only what they need each day.

• Use both shoulder straps rather than carrying the backpack on one shoulder.

• Adjust the straps so the backpack sits comfortably against the back.

• Keep heavier items closer to the middle of the backpack.

• Use a backpack with padded, adjustable straps when possible.

If a backpack causes pain, numbness, tingling, or significant discomfort, it may be time to reassess the backpack’s fit and weight.

Pay Attention to Sitting Posture

Students may spend several hours each day sitting in classrooms, studying, or using computers. Remaining in one position for too long can contribute to stiffness and muscle fatigue.

A comfortable study setup should include:

• Feet supported on the floor or a footrest

• Knees and hips positioned comfortably

• Shoulders relaxed rather than elevated

• The computer screen positioned at a comfortable viewing height

• Frequent opportunities to stand and move

Remember that there is no single “perfect” posture. Changing positions regularly is often more important than trying to maintain one position all day.

Take Movement Breaks

Long periods of sitting can leave students feeling stiff and uncomfortable. Short movement breaks can help.

During homework or screen time, encourage students to periodically:

• Stand up and walk around

• Stretch the arms and shoulders

• Move the neck gently

• Take a few deep breaths

• Change sitting positions

Even brief movement breaks can make long study sessions more comfortable.

Make Sleep a Priority

A new school schedule often means waking up earlier. Establishing a consistent sleep routine can help students adjust.

Helpful habits include:

• Going to bed and waking up at consistent times

• Creating a relaxing bedtime routine

• Limiting stimulating screen use close to bedtime

• Keeping the bedroom comfortable and conducive to sleep

• Avoiding excessive caffeine, particularly later in the day

Adequate sleep supports concentration, mood, physical recovery, and overall well-being.

Stay Active

Schoolwork is important, but regular physical activity should remain part of a student’s routine.

Physical activity can include organized sports, walking, cycling, playground activities, strength training, or simply spending time outdoors.

For students participating in sports, gradually increasing activity and including appropriate warm-ups can help prepare the body for increased physical demands.

Don’t Ignore Persistent Pain

Occasional muscle soreness or fatigue can happen when routines change. Persistent or worsening pain deserves more attention.

Parents and students should consider professional evaluation when pain:

• Continues or repeatedly returns

• Interferes with school, sports, or sleep

• Is associated with weakness, numbness, or tingling

• Follows a significant injury

• Makes normal activities difficult

A chiropractor or physical therapist can evaluate movement, strength, mobility, and other contributing factors and develop an individualized treatment plan when appropriate.

Healthy Habits Start at Home

Parents can help make healthy habits easier by creating routines around sleep, physical activity, homework, meals, and screen time.

Small changes can make a significant difference. A properly fitted backpack, a comfortable study space, regular movement breaks, and a consistent sleep schedule can all contribute to a healthier school year.

Start the School Year Strong

Going back to school is an opportunity to establish healthy habits that can last throughout the year. Encourage students to move regularly, get adequate sleep, carry their backpacks properly, and speak up when something hurts.

A healthy student is better prepared to focus, learn, participate, and enjoy everything the school year has to offer.

If your child is experiencing ongoing back, neck, shoulder, or sports-related pain, a chiropractic or physical therapy evaluation can help determine what may be contributing to the problem and whether treatment or exercise-based care may be appropriate.

Dr Matt smith has been a chiropractor in Saratoga Springs for forty years, He and his daughter, Dr Kevy Smith Minogue practice at 50 Seward Street. Online appointments can be made at WWW.MySaratogaChiropractor.Com

For many New Yorkers, the words “estate tax” sound like a problem reserved for the very wealthy.  But New York’s estate tax rules are more complicated, and potentially more important than many people realize.  What is the good news?  Most families will never pay New York estate tax.  Still, it is important to understand what counts as part of your estate, how New York’s estate tax “cliff” works, and why simply being under the current New York estate tax exemption amount does not mean you should ignore estate planning. 

Here is a Q&A that explains the basics of the New York State estate tax and will help you determine what should be on your estate planning checklist.

What is the New York estate tax?

It is a tax imposed by New York State on the transfer of a person’s property after death.  Simply, New York looks at the value of what you own when you die.  If your estate is large enough, New York may impose a tax before your assets pass to your beneficiaries.  Importantly, not every estate is subject to New York estate tax. 

Who pays New York estate tax?

For someone who dies in 2026, the New York basic exclusion amount is $7.35 million.  If your estate is valued below that amount, no New York estate tax is due.  That may sound like a number that applies only to the very wealthy.  But there is an important point many people overlook: your estate includes much more than the money in your bank account.  

What counts as part of my estate?

Generally, your estate can include your home and other real estate; bank and investment accounts; retirement accounts, including IRAs and 401(k)s; business ownership interests; life insurance death benefits; and personal property.  Certain taxable gifts made within three years of death can also be included in the New York estate tax calculation.  

What if I have more than $7.35 million?

That’s when things get more complicated and potentially expensive.  New York has what is commonly called an estate tax “cliff.”  Here is the basic idea.  For someone who dies in 2026, if your taxable estate is greater than $7.35 million but no more than $7,717,500.00, only the amount above $7.35 million is subject to estate tax, at rates ranging from approximately 3.06% to 16%.  But if your taxable estate goes over $7,717,500.00, the rules change dramatically.  The estate tax can apply to your entire taxable estate, not just the amount above $7.35 million.

That is why the estate tax “cliff” matters.  Someone with a larger estate should not assume that only the amount in excess of $7.35 million will be taxed.  

How about married couples? 

Married couples have important estate planning opportunities, but New York’s estate tax exclusion does not simply double automatically because two people are married.  How assets are owned and how an estate plan is structured can make a significant difference.  There are planning techniques that may allow a married couple to preserve both spouses’ available exclusions, thereby doubling the exemption amount.

Can I gift to my children?

You can make gifts to your children, but New York has special rules regarding certain gifts made before death.  Generally, certain taxable gifts made within three years of death must be added back into the New York estate tax calculation.  In other words, giving assets away shortly before death does not necessarily make them disappear from the New York estate tax calculation.  

What if I leave New York?

Moving to another state can change the analysis, but it does not necessarily eliminate the New York estate tax issue.  For a nonresident, New York can still impose estate tax on certain New York property, including real property and tangible personal property located in New York.  That could include a New York home, land, or certain furnishings and other tangible property.  A New York estate tax return may still be required for a nonresident when the value of the New York property, together with assets held outside New York exceeds the New York exemption amount. 

What about federal estate tax?

The federal estate tax exemption amount is currently $15,000,000.  It applies in addition to any potential estate tax liability.  If you have an estate in excess of that, there are different planning strategies that are available at the federal level.  

What if I have less than $7.35 million?

Estate planning is about much more than estate taxes, so you should not ignore estate planning just because you are below the estate tax exemption amount.  Who will make financial decisions if you become incapacitated? Who will make medical decisions for you? Who will inherit your home? What happens if one of your children dies before you? Who will handle your affairs after your death? And what happens to the house if several children inherit it together?  Those questions can affect families with $500,000 estates just as they can families with $10 million estates.

Should I worry about estate taxes?

Probably not if your total estate is comfortably below $7.35 million.  But before you make that assumption, it is important to understand what is included in your estate.  For 2026, New York’s estate tax exclusion is substantial.  But New York’s estate tax “cliff” makes planning particularly important for estates approaching the threshold.  For most families, the better question may not be, “Will I owe estate tax?” It may be: “Do I have a plan for what happens to everything I own, and have I reviewed that plan recently?”  That is a question worth asking regardless of the size of your estate.

James D. Wighaus is an Associate Attorney with O’Connell and Aronowitz, 6 Airport Park Boulevard, Latham, New York.  James’ practice is focused on the areas of corporate law, and trusts and estates law, including estate planning, long-term care planning, estate tax planning and estate administration. James can be reached at (518) 694-5698, jwighaus@oalaw.com and www.oalaw.com.  

If you’ve been feeling like it’s harder to make ends meet over the past couple of years, you are not alone. In fact, looking at the economic data at the end of 2026, that feeling is justified. We often hear financial analysts talk about “inflation cooling,” but cooling just means prices are rising slower, not that things are getting cheaper. Let’s take a look at how the cost of living has shifted recently, focusing on what people are actually experiencing when they check their bank accounts or head to the grocery store.

Let’s talk about the big picture first. While overall inflation has slowed from its peak a few years ago, the cumulative impact is what matters to your wallet. Prices compound over time. A modest increase this year is layered on top of the increases from 2025, which sit on top of the increases from previous years.

What does that mean? It means a basket of everyday goods—like groceries, clothes, and basic services—that cost $100 in early 2020 might cost closer to $125 or $130 today. Even a slow climb hits hard when you’re managing a tight budget.

Take food, for example. A four-person household is now spending nearly $200 more each month than they did just two years ago. The price of basics—eggs, bread, meat, and fresh produce—has settled at a higher plateau. If your paycheck hasn’t grown at the exact same pace as your grocery bill, you’re going to feel that pinch every week. And it’s not just food; car insurance premiums and vehicle maintenance costs have surged, making the act of commuting to work a heavier financial burden than it was just 24 months ago.

A major part of the affordability puzzle right now is housing. This isn’t just a headache; for many, it’s a barrier to building a secure life.

If you were looking to buy a house at the end of 2019, your expected average monthly mortgage payment (principal and interest) would have been $1,250 to $1,400. Today, the median monthly payment for new purchase applicants is hovering around $2,200.

The shock is what those relative monthly payments actually buy you today. Back in 2019, that $1,300 payment secured a $320,000 home—which, in many parts of the country, meant a standard three-bedroom, move-in ready house in a decent neighborhood with a yard. Fast forward to 2026, and a buyer stretching their budget to make a $2,200 monthly payment is often getting less house for nearly double the monthly cost.

Because home prices have climbed over $400,000 and interest rates remain elevated, today’s $2,200 payment might only secure a smaller condo, a townhome, or a fixer-upper located further away from town and work. To get that exact same 2019 three-bedroom house today, your monthly payment would easily clear $2,600 or more in many markets.

The dream of the starter home is fading. In 2019, nearly half of all newly built homes were priced under $300,000. Today, that share has plummeted. This lack of affordable options has pushed the median age of a first-time homebuyer to 40, up from previous decades.

Renters aren’t escaping the squeeze either. The national median rent across the US stabilized around $1,390 to $1,500 a month in late 2026, but overall housing costs—including higher utilities and renter’s insurance—average out to much more. When so much of your income goes just to keeping a roof over your head, there’s little left over for saving, investing, or dealing with emergencies.

This persistent squeeze is showing up clearly in how people feel and how they’re spending their money. Overall consumer sentiment—which measures how confident people feel about the economy as a whole—has taken a hit. In August 2025, the consumer sentiment index sat at 58.2, but by April 2026, it had fallen to an all-time low of 47.6.

People are worried.

To bridge the gap between their income and these higher costs of living, many families have had to rely on credit cards. With interest rates remaining elevated, carrying a balance is more costly than ever. This creates a downward cycle: you use a card to cover a grocery run or a utility bill, and the interest charges make the next month’s budget even tighter.

Because essentials are eating up so much of the budget, people are pulling back on discretionary spending. Recent surveys show consumers planning to cut spending on almost everything that isn’t necessary. We’re seeing a drop in intent to spend on home decor, furniture, and eating out. People are making tough choices, deciding they can live with the old sofa or skip the family vacation to ensure the bills get paid.

If you are feeling financially strained right now, it’s probably not because you aren’t working hard enough or budgeting well enough. The costs of living—especially the cost of housing—have shifted in a short amount of time.

The economic environment leading into the end of 2026 has required a lot of resilience. While inflation may eventually settle, the new baseline for what life costs has been established.

Stephen Kyne, CFP® is a Partner at Sterling Manor Financial, LLC in Saratoga Springs. Sterling Manor Financial, LLC is an investment adviser registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. This article is for informational purposes only, does not constitute individualized financial or investment advice, and should not be construed as an offer to buy or sell any securities. This article contains forward-looking statements and opinions based on information available at the time of writing, and are subject to change without notice.

New York’s transfer on death deed law went into effect on July 19, 2024 – a little over two years ago.  Shortly after the statute went into effect, I wrote an article describing this new type of deed.  Now that two years have passed, I thought it would be useful to reflect on how the use of the transfer on death deed has developed.

Below you will find a refresher on what a transfer on death deed (TOD deed) is and how it works.  In addition, I will explain the things we have learned from two years of using this new estate planning option.

What is a TOD Deed?

A TOD Deed allows you to give your property to a beneficiary, but to delay the vesting of their interest until after your death.  Upon your death, the property is owned by the beneficiary, and no court proceeding is required to facilitate their ownership.  You may also revoke the deed at any time before your death.

Is the TOD Deed notarized?

Yes.  A TOD Deed needs to be signed before a notary public and two witnesses.  This is different than a typical real estate deed, which needs to be signed before a notary public but does not need to be witnessed.

The fact that two witnesses are needed, but not needed for other types of deeds, is an important point.  If you try to draft a TOD deed without proper legal assistance, you may miss the additional step of having it witnessed by two people.  In the event you make that mistake, a court would likely find the deed invalid.

Is the TOD Deed recorded?

Yes.  Like all deeds, the TOD Deed should be recorded in the County Clerk’s Office where the real property is located.  Initially, it was thought that the two tax forms that usually accompany a deed recording would have to be filed with the deed.  Those forms are the RP-5217 and the TP-584.  

One thing we have learned in the last two years is that those two forms do not need to be filed with a TOD deed.  As a result, the filing and recording fees for a deed – which usually total around $200.00 – are in fact lower.  The recording fee for a TOD deed is generally around $65.00.

Why do a TOD deed?

The TOD Deed is a simple way to transfer property to a beneficiary after you die, without the need to have a Surrogate’s Court proceeding or creating a living trust.  Also, since the beneficiary is obtaining the property after your death, they will get a step-up in tax basis to the value as of the time of your death.

Does it affect my estate?

This is an interesting issue that has developed in the last two years.  There is a provision of the TOD statute that says if your probate estate is insolvent, then the property subject to the TOD deed could be used to pay claims or allowances against your estate.

What does this mean for the property?

It means that if a decedent’s probate estate (the estate controlled by the decedent’s Last Will and Testament) does not have enough money to pay all the claims and allowances against the estate, then there could be a lien against the real estate conveyed by the TOD deed.

How much of a problem is this?

It may be no problem at all, because if the probate estate is not insolvent, then there would be no potential lien against the real property conveyed by the TOD deed.  An insolvent probate estate is an estate that has more claims and allowances against it than there are assets in the probate estate to satisfy them.

The practical problem this presents is that if you transfer your home to your child, your child may want to sell it after you die.  When your child goes to sell the home, the buyer will likely want to get title insurance on the purchase.  Since this lien issue may exist, the buyer of the home may not be able to get title insurance and the sale would not close.

Is there a way to deal with this?

Since this issue is relatively new, some title insurance companies may not even raise it as a problem.  If they do, title insurance companies have historically been willing to issue title insurance for the sale of a home if they are provided with affidavits from the seller assuring them that the potential lien problem is not an issue with regard to this particular property.

Any other considerations?

A TOD deed is an estate planning option that, like all estate planning, should be reviewed periodically.  By periodically, I mean every five years or when there is an important change in your life, i.e. a death in the family or the desire to change death beneficiaries of your assets.  As a result, if you do a TOD deed, you should periodically review whether you want to keep the deed as is or potentially make a change.

TOD deeds have been a welcome addition to estate planning options available over the last two years, and we will continue to keep track of developments related to them. As always, you should consult an experienced estate planning attorney to understand what estate planning options are best for you and your family.

Matthew J. Dorsey, Esq. is a Shareholder with O’Connell and Aronowitz, 1 Court Street, Saratoga Springs, NY. Over his twenty-nine years of practice, he has focused in the areas of elder law, estate planning, and estate administration. Mr. Dorsey can be reached at (518)584-5205, mdorsey@oalaw.com and www.oalaw.com.  

For years, consumers enjoyed an economic era defined by cheap borrowing. Today, that landscape looks entirely different. With the Federal Reserve holding benchmark rates steady between 3.50% and 3.75% to counter persistent inflation, borrowing costs remain elevated across the board. Mortgage averages hover around the mid-to-high 6% range, and everyday consumer loans carry heavy price tags that impact monthly budgets.

For the average household, adapting to this environment requires a fundamental shift in how you manage debt, cash reserves, and long-term financial goals. Surviving and thriving in a higher-rate climate demands deliberate changes to your daily financial habits.

High interest rates act as a brake on the economy, designed to cool excessive spending and tame inflation. For consumers, this environment presents distinct financial friction alongside a few unique opportunities.

On the negative side, financing major purchases is significantly more expensive than it was just a few years ago. Credit card APRs sit near historic highs, making revolving balances exceptionally dangerous to household cash flow. Meanwhile, home buyers face a 30-year fixed mortgage average of roughly 6.69%, which dampens housing market mobility, locks many current homeowners into their properties, and inflates monthly mortgage payments for new entrants.

Conversely, savers finally benefit from a shift in monetary policy. Higher interest rates mean that cash parked in high-yield savings accounts, money market funds, or short-term certificates of deposit generates meaningful returns. This dynamic rewards those who prioritize liquidity and capital preservation.

Thriving in a higher-rate climate requires proactive management rather than passive acceptance. Consider implementing these four strategic pillars:

• Aggressively Target Toxic Debt: Variable-rate debt, such as credit cards and home equity lines of credit, should be your primary target. Because these rates adjust upward automatically with the broader economy, paying them off quickly yields a guaranteed return equal to the interest rate saved. Eliminating this liability is mathematically superior to most conservative investment returns.

• Optimize Your Cash Yield: Do not leave your emergency fund in a traditional brick-and-mortar bank paying near-zero interest. Move liquid savings to high-yield vehicles to ensure your emergency cash keeps pace with the broader economy. Every dollar should be working for you.

• Rethink Major Purchases: When purchasing a home or vehicle, focus heavily on the total cost rather than relying on monthly payment structures. If you must borrow in a 6% to 7% mortgage environment, consider making a larger down payment to lower your principal exposure or planning for potential refinancing down the line if economic conditions shift.

• Audit Fixed Commitments: High borrowing costs cascade quietly into everyday goods and services as businesses pass down their own financing expenses to the consumer. Regular budget audits protect your cash flow from this silent inflation creep.

Beyond immediate budgeting and debt management, higher benchmark rates alter how you should view investment portfolios. When risk-free assets like Treasury bills and certificates of deposit pay over 4% or 5%, the hurdle rate for riskier investments rises. Equities must work harder to justify their risk premium.

Investors should work closely with their Certified Financial Planner® profession to re-examine their asset allocation and ensure that fixed-income holdings are pulling their weight. At the same time, maintaining a disciplined, long-term perspective remains vital. Market cycles fluctuate, and trying to time interest rate cuts or economic peaks often results in costly missteps.

Navigating this economic cycle requires patience and discipline. While markets continuously speculate on the timing of future central bank policy pivots, true financial resilience comes from focusing strictly on the variables you can control.

By systematically eliminating high-interest liabilities, making your emergency cash work harder, and evaluating every debt commitment with a critical eye, you can turn a challenging macroeconomic climate into an opportunity to build a structurally stronger, more resilient household balance sheet.

Stephen Kyne, CFP® is a Partner at Sterling Manor Financial, LLC in Saratoga Springs. Sterling Manor Financial, LLC is an SEC Registered Investment Advisor. This article contains forward-looking statements and opinions based on information available at the time of writing and are subject to change without notice.

Back pain can be a complex and frustrating issue, affecting individuals of all ages and lifestyles. One of the most common questions when dealing with back pain is whether to use heat or ice for relief. Understanding the appropriate circumstances for each method can significantly influence your recovery and comfort. This article will discuss when to use heat or ice for back pain, the scientific reasoning behind each method, and practical tips for application.

Understanding Heat and Ice Therapy 

Ice Therapy (Cryotherapy) 

Ice therapy, or cryotherapy, involves applying cold substances to the affected area. The primary benefits of ice therapy include:

– Reducing Inflammation: Ice constricts blood vessels, which limits blood flow to the injury site and helps reduce swelling.

– Numbing Pain: Cold therapy can help numb the area, temporarily alleviating pain sensations.

– Preventing Muscle Spasms: Cold can help reduce muscle spasms in the affected area.

When to Ice Your Back 

– Immediate Injury: If you’ve recently sustained an injury (e.g., a muscle strain or sprain), ice should be your first line of defense.

– Inflammation: If you notice swelling in your back, apply ice to reduce inflammation.

– Acute Pain Episodes: During flare-ups of chronic back pain, using ice can be beneficial.

– Post-Activity Relief: After strenuous activity or exercise that may have strained your back.

Application Tips for Ice Therapy 

1. Duration: Apply ice for 15-20 minutes at a time, allowing your skin to return to normal temperature before reapplying.

2. Protection: Always wrap ice or cold packs in a cloth or towel to protect your skin from frostbite.

3. Frequency: Ice can generally be applied every 1-2 hours as needed, particularly in the first 48 hours following an injury.

Heat Therapy (Thermotherapy) 

Heat therapy involves applying warmth to the affected area. The primary benefits of heat therapy include:

– Relaxing Muscles: Heat increases blood flow, promoting muscle relaxation and reducing stiffness.

– Soothing Pain: Warmth can soothe and alleviate discomfort, especially for chronic pain conditions.

– Improving Flexibility: Heat can assist in loosening tight muscles, which may improve flexibility and range of motion.

When to Heat Your Back 

– Chronic Pain: For ongoing issues such as chronic muscle tension or arthritis, heat can be beneficial.

– Muscle Tightness: If you feel tightness or stiffness in your muscles, heat therapy can help loosen them up.

– Post-Ice Application: After the initial 48 hours of icing an acute injury (once swelling has reduced), transitioning to heat can promote healing.

– Before Activity: Applying heat before engaging in physical activities can prepare muscles for movement, reducing the risk of strain.

Application Tips for Heat Therapy 

1. Duration: Apply heat for 15-30 minutes at a time.

2. Types of Heat: Use a heating pad, warm towel, or take a warm shower or bath. Ensure that the heat is comfortable and not too hot.

3. Frequency: Heat can generally be applied several times a day, based on personal comfort levels.

Special Considerations 

– Consult a Professional: If back pain persists beyond a few days or is severe, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

– Combined Approaches: Sometimes, alternating between heat and ice can be beneficial, especially for chronic conditions.

– Individual Preferences: Everyone’s body responds differently, so it may be useful to try both methods to determine which offers you the most relief.

Understanding when to apply heat or ice to your back can greatly enhance your comfort and speed up the healing process. Ice is typically used for acute injuries, inflammation, and acute pain, while heat is best suited for chronic pain, muscle tightness, and relaxation. Listening to your body and using these therapies strategically can help you manage back pain effectively. 

Always seek professional advice for persistent or excessive pain to ensure appropriate care.

Dr Matt smith has been a chiropractor in Saratoga Springs for forty years, He and his daughter, Dr Kevy Smith Minogue practice at 50 Seward Street. Online appointments can be made at WWW.MySaratogaChiropractor.Com