Posture is the position in which we hold our bodies while standing, sitting, or lying down. Healthy posture is the correct alignment of body parts supported by the right amount of muscle tension against gravity. Our everyday movements and activities can affect this alignment and put stress on joints and muscles, sometimes resulting in pain and potentially permanent damage if left unchecked over time. Utilizing proper ergonomic and movement strategies can help prevent these problems.

Why is posture important?

We do not consciously maintain our posture; instead, certain muscles normally do it for us. Several muscle groups, including the hamstrings and large back muscles, are critically important in maintaining our posture. These postural muscles, along with others, when functioning properly, prevent the forces of gravity from pushing us over forward. Postural muscles also help maintain our balance while we move.

A healthy posture helps us stand, walk, sit, and lie in positions that place the least strain on supporting muscles and ligaments during movement and weight-bearing activities. Correct posture also:

• Helps us keep bones and joints in correct alignment so that our muscles are used correctly, decreasing the abnormal wearing of joint surfaces that could result in degenerative arthritis and joint pain.

• Reduces the stress on the ligaments holding the spinal joints together, minimizing the likelihood of injury.

 • Allows muscles to work more efficiently, allowing the body to use less energy and, therefore, preventing muscle fatigue.

• Helps prevent muscle strain, overuse disorders, and even back and muscular pain.

What can affect my posture?

To maintain healthy posture, you need to have adequate and balanced muscle flexibility and strength, normal joint motion in the spine, as well as postural muscles that are balanced on both sides of the spine. In addition, you must recognize your postural and movement habits at home and in the workplace and work to improve them, if necessary.

Poor posture and poor movement patterns can lead to excessive strain on our postural muscles and may even cause them to relax when held in certain positions for long periods of time. You can typically see this in people who bend forward at the waist for a prolonged time in the workplace. Their postural muscles are more prone to injury and back pain.

Several contributing factors can put a strain on posture. The most common are stress, obesity, pregnancy, weak postural muscles, abnormally tight muscles, and high-heeled shoes. In addition, decreased flexibility, a poor work environment, incorrect working posture, and unhealthy sitting and standing habits can also contribute to poor body positioning, leading to pain or overuse injuries in some cases.

Can I improve my posture?

Awareness of your posture, along with an understanding of healthy movement strategies, will help you consciously correct yourself. Your doctor of chiropractic can further assist you by recommending exercises to strengthen your core postural muscles. He or she can also assist you with choosing better postures during your work or recreational activities, reducing your risk of injury.

Ergonomic Considerations

How we hold and move our bodies every day, even while doing something as simple as sitting at a desk or standing in place, can have an impact on our posture. Below are some general ergonomic tips to help reduce the chance of pain and injuries:

While sitting at a desk:

• Keep your feet on the floor or on a footrest, if they don’t reach the floor.

• Don’t cross your legs. Your ankles should be directly in front of your knees.

• Keep a small gap between the back of your knees and the front of your seat.

• Your knees should be at or below the level of your hips.

• Adjust the backrest of your chair to support your low- and mid-back or use a back support.

• Relax your shoulders and keep your forearms parallel to the ground.

• Avoid sitting in the same position for long periods of time. Take breaks and move your body.

When standing:

• Bear your weight primarily on the balls of your feet.

• Keep your knees slightly bent.

• Keep your feet about shoulder-width apart.

 • Let your arms hang naturally down the sides of the body.

• Stand straight and tall with your shoulders pulled down and backward.

• Tuck your stomach in.

• Keep your head level. Your earlobes should be in line with your shoulders. Do not push your head forward, backward, or to the side.

• Shift your weight from your toes to your heels, or one foot to the other, if you must stand for a long time.

When lying down in bed:

• Find the mattress that is right for you. While a firm mattress is generally recommended, some people find that softer mattresses reduce their back pain. Your individual comfort should guide your choice.

• Choose the right pillow, too. Special pillows are available to help with postural problems resulting from poor sleeping positions.

• Avoid sleeping on your stomach.

• Sleep on your side or back, which is often helpful for back pain. If you sleep on your side, place a pillow between your legs. If you sleep on your back, keep a pillow under your knees.

Dr. Matt Smith has been a Chiropractor in Saratoga Springs for 36 years. He and his daughter Dr. Kevy Smith Minogue can be reached at 518-587-2064 or at MySaratogaChiropractor.com.

At the end of the rainbow, mounds of golden fried delights and creamy sweet treasures await. 

As luck would have it, one of the region’s most highly-anticipated annual spring traditions falls on St. Patrick’s Day this year. On March 17th, the Farmer’s Daughters’ Drive-In will be opening for the 2023 season and celebrating with a $2.23 ice cream special. Open seven days a week from 11 am until 9 pm through the end of October, their first 50 customers will also receive a coupon for a free ice cream redeemable during their next visit. 

“So many people just love Farmer’s Daughters and everything about it – there’s so many great memories here,” said owner Annette Osher.

“I love the first day,” added manager Jonelle Reich. “You bite into that ice cream and no matter the weather, it seems like the sun comes out, the birds are chirping, and summertime is here!”

Lucky Lepre-cones

After loading up on the holiday’s usual fare, shamrock your world with Farmer’s Daughters’ 35 varieties of hard ice cream. Go green with decadent Mint Oreo Fudge, and watch as the kids delight in fun flavors like Cookie Brownie Blast, Cookie Monster, Garbage Pail, Banana Cream Pie, and Peanut Butter & Jelly. 

Get in on the magic with the Unicorn (or any of their nine soft-serve ice cream options).  There’s fresh fruit, candy, and decadent fudge flowing over sundaes, funnel cake covered in mounds of whipped cream, and(milk)shakes things up with chunky flurries. 

If your holiday pursuit of happiness leaves you hankering for sustenance in the form of solid food, Farmer’s Daughters’ dinners (which come with fries and a salad for less than $20 each) have you covered. 

Devourer chicken wings, hot dogs, sandwiches, and handmade single- or double-100% top sirloin beef burgers. Feeling adventurous? Try their massive Overloaded Burger (topped with cheese, bacon, onion rings, BBQ sauce, and a beefy Michigan meat sauce that’s so good people buy it buy the pint and pour it over everything!)

The Inside Scoop

An iconic piece of local roadside drive-in history, Farmer’s Daughters’ was built in 1969 and still maintains its distinctive country charm. There is plenty of parking, four walk-up windows, an indoor dining room that seats 75, and 35 picnic tables under two outdoor pavilions. 

“The building’s shell is older, but everything inside is updated,” explains Annette, who purchased the property in 2006. 

With 2022 in the books as their most successful season to date, the goal now is to top it. Annette has invested in new air conditioning and heating units for comfortable temperatures earlier and later into the season. There is a new orange/vanilla soft serve machine, and two new non-dairy machines to keep up with the demand for cow-free creaminess.

There are gluten free cones available and all of their vegan ice cream, dole whip, and almond milk swirl options are made with big chunks of delicious goodies -just like their hard ice cream flavors. 

Pistachio has been added to the menu, as has mango and chocolate creamy ices. 

“In the middle of summer, when it’s so hot and you need something cold, it’s the spot-hitter,” said Jonelle.

Using only top-of-the-line ingredients, Farmer’s Daughters’ takes pride in their cleanliness and food allergy protocols. 

“It’s a big deal and people tell me, ‘This is the only place I come because I feel safe here’,” said Annette. 

The Cream of the Crop

Families have been coming to Farmer’s Daughters’ for generations but Schuylerville’s recent growth has led to more people finding it for the first time, which is exciting, too, said Jonelle. 

While spring and summer holidays (like Mother’s Day) have always drawn in the crowds, new events including last year’s Trunk & Treat are also catching on quickly. With 30 seasonal employees, Farmer’s Daughters’ is ready for buses and to host larger groups. Like so many others, Annette’s three sons; Billy, Taylor, and Rion, grew up working at Farmer’s Daughters’ and are now prospering young adults. 

After 16 years in the business, Annette still lights up when those who worked there in high school, get married, have children, and return with them to share what great memories they made here.  

 “I feel lucky to have customers who are so loyal, such a faithful staff, and a community that is so great and keeps coming back,” said Annette. 

Find the Farmer’s Daughters’ Drive-In, 882 NY RT 29, full menu online at  farmersdaughtersdrivein.com 

Skip the line by pre-ordering for dine-in or take-out by calling 518-584-8562. Credit cards are accepted. Order ice cream cakes 24-48 hours in advance; specialty pies are available for same day pickup. Follow Farmer’s Daughters’ Drive-In on Facebook and Instagram for updates and specials. 

In the past few months, the markets have traded within a very narrow range. For much of it, the overriding factor has been the likelihood of more interest rate increases on the part of the Fed. Markets have been hoping for a more immediate pause in rate hikes. Some, with opaquely rose-colored glasses, even thinking a rate cut may be in the cards! The data, however, and Fedspeak, have provided indications to the contrary. 

The labor markets continue to improve and, despite layoff in the tech sector specifically, the unemployment rates remains at historic lows. For a Fed that is trying to slow the economy, this is not evidence its efforts have been effective.

Inflation remains high, at both the producer and retail levels. We track the PPI (Producer Price Index), which is a measure of the cost of production, which necessarily flows down to consumers at the retail level, and is measured in the CPI (Consumer Price Index). Most of the Fed’s efforts have been around bringing these figures down from their 2022 highs. 

While the Fed has garnered marginal success to these ends, inflation remains sticky, which fuels concern across markets. 

The Fed has a stated goal of bringing inflation down to 2%, which is historically a bit ridiculous and, frankly, arbitrary. Core inflation has run at an average of 3.3% since 1960, according to Ycharts.com. The Fed has boxed itself in to a goal that is 60% lower than should be reasonably be expected. 

Recent Fedspeak has hinted at the possibility of a more prolonged period of increases, though at a less dramatic rate. 

One thinks that the Fed must understand, at least tacitly, that 2% is untenable and, in order to achieve it in the near term, would require economy-crushing interest rates. It seems reasonable to expect, then, that a target rate of 3% would satisfy the Fed, while allowing the economy the possibility of avoiding a deep recession. 

We think the Fed continues to raise rates, before pausing. So many of the economic indicators that the Fed and other economists rely on are lagging indicators. For example, people don’t lose their jobs until after companies are negatively impacted by the economy; home sales may not slow until after interest rates have made their way through the economy; increase in producer prices are then passed down to consumers.

We expect the Fed to eventually take a breather to give the economy time to catch up. With so much action on its part in the last year, many of the results are yet to be felt. It makes sense to see how the medicine is working, before upping the dosage, so as not to kill the patient.

Continue to work closely with your Certified Financial Planner® professional, to help ensure that your wealth management strategy accurately reflects changes in the markets, and changes in your life. While we can’t say exactly when, we do believe conditions will normalize.

Stephen Kyne, CFP® is a Partner at Sterling Manor Financial in Saratoga Springs and Rhinebeck. Securities offered through Cadaret, Grant & Co., Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services offered through Sterling Manor Financial, LLC, an SEC registered investment advisor or Cadaret Grant & Co., Inc. Sterling Manor Financial and Cadaret, Grant are separate entities.

Years ago — nearly fourteen years ago — I wrote an article for this column called “What’s Two Weeks?” It was so long ago, in fact, that the issue isn’t available online and my own copy is buried somewhere in my desk area, so I’m going on memory here, but what I remember is that I wrote about the idea that there seems to be something about the span of two weeks being the amount of time one needs to transition from one phase to another. Specifically, I wrote about potty training.

That article was inspired by a conversation I’d had with a friend who’d gone through pottying with two or three of her own kids by that point, and how she told me back then (back when I was thinking about introducing the potty to my oldest) that when she felt like it was the right time, she basically just hunkered down at home with the potty kid and prepared for two weeks of accidents and frustrations. In her experience, after two weeks it was pretty much smooth sailing.

I really latched onto this two-week idea! Even though on the one hand, I felt like, “Ohmygosh TWO WEEKS?? I will never survive this,” I could also see that, in the grand scheme of things, two weeks is nothing! 

Two weeks turned out to *not* be my boys’ timeline for the potty-learning phase, but I have thought of that two-week idea so many times since then — even if it isn’t exactly accurate, it does point to the facts that (1) it takes time to adjust to new things and circumstances, and (2) it’s okay (and necessary) to be patient with yourself. 

Probably the most frequent example I have of this is when school finishes for the summer. Even though we’re all wildly excited that school is done, it takes some time to get into the summer rhythm. The well-oiled machine that we become by June every year comes grinding to a halt, and it takes some time to get the summer machine fired up. During that time, that same lack of schedule or plan for the day or week that I so looked forward to during the school year starts to frustrate me as the house falls apart, laundry gets backed up, and kids start to feel bored. But after just a short time, it all shakes out and we get into our summer groove and life is good! (Until school starts back up and we go through the whole process again. In that case, I always feel like we’re not truly back into solid and smooth school mode until Thanksgiving.)

I work on a semester schedule, so I have large chunks of time off between Christmas and the end of January and again from May until the summer session in July, and for most of August. Each time the semester ends, I feel like I sit on the couch for days trying to figure out what I’m supposed to be doing. When the semester starts back up again, I feel like everything is out of control until I settle back into my work rhythm. 

I saw it happen with my oldest this Christmas break as well. He was away at college for the fall semester, and even though he did come home some weekends, coming home for the five-week Christmas break was an adjustment! Going from classes during the semester to work during break, from one roommate at school to two at home, from independence to everyone in your business isn’t easy! And I’m sure there was an adjustment for him again when he went back for the spring semester.

I keep thinking of the phrase, “Give yourself grace,” which I quite like — it’s gentle and patient and often soothes me when I’m feeling scattered and unmoored by the end of one schedule or phase and the beginning of another. I thought of it when I read the recent news that tidying-maven Marie Kondo doesn’t tidy so much now that she has children — I don’t know a lot about her, but when I heard that I thought, “She’s giving herself grace,” adjusting to the realities of her current situation. There’s definitely something to be said for managing and relaxing expectations during challenging times!

It’s funny that this is what was on my mind this month, as this month marks one year since my youngest last wore diapers — the last time I thought about “two weeks” in regards to potty training. (It wasn’t two weeks for him!) Now I’m thinking about it in terms of my job and my son’s college experience and this coming summer, when my no. 2 will have his senior photo taken and prepare to apply to college. 

Oh man. I’m pretty sure two weeks isn’t going to be nearly long enough for this mama to adjust to my next boy moving on.

Kate and her husband have seven sons ages 18, 16, 14, 12, 11, 8, and 4. Email her at kmtowne23@gmail.com.

Research has shown that massage is an essential tool to ease stress, and its many health benefits might just have you rethinking its role in preventative health care.

While stress can certainly wreak havoc on our health, not all stress is bad for you.There are two primary types of stress: Eustress and distress. These stress related terms originated in the late 1930’s by Hans Seyle, an endocrinologist and founder of Stress Theory. Seyle said eustress is a normal or positive stress response that energizes and motivates us to make a change or to get things done. He deemed distress as a negative stress response that leads us to feel overwhelmed and anxious, which he found adversely affected our biochemistry and contributed to various unwanted physical symptoms.

Hans Seyle stated that “Every stress leaves an indelible scar, and the organism pays for its survival after a stressful situation by becoming a little older.”

This is because when we are stressed our brain responds via our hypothalamus and pituitary glands, triggering our adrenal glands to secrete the steroid hormone ‘cortisol’, widely known as the “stress hormone”. While cortisol plays an important role in regulating our body’s response to stress, long-term activation of the stress response and the overexposure to cortisol and other stress related hormones, have been shown to disrupt almost all of your body’s processes. This has been said to lead to issues with persistent high blood sugar, cause fluctuations in blood pressure, disrupt the sleep-wake cycle and lead to insomnia, slow down digestion and increase inflammation in the body, which further weakens the immune system. It also leads to DNA damage causing us to age faster, and lowers our brain’s 5-HT function, which has been shown to cause depression.

It’s plain to see that long-term stress and anxiety can be detrimental for both your physical and mental health. Conversely, when we lower our stress and cortisol levels, then we can induce a relaxed state. Enter massage, as a simple solution to cope, ease stress and promote health and well-being.

Massage is a wonderful way to relax the mind, body and soul. Massage stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system and helps to reduce stress hormones thereby returning the body to a more balanced state. Massage also stimulates the release of serotonin, a calming hormone that regulates mood, reduces irritability and promotes deep sleep. Therapeutic massage releases dopamine, dubbed the ‘happy’ hormone, which triggers inspiration, enthusiasm and joy. Let’s not forget the endorphins. Massage releases much needed endorphins that are known to reduce pain, contribute to an overall sense of wellbeing, reduce swelling and speed up healing.

In addition, massage improves circulation and stimulates blood flow, which allows our muscles and organs to heal and function properly. This helps to relieve muscle tension and supports overall health and well-being.

Finally, another significant benefit of massage is its large contribution to the immune system. When we receive massage, the lymphatic system (responsible for fighting infection) is stimulated. It was found in a recent study, that after a 45 minute massage session, participants had increased levels of lymphocytes (white blood cells, which play a significant role in defending the body against disease). Further, their cytokines (molecules known to be associated with inflammation) were markedly decreased. Overall, massage aids as a booster to the immune system.

Summing it All Up

Massage has been found to be helpful for anxiety, digestive disorders, headaches and insomnia related to stress. Plus massage calms the central nervous system, lowers cortisol levels, increases circulation, lowers blood pressure, eases chronic pain, facilitates the removal of toxins from the body, and helps to speed recovery from injury.

When you consider all the many incredible benefits of massage, it makes sense to incorporate it as part of a preventative care routine to promote optimal health and wellness. My parting message on massage is this: Self-care is self-love, an apropos notion for the month of February.

Franesa Pyle is the owner and founder of Botanicals Spa, a nature-inspired wellness spa located in Saratoga Springs. She is the creator behind organic skin care brands; Spa City Organics and Apothic Timeless Skincare. Ms. Pyle lives in Saratoga Springs with her husband Dr. Bert W. Pyle, III, and their two children. She loves all things health and self care related, spending time in nature, gardening, hobby farming, and DIY crafting.

Sleep Ergonomics

“Sleep ergonomics” refers to our postures and positions during sleep–which either help us rest safely and comfortably or stress joints to the point that we wake up with more aches and pains than we fell asleep with. Sleeping positions matter. Poor-quality sleep is proven to negatively affect overall health.

Positions to Reduce Back Pain

It is possible to take strain off your back by making simple changes in your sleeping position. The healthiest sleeping position is on your side. If that is how you sleep, draw your legs up slightly toward your chest and put a pillow between your legs. Some people even use a full-length body pillow to help maintain balance. Try not to put weight on your arms. This causes circulatory problems and a related pins-and-needles sensation.

Instead, try crossing them in a braced position. (If tingling persists, talk to your doctor of chiropractic about other potential causes and options.)

If you sleep on your back, it is best to place a pillow under your knees to help maintain the normal lower back curvature. You might try placing a small rolled towel under the small of the back for more support. Be aware that sleeping on your stomach is generally not the best for your back. In this position, the cervical spine undergoes considerable strain, which can cause nerve compression, muscular imbalance and muscle pain. If you can’t sleep any other way, reduce the strain on your back by placing a pillow under your pelvis and lower abdomen. Also place a pillow under your head if it doesn’t cause back strain. Otherwise, try sleeping without a head pillow.

Mattresses and Pillows

Your mattress and pillow should support your body in its natural position, allowing it to rest and recover from the day’s activities.

The best mattresses are designed to conform to the spine’s natural curve and keep the body in alignment. Beyond that, your mattress choice is highly subjective. You must find the one that works best for you. Look for one that is firm enough to support your spine in a side-lying position, but soft enough that it feels good to your skin. A mattress that is too firm may irritate bony prominences of the hips and shoulders. Use of a 1-2 inch foam topper can make a firm mattress more comfortable.

Mattress Maintenance

To prevent uneven wear, manufacturers have traditionally recommended flipping or rotating a mattress every few months. That may still work for some models; however, many newer mattresses are made to be slept on one side only, and still others are designed to provide specific support to the head and upper body compared with the lower body. In such cases, even turning the mattress would not be advised. Make sure you know the recommendations for your specific mattress.

If possible, replace your mattress after five to seven years of regular use. If you feel springs, bumps or dips beneath the surface when you are lying on the bed, or you unintentionally roll toward the middle of the bed, it’s time to go shopping for a new mattress. A worn-out mattress can reduce quality of sleep and make back problems worse. You may also find that the mattress is to blame for insomnia if you find yourself sleeping better when you are away from home—in a hotel, for example.

Ergonomic Pillows

An ergonomic pillow is designed to accommodate the user’s sleeping position and to minimize any associated tension that may result from prolonged time spent in one position. Ergonomic pillows are shaped differently from regular pillows. They are often made of foam or similar form-retaining material that offers greater support.

Most ergonomic pillows are used for sleep, although some are used for lower back support while sitting. They vary in size from small neck pillows used for long car trips or flights to very large full-body pillows, meant to cradle the entire body during sleep.

A healthful pillow is designed to keep the spine in natural alignment, which minimizes stress on the body. Most people do not maintain neutral positions while they sleep. This creates tension at problem spots like the neck and the lower back, resulting in pain in either or both of these areas. An ergonomic pillow can often correct such problems.

A pillow of the wrong size can cause or aggravate neck and shoulder problems. When you sleep on your side, the pillow should fill the space between the head and mattress so that the cervical spine is in line with, and an extension of, the spine. The pillow should support the head, neck and shoulders and adapt to the contours of these areas. This will optimize your sleeping position throughout the night. A pillow also should be hypoallergenic.

Trouble Falling Asleep at Night?

In addition to a comfortable mattress and the right pillow, there are several things you can do to enhance your ability to fall asleep successfully each night.

•Be consistent. Go to bed at the same time every night and get up at the same time every day, even on weekends and vacations.

•Make sure your bedroom is quiet, dark, relaxing, and at a comfortable temperature.

•Remove electronic devices, such as TVs, computers, and smart phones, from the bedroom.

•Avoid large meals, caffeine, and alcohol before bedtime.

•Be sure to move! Being physically active during the day can help you fall asleep more easily at night.

Dr. Matt Smith has been a Chiropractor in Saratoga Springs for 36 years. He and his daughter Dr. Kevy Smith Minogue can be reached at 518-587-2064 or at MySaratogaChiropractor.com.

It’s everyone’s favorite time of year: Tax Time! While it may seem like the book are completely closed on 2022, there may still be some things you can do to reduce your liability, as well as steps you can take to better manage your taxes for 2023. 

If you own a business that is structured as a pass-through entity, like a Partnership or an S-Corp, you might want to consider electing to pay the New York State Pass Through Entity Tax (PTET). This election could effectively allow you to pay your NYS income tax through your business, thereby getting around the federal limit on the personal deductibility of your state and local tax payments, which is currently capped at $10,000. Since the payment would be a business deduction, it would reduce your net income, and thereby reduce your federal tax liability. Your business MUST elect each year, by March 15th.

You might not realize but you may be able to make contributions to your Roth IRA for 2022 up until the earlier of your tax filing date, or April 15th.  If eligible, the contribution limit is $6,000 ($7,000 for those age 50+), but don’t be discouraged if you are not able to fully fund your account for the year. Every bit you can save will help provide for your lifestyle in retirement, so a partial contribution is better than no contribution at all. 

Just because one spouse may be a homemaker or already retired, doesn’t mean that they can’t take advantage of a Roth IRA.  IRS rules also allow for contributions to an account for a homemaker or retired spouse, as long as the working spouse has sufficient earned income, even if the spouse is older than 72.

Since Roth IRAs can provide tax-free distributions and are not subject to Required Minimum Distributions at age 72, they can be an extremely beneficial retirement funding option!

If you’re looking for a tax deduction today, consider contributing to a Traditional IRA instead. The limits are the same, and your contribution can be tax-deductible for 2022 if made prior to the earlier of your filing date or April 15th. If you have access to a retirement plan at work, however, your ability to deduct traditional IRA contributions may be limited or eliminated. 

Anyone whose earned income is reported to them on a form 1099, K1, or other similar non-employee form, may be eligible to establish and fund a retirement plan for 2022. The IRS rules allow this to be done up until the filing deadline (including extensions) for the previous year. Popular plan options include a SEP IRA and Individual 401k.

For those who are self-employed, and don’t have access to a retirement plan through an employer, you may think you’re being disadvantaged when it comes to saving for retirement. The opposite, however, may be true. As a self-employed person, you could have the options of contributing up to $61,000 to a retirement plan for 2022, and deducting the full contribution! 

A SEP IRA can allow you to contribute up to 25% of your income with a maximum contribution of $61,000, and can be appropriate for business owners with high income and no employees. Because of the 25% limitation, your income would need to exceed $244,000 in order to fully contribute.

An Individual 401k has the same funding limit of $61,000 for 2022, however there is not a 25% limitation. Those over age 50 could contribute an additional $6,500.

Individual 401ks require more in the way of record keeping and compliance, so they can be more expensive and cumbersome than a SEP IRA. Remember, you don’t have to be able to fully fund a plan for it to still make sense. Don’t rule out an Individual 401k because you can “only” afford to contribute $30,000 to it.

You may have missed the boat on other types of retirement plans for 2022, but there is still time to elect plans for 2023. If you’re a business owner, you may want to explore establishing a 401k plan, profit sharing plan, or SIMPLE IRA for your business. 

The mail this year has been notoriously slow so, while you may be tempted to run out and file right away, be sure to double check that you’ve received all of your expected tax documents. Also be sure to check that none of the documents you’ve received are marked “DRAFT”. 

As a point of disclosure: Your circumstances are unique and tax regulations can be very complex. Before implementing any tax strategy, we recommend working closely with your Certified Financial Planner® Professional and tax preparer to determine eligibility and funding limits, and to help ensure your retirement funding and tax strategies comply with all appropriate regulations and meet your needs.

Stephen Kyne, CFP® is a Partner at Sterling Manor Financial in Saratoga Springs and Rhinebeck. Securities offered through Cadaret, Grant & Co., Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services offered through Sterling Manor Financial, LLC, an SEC registered investment advisor or Cadaret Grant & Co., Inc. Sterling Manor Financial and Cadaret, Grant are separate entities.