The Sandwich Generation

Middle aged men & women “sandwiched” between their aging parents and adult children are referred to as the “sandwich generation.” An estimated 1 in 7 Americans between the ages of 40 and 60 are providing some financial assistance to both a child and a parent, in some cases having to postpone their own retirement due to these financial obligations. Apart from the traditional sandwich, there is also the “club sandwich generation” which refers to people in their 50s and 60s who care for their parents, adult children, and grandchildren. It can also be used to describe younger adults who care for their parents, grandparents, and children.

There are recommended steps to help lessen the financial burden and manage the stress of being a part of the “sandwich generation.” To learn more about this phenomenon, click here to read “Sandwiched: Balancing Financial Priorities.”

Statement Update

LPL Financial will now be sending paper statements at the end of each quarter rather than monthly. June was the last month that a monthly statement would have been mailed.

This change is automatic, so you don’t need to take any action.

Quarterly statements will help eliminate the number of confidential documents in your filing cabinets and will help you keep a long-term perspective by keeping your goals front of mind rather than market fluctuations. If you would like to continue receiving monthly paper statements, please call the office at 518-584-2555 and we will elect your preference to monthly delivery.

Keep in mind, if you are enrolled in AccountView, you are able to view your statements 24/7. AccountView is secure online access to your account information, tax forms, trade confirmations and more via the web portal or mobile app. Other AccountView features include:

-         You are able to select a time frame over which to display your account data.

-         Your total portfolio value and any changes in value that occurred during the day.

-         Monitor individual account balances, deposits, withdrawals and investment returns.

-         View the asset allocation pie chart to see how your assets are allotted.

-         View a snapshot of your top positions’ recent performance.

If you have any questions or would like to enroll with AccountView,

please contact Drew at our office.

8 Year Window

You can start collecting your monthly retirement paycheck from Social Security between 62 and 70 years old. Eight years is a wide window and there is no perfect answer for everyone for when to start receiving your benefits. Click here to read “Timing is Everything; When Should YOU Take Social Security?” Consider asking yourself questions like: Am I fully retired or do I plan on working longer? Am I in good health? Could my spouse or family benefit from my timeline?

You are able to contact your regional Social Security office to schedule a 1 on 1 meeting and here at SFS, we are happy to help piece together how your Social Security factors into your retirement plan.

Summertime In Saratoga Springs 

It’s summertime here in Saratoga Springs which means, it is track season! “Track Season” refers to thoroughbred horse racing at the famous Saratoga Race Course.

The 2023 season kicks off on Thursday July 13^th and this year the track is celebrating its 160^th Anniversary!

The Saratoga race course is a big, if not the biggest, summer attraction for the Saratoga region and was even named one of the world’s great sporting venues by Sports Illustrated.

Did You Know:

• August 3^rd 1863 John Morrissey organized the first thoroughbred meet, at the old dirt track on Union Ave. One month after the Battle of Gettysburg. Over 5,000 people came to watch and wager on the 8 races.
• After that success, Morrissey partnered with John Hunter, Leonard Jerome & William Travers to form the Saratoga Racing Association. Morrissey then purchased 125 acres of land on the other side of Union Ave, built a grandstand and as a result the Saratoga Race Course was born.
• The Saratoga Race course is considered the 3^rd oldest race course in the U.S and can be referred to as the oldest organized sporting venue of any kind in the country.
• Travers Stakes, the oldest major thoroughbred horse race started in 1864.
• In 1930, Longshot Jim Dandy defeats Gallant Fox, 100-1 at the Travers Stakes. Saratoga Race Course earns the nickname "The Graveyard of Champions."
• From 1943-1945 racing was not held due to travel restrictions during the war and races were being held at Belmont Park.
• 1999 Saratoga Race Course rated “#10 sports venue of the 20^th century” by Sports Illustrated.

^{(Sources: Saratogaracetrack.com & Saratoga.com)}