REVISED – 11/22/2021 Governor Kathy Hochul recently directed the New York State Health Commissioner to enforce the NY HERO Act.  The law, passed and signed into law several months ago, requires NY employers to develop an airborne infectious disease prevention plan to protect employees during health emergencies such as the current global pandemic. In addition to this, Erie County implemented a mask mandate effective 11/23/2021 for all indoor public areas. Because of the NY designation and due to our location within Erie County, we are required to make changes to our in-office policies for both employees and visitors.  Below are our updated protocols as of 11/22/2021. All visitors and employees are required to wear masks until further notice.  Visitors for in-person meetings will be required to undergo a temperature check and answer health-related questions, following CDC Guidelines. Those with a temperature of 100.4 or higher will not be allowed to attend their meeting in-person. We will...

IR-2021-216, November 4, 2021 WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service announced today that the amount individuals can contribute to their 401(k) plans in 2022 has increased to $20,500, up from $19,500 for 2021 and 2020. The IRS today also issued technical guidance regarding all of the cost‑of‑living adjustments affecting dollar limitations for pension plans and other retirement-related items for tax year 2022 in Notice 2021-61 PDF, posted today on IRS.gov. Highlights of changes for 2022 The contribution limit for employees who participate in 401(k), 403(b), most 457 plans, and the federal government's Thrift Savings Plan is increased to $20,500, up from $19,500. The income ranges for determining eligibility to make deductible contributions to traditional Individual Retirement Arrangements (IRAs), to contribute to Roth IRAs, and to claim the Saver's Credit all increased for 2022. Taxpayers can deduct contributions to a traditional IRA if they meet certain conditions. If during the year either the taxpayer or the...

The historic 5.9% increase in Social Security benefits announced recently made national news.  In this quick local story, News4 speaks with our own Paul Coleman III, CFP® about what the increase might be saying about inflation. https://www.wivb.com/news/local-news/inflation-surge-drives-up-social-security-benefits-by-5-9-for-2022/  ...

PRESS RELEASE Amherst, NY: Level Financial Advisors has hired Alyssa Bogardus as a Financial Planning Associate at the fee-only investment management and financial planning firm. She will assist in client meetings, preparing financial plans and researching strategies to help clients save money, reduce taxes, and improve their financial lives. She will also contribute to the firm’s financial planning and investment committees and work on special projects while preparing for CFP® certification in the near future. Ms. Bogardus received a bachelor of science degree in business administration from Edinboro University, graduating summa cum laude in May. Her studies included a concentration in accounting and personal financial planning. Ms. Bogardus is a native of Girard, Pennsylvania and currently resides in Amherst, NY. Level manages $548 million in assets for 617 households and is based in Amherst. The firm has been in business since 1979 and recently opened an additional office in Hamburg, NY....