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  • Come Join us at the Over 50 Fair

    Come join us at the Long Island Over 50 Fair on Sunday, September 30th from 10:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. 

    On Sunday at 10:30 a.m. Robert will be sharing “How to get ‘FREE’ Merit-based Endowment Money from the College of Your Choice”. A must-attend for those with college-bound students!

    For FREE tickets contact Robert directly here.

    | More about the fair | Directions | Class Schedule | Tickets |

  • 5 Observations from the 2018 US Tennis Open

    Fans flocked to see this year’s US Tennis Open.  In fact, the all-time attendance record was set with over 800,000 people going through the Billy Jean King stadium turnstiles!  Having gone every year since the 1980’s when my brother and I were ball boy kids, I have the following observations:

    1. The ITF (International Tennis Federation): needs to tighten up how they communicate and enforce their codes of conduct. It’s a disgrace that I feel the need to list this as #1 this year!
    2. Roger Federer is not the same player: One of my favorites didn’t look the same in his loss to John Millman.
    3. Flushing Meadows need a new A/C: There was no airflow and it had a huge effect on the tournament.  Refer to #2 above and YouTube the match. Several quality players had to retire due to the heat.
    1. The food is as good as ever: They get about 20% turnover on the food vendors and it makes me proud to be from Queens where you see so much diverse and delicious ethnic specialties ?
    2. Men and women should not be paid the same: Unless the men are playing best of 3 sets or the women switch to a best of 5 format, I don’t think the prize money should be the same. As an avid tennis fan, I’m open to your thoughts on all of these topics!
  • 5 Ways to Get ‘Free’ Endowment College Money

    5 Ways to Get ‘Free’ Endowment College Money

    Colleges control over 95% of the money that students receive every year. With this in mind, here are 5 strategies to increase your student’s likelihood of receiving college grants and endowments which do not have to be repaid.

    1. Apply to at least 10 schools: We have students apply to 10, get into 6 then leverage one school versus another.
    2. Go back and visit your top 2–3 schools after acceptance: More often than not you will receive a letter offering more $$ after your second visit.
    3. Don’t accept their first offer: Just like buying a pre-own car don’t pay “sticker” price.  Schools have billions in their endowment funds just waiting for you to extract it.
    4. Apply to the competitors of your top choices: Admissions officers know where you are applying.  They will give more $$ just to not let their competition win.
    5. Do volunteering and community service: This is one of the most important tips!  Schools give money to those students who are most likely to give $$ back after graduating.  They call it “the give back gene”.

    For more information and professional advice or college endowment coaching click here to contact us.

  • 5 Reasons to see the Shark exhibit in Coney Island

    The Shark Exhibit at the New York Aquarium is a big hit!

    Having grown up in Rockaway by the beach I was always interested in sharks.  The movie Jaws kept me up at night.  I just took my nephew to the Coney Island Aquarium shark exhibit and found out the following;

    1. It’s half price all summer: At $15 for adults and $12 for kids, this represents great value for a fantastic time had by all.  I’m told the prices will go up in the fall.
    2. There are 115 species: Including sea lions, otters and a variety of colorful and interesting fish, sea turtles, and rays. Many people don’t know there are 26 shark species living in the New York area.
    3. The $146 million upgrade: The shark exhibit is complete with a 40-foot tunnel and multiple tanks with stunning visuals.
    4. Interesting tunnels and interactive exhibits: I’m going to leave a little of this as a surprise.  The exhibits are very educational and kid-friendly.
    5. Fish from around the world: There are local fish and species from as far as the Great Barrier Reef and Fiji.
  • 5 Things to do on a Budget in New York City

    5 Things to do on a Budget in New York City

    5 things to do on a budget in NYC New York City

    NYC is a great place to visit however it can burn a hold in your wallet

    Check out these options!

    1. Top of the Rock Observation Deck and MOMA (Museum of Modern Art). You can get a combination ticket to visit both for $44 total and can even go on different days.
    2. Museum of Moving Images. in queens just went through a multi-million dollar upgrade with the most collectible from tv/film. Adults $15 and kids get in for $9 ages 3-17.
    3. Coney Island. home of the new Luna park where a 4 hour unlimited wristband can be purchased for $40, fixed date in advance for $29. While there you can see a Brooklyn cyclone baseball game for $20 or less and the aquarium with the new shark exhibit is currently half price $15 for adults, $12 for kids.
    4. Rockaway Beach. Admission is free and parking at Jacob Riis park is

    $10/day and $65 for the summer.  Ride the waves, sunbathe, baseball basketball and various activities are available with no charge.  Hidden gem.

    1. Central Park. entrance is free and there are a variety of things to do or just relax or picnic on the great lawn.

    Contact Robert today for your personal review of your budget, financial plan & financial freedom here today.

  • 7 Places to take your kids this summer outside Manhattan

    Parents are always looking for fun places to take kids this summer.  Whether it’s education or to tire them out, these places will leave lasting impressions on your loved ones:

    1. New York Hall of Science: Located at 47-01 111th in Corona queens and open 7 days. Many interactive science exhibits and attractions to keep your child’s interest.
    2. Indoor Extreme Sports: Play paintball and Black Ops laser tag this place gets the adrenaline pumping. Located in Long Island city and Staten Island.  We have thrown birthday parties here and I will tell you big kids like it too, LOL!insurance, New York City, financial services
    3. Bounce U: Another great birthday place, Bounce U can be found in Brooklyn and College Point, Queens. Open 7 days and not just for parties as they have open bounce hours to wipe out the most feisty children.
    4. The Queens Zoo: Located in Corona, Queens and close to #1 the Hall of Science. The Zoo is open daily and easier to navigate and less crowded than other Borough Zoo’s although they’re all good.
    5. Kids Fun House: Located on fresh pond road in Ridgewood, Queens it’s for children up to 12 years old. There’s a socks only play area for small children while the bigger kids go thru the maze or play arcade games.  There’s also an on-site café.
    6. Museum of the Moving Image: Open wed-sun this place is really fun and was recently renovated. Took the boys last year to the “Behind the Screen” exhibit with Star Wars props etc.  Also, somewhat hidden is an old-school arcade with Ms Pacman, galaga and other games baby boomers will be familiar with.
    7. Artistic Stitch Sports Complex: Located on Cooper Ave. in Glendale, Queens and open from mon-sat. If you have older children, this place has something for everyone.  Soccer, dodgeball, wiffleball and rock climbing to name a few.

  • 10 Tips to Save Money on Family Theme Park Vacations

    Getting ready for an upcoming exciting theme park vacation for the whole family?  It can be even more fun if you can save money before and during your excursion!

    1. Visit in between Seasons: Early spring and late fall are often times to score great family deals!theme park, vacation, savings, insurance, new york
    2. Social Media: Follow your favorite parks on social media so you don’t miss out on offers and deals.
    3. Smaller Theme Parks: Smaller parks can often run $50 per person per day ($100 for large parks) and can be really fun and with smaller waiting lines for going on rides.
    4. Look for Package Deals: Multi-day deals will always decrease your cost per person per day.
    5. Special Brand Discounts: Look for online and store discounts from AAA, the Military, Unions, and Seniors. Avoid buying tickets on Craigslist and eBay as they are too big of a counterfeit risk.
    6. Book a room with a kitchen: There’s no need to eat 3 meals out every day! It’s much easier and healthier to eat 1 or 2 meals in per day.
    7. Bring water and snacks into the park: You can buy a $5 case of water for the price they will charge for 1 bottle.
    8. Consider buying souvenirs in town: You pay a premium every time inside the park for impulse purchases. Try going to the town stores, Target, supermarket etc and the identical goods are often available for half price.

  • 5 Ideas for Summer Camp Care Packages

    5 Ideas for the Summer Camp Care Package

    This is the time when kids are getting dropped off at camp and parents are feeling a range of emotions from separation anxiety to the euphoria of free time! A great way to stay in touch is by sending your campers a care package within the first few weeks of camp. Keep the following in mind:

    1. Brain/mind games: Studies show that kids can regress mentally up to 25% during the summer. Games like masterminds, puzzles, books and playing cards can keep them sharp.file_173083_1_120531-summer2
    2. Glow in the dark products: Party pack glow in the dark bracelets, sticks and Frisbees are fun and can be shared with bunk mates.
    3. Battery operated: Fans, radio’s if permitted and electronics are always appreciated.
    4. Snacks: Some camps no longer allow food in packages or have campers open the box while supervised. Try rice crispy treats which are nut and gluten-free so easily shared.
    5. Make it personal: This is a great time to communicate feelings even perhaps some that you don’t often verbalize. A time to share words of wisdom by including a card and/or hand-written note. A little note can go a long way and have an everlasting effect on their summers and through lives journeys!While the kids are away at camp contact Robert for a free financial review this summer.
  • 6 Interesting Income Tax Facts You Didn’t Know

    6 Interesting Income Tax Facts You Didn’t Know

    When we were founded in the 1700’s there were very few taxes at all!  Up until 1802, the USA was mainly supported by taxes on goods like tobacco, sugar, and spirits.  War is what initiated the need for funds and taxes.

    1. War of 1812: A sales tax was first introduced in 1812 to cover war costs.
    2. 1862, middle of the Civil War: Congress introduced a personal income tax for the first time. People earning between $600-$10,000/year paid a 3% tax and those over the threshold paid a higher percentage.
    3. 1862 IRS Commissioner’s Office established: This gave the Commissioner powers to assess, levy and seize assets for those who didn’t pay their taxes.
    4. 1913 Income Tax System became permanent: Thanks to the 16th  By 1918 annual collections reached over $1 billion.
    5. 1986 Ronald Reagan signed the Tax Reform Act: This bill severely reduced personal income taxes and raised corporate taxes.  The maximum rate was reduced from 50% to 28%.
    6. 2001 George W. Bush signed the Tax Relief Reconciliation Act: One of the biggest tax cuts in history, this act introduced a new low bracket of 10%, increased the child tax credit, adjusted brackets for married folks and reduced the top 4 tax brackets.

    As we know, it was just changed again by President Trump.  No matter what happens going forward, taxes are here to stay!

  • Three Important Percentages To 
Remember When Buying A Home

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    You just finished watching the latest installment of House Hunters on HGTV and begin to think to yourself why not me?   Purchasing your first home is not only the American Dream, for many young Americans it signifies a real transition into financial adulthood and responsibility taking on potentially the largest debt you will ever carry in your entire life.  If you are going to buy a new home, there are three financial rules you should consider before you sign on the dotted line.

    percentage-manThe 20% Rule
    I am a big fan of putting down 20% for two reasons.  One, by saving this 20% it will put you more into a forced habit of what you can save monthly which will likely indicate that you are ready to take on the new mortgage payment coming up with the home purchase.  Two, in most cases, you will avoid paying the Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) which can make your monthly payment more expensive at the time you purchase the first home.  Far too often, new homebuyers stretch themselves by making a lower down payment, not recognizing how these extra costs will affect them.

    The 10% Rule
    It’s been my experience that when you purchase a new home you will tell yourself that you have your whole life to fix up the home.  However, after you start watching a few more HGTV shows and make a few trips to Home Depot, you’ll find yourself craving to make some renovations or buy some new furniture.  Beyond the down payment you need to save, plan that about 10% of the home value (i.e. a home at $300,000) will cost you an additional $30,000 in home improvements and furniture in the first year.

    The 1% Rule
    Beyond your mortgage payment, you should plan that if the home is valued at $300,000, you should set aside a kiddie of 1% to plan for the unexpected.  I couldn’t tell you today if it will be the roof, the water heater, or the A/C, but invariably there are going to be year to year blow ups that will cost you money from your savings.