Finance
Investing Basics: What You Should Know

Most people have their attention focused on earning money. But what you do with that money is just as important. Once you have the money, there are four main things that you can do with it:
1) Spend it
2) Save it
3) Invest it
4) Give it away.
You probably don’t need a tutorial on how to spend money. Of course, most people make both wise and unwise spending decisions throughout their lives, but spending decisions tend to be very personal. The same goes with saving and giving—most people feel differently about how much of their money they believe they should save and give away.
Of the four things that can be done with money, investing might be the least understood. Unfortunately, there aren’t many classes in high school or even college where the basics of investing are taught, so it’s up to you to learn more about investing for yourself to help improve your personal financial management.
Difference Between Saving and Investing
For starters, it’s important to understand that saving and investing are not the same thing. Saving is putting money aside in a risk-free instrument so that it will be there for you at some time in the future. This could involve literally stuffing cash in a mattress, or more likely today, putting it in an FDIC-insured bank savings or money-market account, which may pay a very small amount of interest.
Investing, on the other hand, involves putting money in a financial instrument that entails some degree of risk in order to hopefully earn a return. In general, the higher degree of risk an individual is willing to assume, the higher the potential return he or she might earn.
There are many different types of investment vehicles available to investors today. These range from low-risk, low-return instruments that offer a relative high degree of safety and a low degree of volatility, to instruments that offer a high potential return in exchange for a relatively high risk that the principal (or amount invested) could be lost.
In constructing an investment portfolio, individuals should gauge their level of risk tolerance—or how much they are willing to risk losing some or all of their money—with their return objectives and their investment timeframe—or how long until they will need to access the money they have invested.
The Sensible Middle Ground
“Somewhere between the extremes of investments with very low levels of volatility and risk and investments with high degrees of volatility and risk, there lies what we call the ‘sensible middle ground of investing'” says Martin Walcoe, EVP of David Lerner Associates headquartered in Syosset, NY.
Think of it as a paradigm with three levels that encompasses the following asset allocation model:
1. The largest portion of the portfolio should be made up of investments that are income or yield driven and typically the call value and/or face amount is paid at the call date, maturity or final pay down. We would include in this category taxable and tax-free municipal bonds, CMOs, treasuries and other zero coupon bonds.
2. The next portion of the portfolio consists of investments that often offer higher income and have the potential for capital appreciation, but do not have the underlying safety of government guaranteed securities. We would include in this category non-publically traded REITs and income-based mutual funds.
3. The final portion of the portfolio includes market driven securities. While upside potential may be greater, the investor faces increasing uncertainty. We would include growth mutual funds in this category.
Of course, every individual’s investment goals and objectives will be different, so this investment philosophy isn’t “one size fits all.” We take into consideration the individual’s entire financial picture, including how assets outside of the firm are placed, when figuring asset allocations. Adjustments are also made in consideration of each individual’s age and income needs.
There are risks inherent in investing.
Certain investments are offered by prospectus. Investors should read the prospectuses carefully and consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, expenses and other information before investing. The prospectuses may be obtained from David Lerner Associates, Inc. by calling 1-800-367-3000. Member FINRA & SIPC.
Finance
AI and the Future of LinkedIn: How Technology is Redefining Professional Networking

The tech industry has always been a proving ground for new tools and ideas, and right now one of the most powerful forces reshaping the way professionals connect is artificial intelligence. From the way companies recruit talent to how thought leaders build influence, AI is changing the rules of the game on LinkedIn and beyond.
Smarter Recruiting
Hiring managers no longer sift through stacks of résumés. AI-powered systems can analyze skills, career paths, and even cultural fit to recommend candidates. On LinkedIn, predictive recruiting tools help companies identify prospects before they start looking for a new role. The result is faster hiring and better matches between employers and employees.
Personalized Content Feeds
LinkedIn’s algorithm has grown into more than just a filter. It now functions as a learning engine that studies professional interests and behavior. For tech companies, this means employees and executives can reach the audiences that matter most. A thought leadership article, a product update, or even a short post can now land in the feeds of potential clients, investors, or collaborators with remarkable accuracy.
The Rise of Automated Outreach
Sales and business development teams are experimenting with AI-assisted outreach. Instead of sending hundreds of generic messages, companies can use tools that analyze profiles, identify key talking points, and create personalized introductions. While this raises questions about authenticity, it also makes networking more efficient and effective.
Data as a Strategic Asset
LinkedIn’s real strength lies in its data. Millions of profiles, skills, and career shifts create a powerful resource. With AI, companies can analyze that information at scale, spotting workforce trends, predicting which industries are about to grow, and even identifying where the next wave of innovation might emerge. For tech leaders, this kind of intelligence can shape everything from hiring strategies to market expansion.
Balancing Human and Machine
The challenge is keeping professional networking personal. AI can accelerate connections and refine the process, but relationships still depend on authenticity, trust, and shared experience. The tech industry, more than most, will need to find the right balance between automation and genuine human interaction.
As AI becomes part of the digital networking fabric, LinkedIn is evolving into more than a résumé platform. It is becoming a predictive, personalized ecosystem that reflects the future of work. For tech companies, learning how to use this shift to their advantage may be just as important as the innovations they are building.
Finance
PR and SEO Best Practices for Law Firms, Dentists, Wellness Companies, and Chiropractic Offices

These days, your reputation often begins online before a client ever walks through your door. Whether you run a law office, a dental practice, a wellness brand, or a chiropractic clinic, people are searching the web to find answers, compare options, and decide who they can trust. That is where public relations and search engine optimization come together.
PR shapes your story and builds credibility. SEO makes sure the right people actually see it. When the two are aligned, they create a cycle of trust and visibility that fuels growth.
Why PR Matters for Professional Services
Public relations is not just about getting your name in print. It is about shaping perception. A thoughtful media mention, a quote in an article, or a published expert opinion can position you as someone worth listening to. For a lawyer, this might mean explaining a high-profile case in plain language for the public. For a dentist, it could be offering preventative care tips during National Dental Health Month. Chiropractors might focus on wellness and posture awareness, while wellness companies can shine by connecting their products to lifestyle conversations.
“PR is about storytelling,” says Mike Falkow, CEO at Meritus Media. “For industries like law and healthcare, it is often the difference between being just another listing online and being recognized as a trusted voice.”
How SEO Brings People to You
PR helps you look credible. SEO makes you visible. If you want new clients to find you when they type into Google, you need smart SEO strategies. That includes clear keywords, easy-to-navigate websites, local business listings, and reviews.
A law firm in Los Angeles that wants more personal injury clients has to show up when someone searches for “Los Angeles personal injury attorney.” A Tampa chiropractor has to be easy to find when someone types in “back pain relief near me.” It is not just about ranking higher, it is about meeting people right at the moment they need you.
Blending PR and SEO
Here is where the magic happens. When you land a feature in a credible publication, that mention often includes a link back to your website. Google sees that link as a vote of confidence, which boosts your search rankings. On the flip side, a blog post that is written with SEO in mind can get picked up and shared if it is timely and tied to bigger conversations in the media.
According to Meritus Media, “The mistake many professionals make is treating PR and SEO as separate projects. The truth is they amplify each other. Press mentions bring credibility and backlinks, and optimized content helps that coverage travel further.”
Best Practices for Each Industry
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Law Firms: Build authority through thought leadership. Comment on relevant legal issues and create content around the cases and topics people are searching for.
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Dentists: Focus on education. Share preventative care tips, encourage reviews, and make sure your practice shows up in local searches like “dentist near me.”
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Wellness Companies: Lean into education-driven PR. Announce new research, highlight expert voices, and optimize for lifestyle searches such as “natural ways to boost energy.”
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Chiropractic Offices: Become the go-to local expert. Host workshops, engage with local press, and use SEO to highlight treatments tied to specific conditions and locations.
The Takeaway
A strong digital presence requires more than just a website. It requires being seen, being trusted, and being remembered. For law firms, dentists, wellness companies, and chiropractic offices, the smartest approach is one where PR and SEO are not competing, but working together.
As Meritus Media puts it, “It is not enough to have an online presence. You need to be discoverable, credible, and memorable. That is the sweet spot where PR and SEO intersect.”
Finance
A Smarter Way to Save: Real Strategies That Actually Work

Saving money often feels like something we should be doing, but somehow never quite master. Not because we lack discipline or financial know-how, but because most of us were never taught to approach saving in a way that feels organic and sustainable.
Forget the lectures about willpower. Think of saving more like tending a garden. You don’t expect a harvest overnight. You plant, water, and trust that something is growing under the surface.
Why Saving Feels Difficult
At its core, saving is about delayed gratification. You put money aside today for something you won’t enjoy until tomorrow. That can feel abstract and unsatisfying in a world where we’re used to quick wins.
Add to that the wear and tear of everyday decision-making. By the time you’re deciding whether to stash a hundred dollars or buy something impulsively, your mental energy is already spent. The easier option usually wins.
It’s not a character flaw. It’s a missing system.
Common Pitfalls That Derail Saving
One of the biggest traps is not knowing where your money is actually going. Subscription services, late-night shopping, and small indulgences add up fast.
Then there’s the issue of unclear goals. If you’re just “trying to save more,” it’s too vague to build momentum. Without a target, it’s hard to feel like you’re making progress.
Finally, many people treat saving as something they do only when it feels convenient. And as we all know, those moments rarely come around.
Simple Strategies That Actually Work
Start by making saving automatic. Set up recurring transfers to a separate account, even if it’s just fifty dollars a month. According to David Lerner Associates, automating your savings creates consistency without requiring daily effort. You don’t have to think about it—it just happens.
Next, tie your savings to something that matters to you. A trip. A safety net. A home project. As Martin Walcoe, CEO of David Lerner Associates, explains: “Saving works best when it’s connected to a goal you care about. Whether it’s building financial security or planning for something joyful, people are more likely to stick with it when it feels personal and meaningful.”
Small wins also build momentum. Consider using a round-up app that sweeps change from purchases into savings. Or throw spare change into a jar. These little actions remind you that progress doesn’t have to be dramatic to be meaningful.
Make Budgeting Feel Less Like a Chore
Instead of thinking of budgeting as a restriction, think of it as guidance. Look at your spending once a month. Track where your money goes. Treat savings like a bill—something you pay no matter what. Then adjust as needed.
Financial planning, like nutrition or exercise, is more effective when it fits into your natural rhythm rather than disrupting it.
Think Long-Term, Even in Small Steps
If you’re carrying debt, make a plan that works without pressure. Focus on understanding your terms and building a slow but steady path out. Saving and repaying can happen side by side. As Martin Walcoe puts it, “Finding the balance between repaying student loans, saving for the future, and investing is possible. With a proactive approach and the right strategies, you can tackle your loans while laying a strong foundation for financial growth.”
Even modest investing can pay off if you start early. Time does a lot of the heavy lifting. You don’t have to do it all—you just have to start.
Your Environment Shapes Your Habits
Surround yourself with people who share your mindset. Having a spouse, friend, or coworker on a similar journey can make saving feel more like teamwork and less like sacrifice.
And don’t overlook the importance of rituals. A monthly money check-in. A progress tracker. A celebration when you hit a milestone. These things help make saving part of your lifestyle rather than something separate from it.
Final Thought
Saving doesn’t have to feel like denial or discipline. When it’s tied to your values and built into your everyday life, it becomes a natural act of self-respect. Like nourishing your body, saving is an investment in the kind of life you want to live—not someday, but starting now.
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