Finance
Retirement Planning Basics: It’s Up to You
Perhaps nothing epitomizes a national shift toward personal financial responsibility more than the changes that have occurred in the realm of retirement planning. In previous generations, many companies provided their employees with generous defined benefit pension plans. These plans were primarily employer-funded and guaranteed a certain amount of income to employees during their retirement.
But today, many companies have switched to defined contribution retirement plans. These plans are funded primarily by employees, often through payroll deductions. Businesses may choose to match employee contributions, but they are not always required to do so, depending on the type of plan.
Entitlement Program Uncertainty
In addition, it’s far from certain that Social Security and Medicare will be able to pay out promised benefits when today’s pre-retirees are ready to retire. Some believe that without reform, these entitlement programs may not remain solvent for future generations.
The upshot is that much of the responsibility for saving for retirement today has shifted from businesses to individuals. While the federal government helps encourage retirement saving by offering tax breaks to employers that offer qualified retirement plans and employees who participate in them, it’s mostly up to employees themselves to take the initiative to sign up for and contribute to the plans.
Therefore, the best route to retirement financial security for many Americans today is to start a retirement savings plan as early as possible, and then contribute as much money to the plan as possible throughout the course of their working life.
Qualified Retirement Plans
The federal government has created a wide range of qualified retirement savings plans to help Americans save and invest for retirement. These are called “qualified” plans because, if employers and participants follow the rules, they may be eligible to qualify for tax breaks. Among these qualified plans are:
Traditional IRAs:IRAs were first introduced in 1975 as a tax-advantaged tool to help average Americans save for retirement. Traditional IRAs offer tax-deferred growth and a tax deduction equal to the amount of annual contributions for individuals who qualify. The maximum annual IRA contribution amount in 2012 is $5,000 per individual, or $6,000 for individuals age 50 or over.
Roth IRAs:The Roth IRA differs from traditional IRAs in two key respects: First, there is no immediate tax deduction for annual contributions. But this is offset for many individuals by the fact that contributions (but not earnings) can be withdrawn tax-free at any time. Earnings, meanwhile, can be withdrawn tax-free during retirement if you’re at least 59 ½ years of age.
Note, however, that eligibility for contributing to a Roth IRA phases out above certain adjusted gross income (AGI) limits. In 2012, these limits are $125,000 for single individuals and $183,000 for married couples filing jointly. However, individuals and couples above the AGI limits can convert an existing traditional IRA to a Roth IRA.
401(k)s:These are offered by businesses, so employees must choose to sign up and participate at their place of employment. Employees can then make tax-deductible contributions to their plan that their employers may (or may not) choose to match. In 2012, employees and employers can contribute a total of $17,000 to employees’ 401(k) accounts, or $22,500 for employees who are at least 50 years old.
403(b)s and 457s: These are offered by educational and non-profit organizations for the benefit of their employees. They operate similarly to 401(k)s and feature the same annual contribution limits.
Simplified Employee Pension plans (SEPs) and SIMPLE IRAs: Designed primarily for self-employed individuals and employees of small businesses with no more than 100 employees (in the case of SIMPLE IRAs), these feature higher annual contribution limits than traditional and Roth IRAs. In 2012, you may contribute up to 25 percent of compensation or $50,000 (whichever is less) to a SEP and up to $11,500 to a SIMPLE IRA (or $14,000 if you are 50 year old or over).
What’s the one thing that all of these retirement plans have in common? The fact that you must take the initiative yourself to establish or participate in a plan and contribute money on a consistent basis.
By Martin Walcoe, SVP, David Lerner Associates
Material is provided for information purposes only and is not intended to be used in connection with the evaluation of any investments offered by David Lerner Associates, Inc. (DLA). This material does not constitute an offer or recommendation to buy or sell securities and should not be considering in connection with the purchase or sale of securities.
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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