National Grid Resources

Rockbridge and National Grid are both strongly rooted in the Syracuse community. As a result, Rockbridge has a significant number of clients who are employees of National Grid. Through our experience helping current clients, we have developed a level of expertise with National Grid’s benefits program. Discussed below are a few areas in which we’ve […]
Tax planning in turbulent times part 1: the tools of the tax-planning trade

Whether you’re saving, investing, spending, bequeathing, or receiving wealth, there’s scarcely a move you can make without considering how taxes might influence the outcome. No wonder people get nervous when there’s lots of talk about higher taxes, but little certainty on what may come of it, and who it might affect. How do we plan […]
Market commentary: Q2 2021

Stock Markets: Stocks provided positive results over the most recent twelve-month period. While all markets have done well, especially stocks in domestic markets, the markets that lead and lag vary across the various periods. While not shown in this chart, a globally diversified stock portfolio earned over 12% over the three-year period ending June 30th, […]
Protecting what’s yours (after you pass) Part 1: the importance of estate planning

Fact: When you pass, you will leave behind an estate, and somebody will need to settle it. Your estate may be worth a little or a lot, but there’s no escaping death and taxes. So why do so many families put off their essential estate planning until push comes to shove? Estate Planning Is an […]
What’s the best lockheed martin pension benefit option?

Our Lockheed Martin clients in the Syracuse and Owego plants often ask for our recommendation on how to elect their pension payment. Take the hypothetical example: John works at Lockheed Martin in Syracuse and his life only pension benefit is $5,000/month, or $60,000/year. At the other extreme, his 100% survivorship benefit is $4,000/month, or […]
The American rescue plan act of 2021: understanding the 2021 recovery rebate stimulus payments

The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 is now a done deal. Among the items of greatest interest to most Americans is a third round of stimulus checks – or IRS “recovery rebates” – of up to $1,400 for every “eligible individual.” That’s the quick take. But what’s the fine print? How Much Will You […]
Lockheed Martin resources

A good portion of our clients are employees of Lockheed Martin’s plant in Syracuse. As a result, we receive a lot of questions about Lockheed’s Martin benefit program, 401(k) allocation, etc. We took some time and did a deep dive into their benefits package and highlighted some areas you don’t want to overlook if you […]
SPACs, NFTs, and other jungle creatures

“The American marketplace is an economic jungle. As in all jungles, you easily can be destroyed if you don’t know the rules of survival. … But you also can come through in fine shape and you can even flourish in the jungle—if you learn the rules, adapt them for your own use, and heed them.” […]
Investment lessons found in the year of the coronavirus

Investors nerves were tried throughout 2020, yet those investors who avoided behavioral mistakes and didn’t let their emotions get the best of them were rewarded handsomely. The year was full of lessons, but some highlights were: Market results are unpredictable- Missing the best market day in March would have cost you 10%. That “lost” […]
Six financial best practices for year-end 2020

Has 2020 left you feeling like the fabled Sisyphus, forever pushing a boulder up a steep hill? Thankfully, with multiple COVID-19 vaccines in the works, there’s hope the load will lighten in the new year, fast approaching. While we prepare for a fresh start, here are six financial best practices for year-end 2020 and beyond, […]