When you start to consider if investing is an appropriate option for you, you may have questions. You might want to ask:

For many investors, this year has been a wild ride—with interest rate increases, a crypto implosion, and whipsawing values in the major market indices. It might be tough to catch one's breath and look ahead to next year. But the end of the year is the perfect time to take stock of your investments, evaluating what worked, what didn’t, and what you might do better next year. Here are four key opportunities to consider that may recharge and reset your finances as you enter the new year.

If you struggle to find a gift for the person who has everything—or want to do your holiday shopping without having to leave the house—consider giving stock as a gift. Doing so is easier than you think, and it may offer a few benefits for you as well. Here is some information on giving stock as gifts and the benefits of doing so. 

Just as every snowflake is unique, so is every person's retirement plan.

Everyone wants a comfortable retirement, but the road you take there will depend on your specific situation. When you invest, you assume a certain level of risk (but like everyone you’re hoping that your holdings will increase in value). 

Lou Anne spent her entire career working in the financial industry and retired from Homeowners Advantage (a subsidiary of legacy CAP COM) as the Director of Mortgage Servicing and Secondary Market. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from Siena College. Throughout her career, Lou Anne was involved with many banking and credit union organizations and chaired several committees. In her capacity as a volunteer, Lou Anne has served as a member of the Board of Managers for 5 years, as  Vice Chair of the Supervisory Committee, as well as serving on the Risk Governance Committee.

Robert Davis has been an active credit union volunteer since July of 1993. During his tenure, he has served on the Board of Managers, the Policy Review Committee, the credit union’s Financial Services Board of Managers and Investment Committee, as well as the Chair of the Supervisory Committee.    

Bob also served as the President of the West Point Parent’s Club of Upstate New York for several years. He served as a Field Force Representative for the United States Military Academy Admissions Office. Two of his three sons are USMA graduates representing the Class of 2004 and 2007.

Amy Barber joined the credit union’s Supervisory Committee in April of 2021. She is currently retired but was previously employed for over 30 years with Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation (National Grid). At the time of retirement, Amy held the position of Eastern Division Manager of Integrated Resources and Budget. Other positions within Niagara Mohawk encompassed Government Affairs, Public Relations, Consumer Advocate, and Schenectady Area Manager.