Christopher P. Davison, CFP - Empire Financial Advisors

10/07/2026

There are four basic steps to calculating the value of an estate.

Determining the value of your estate, or for someone who has passed away, can be a complex undertaking.

10/02/2026

Get ahead of the curve! 2027 is just around the corner!

10/02/2026

Spent this morning on a call with J.P. Morgan’s Chief Global Strategist, Dr. David Kelly, covering everything from GDP and interest rates to oil and inflation.

A little look at the work happening behind the scenes! We're staying informed and asking questions to better understand what the changing environment could mean for your financial plan as we head into the fourth quarter.

10/02/2026

The first year of retirement can feel exciting, uncertain, and everything in between. Here's what to expect emotionally, financially, and practically as you settle into this next chapter. Reach out if you'd like to talk through your transition.

Understand the key financial and lifestyle shifts that happen in your first year of retirement.

10/01/2026

New York Pension Update: Tier 6 & COLA

A couple of updates for anyone wondering:

• NYSTRS Tier 6 teachers: You can now retire at 58 with at least 30 years of credited service without an age-related pension reduction. Without 30 years, the unreduced retirement age remains 63.

• Eligible NYSTRS retirees: The 1.7% COLA began with the September 30 pension payment. It applies to the first $18,000 of your annual pension, meaning a maximum increase of $25.50 per month, before taxes.

That's your weekly update!

09/29/2026

Lost 401(k)s are a huge issue, with over 24 million forgotten. Learn more about what you can do in our new article.

With over 24 million “forgotten” 401(k) accounts, you may be surprised to learn of your unclaimed “found” money.

09/24/2026

💰 Is There a Hidden Tax Bill in Your 401(k)?

Schedule your retirement review:
https://www.chrisdavisoncfp.com/preparing-for-your-first-meeting

09/23/2026

A will may be only one of the documents you need—and one of the factors you should consider—when it comes to managing your estate.

A will may be only one of the documents you need—and one factor to consider—when it comes to managing your estate.

09/18/2026

Information vs. instinct. Are your choices based on evidence of emotion? This piece helps answer those questions.

Information vs. instinct. Are your choices based on evidence of emotion?

09/17/2026

Over the last 16 hours, I’ve answered the same question at least a dozen times. So, in case you’re wondering too...

The Fed raised interest rates yesterday. Does that mean your mortgage, car loan, or other borrowing rates automatically go up? Not necessarily.

The Federal Reserve raised its short-term benchmark rate by 0.25%.

The goal is fairly simple: higher rates can slow borrowing and spending. When demand slows, it can help ease pressure on prices and bring inflation down over time.

But here’s the important distinction: the Fed doesn’t directly set your mortgage rate.

Mortgage rates and other longer-term rates are influenced by financial markets, including Treasury yields, inflation expectations, the economic outlook, and supply and demand for credit.

So, a Fed rate increase does not mean every interest rate automatically increases by the same amount.

The takeaway: Fed decisions matter, but they’re only one piece of what determines the rates you actually pay.

Have questions? Reach out below!

Want to learn more about financial planning? Contact Christopher P. Davison, CFP® to request a consultation or get more information tailored to your goals. Start your financial journey today.