Ryan Tomko, Author at Fee-Only Retirement Planning in Rochester NY

Roth IRA Conversions: Key Tax Considerations for Retirement Planning

Ryan Tomko October 9, 2026

For investors approaching or living in retirement, deciding how and when to draw from different types of retirement accounts can be an important part of financial planning. A Roth IRA conversion may provide one potential way to reposition assets from a traditional tax-deferred retirement account into a Roth IRA, but the decision involves weighing current tax consequences against potential future benefits. In this article, Ryan Tomko, CFP® explores how Roth conversions work, factors that may influence their timing, and how recent tax-law changes may affect the planning considerations surrounding conversions in 2026 and beyond.

The Birth of the U.S. Stock Market: From Buttonwood Tree to Wall Street

Ryan Tomko July 3, 2026

A historical look at how early financial instability led to the creation of the NYSE and modern capital markets.

Jumping on the Bandwagon: Behavioral Bias, Herd Mentality, and Investing Discipline

Ryan Tomko May 8, 2026

In this article, Ryan Tomko, CFP®, Vice President, Wealth Manager, explores how the emotional pull of sports fandom and “bandwagon” behavior can influence investment decisions.

Drawing parallels between herd mentality in athletics and financial markets, he explains how social pressure, momentum, and rising asset prices can reinforce speculative behavior. The article also outlines practical steps—such as critical thinking, disciplined research, and deliberate decision-making—to help investors stay aligned with long-term goals.

Emergency Fund: Preparing for the Unexpected

Ryan Tomko December 19, 2025

What is an Emergency Fund & Why is it needed?
An emergency fund is a sum of money that is saved specifically to cover negative financial surprises. These unexpected events can potentially be expensive and highly stressful if not prepared for adequately. Some of the common emergencies that people face are the loss of a job or reduction in household income, a medical emergency, immediate unexpected home repairs, or the need for a new car. Without an emergency fund in place, a financial hardship may mean resorting to less optimal ways to secure the funding – like tapping into a retirement account early or paying a higher interest rate for a personal loan. It’s important to be

Government Shutdown 2025: Reopened for Now, But Will Congress Punt Again?

Ryan Tomko November 21, 2025

The government has reopened, but the clock is ticking. With only a short-term funding bill in place, Congress faces another deadline in January. Dive into our latest post for a timeline of the shutdown, its impact on Americans, and what might come next—just in time for the Super Bowl.

2025 U.S. Housing Market Update: Affordability Crisis, Regional Trends & What Comes Next

Ryan Tomko July 18, 2025

Following the July 4th weekend, we’ve moved past the peak homebuying season, which typically is thought to span from April through the end of June in the U.S. Over the holiday weekend, the housing market came up in conversation often, with one key theme emerging: affordability. Whether from personal experience or through family and friends, many agree—buying a home today feels increasingly out of reach.

Major Trade War Breakthrough: 90-day Tariff Pause with China

Ryan Tomko May 16, 2025

A timeline of the current administration’s trade and tariff policy in 2025 is extensive with many daily and weekly changes and updates. Heading into this past weekend, the total tariffs on China were 145%, including the 20% fentanyl tariffs. Additionally, prior to this announcement, China increased its tariffs on American goods to 84%, a retaliatory response to the U.S. The 90-day pause in tariffs marks a significant shift in U.S.-China trade relations, especially considering that just last month, on April 12th, many, including the Washington Post, feared a full economic break between the two countries. At that time, fears of escalating tariffs and retaliatory measures

A New Definition of Luxury: Wellness, Balance, and Intentional Living

Ryan Tomko February 14, 2025

First, I believe we should have immense gratitude for living in this country at this point in history. Second, I’m left questioning that with the ease of procuring almost anything we desire, has there been something deeper that’s been left out?

Your Year-End Financial Checklist: Contributions, Tax Planning and more

Ryan Tomko December 18, 2023

I know that we’re all in the midst of planning for the holidays. As we create our to-do list for preparing for family gatherings, gift giving, and other festivities, we at Howe & Rusling also think it’s important to create a financial check list before we ring in the new year. We would like to highlight seven points that would be beneficial to review.

Street$marts: A Year End To-Do List

Ryan Tomko December 9, 2021

As we start creating our to-do list for preparing for family gatherings, gift giving, and other festivities, we also think it’s important to create a financial check list before we ring in the New Year.

Ryan Tomko

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