Steve Kostyk Financial Advising

06/19/2026

AI is no longer something I follow from a distance.

It's become a meaningful part of my daily workflow.

I use AI every day to research faster, generate ideas, and work more efficiently.

That's why I've been thinking about the growing gap between AI revenue and the billions being invested in data centers, chips, and infrastructure.

From my perspective, AI is already changing how work gets done.

Not by replacing people, but by helping them do more with their time and expertise.

The companies making these massive investments are betting that AI will become essential to the workforce.

Based on my own experience, that future may be closer than many think.

What role is AI playing in your work today?

Do you think we're overinvesting in AI, or still underestimating its impact?

Is this photo even real?

06/18/2026

This video was both inspiring and thought-provoking.

I watched this short film about four Americans in their 80s who are still working to pay the bills.

Some drive for Uber.

Others substitute teach.

Their stories reflect resilience, adaptability, and a deep sense of purpose.

What struck me most was that financial security is not guaranteed, even after decades of hard work.

Their experiences are a reminder of why long-term financial planning matters.

At the same time, they show the dignity that comes from continuing to contribute and stay engaged.

Aging is not just about retirement.

For many, it is about perseverance, purpose, and finding ways to keep moving forward.

Their stories offer a powerful perspective on work, aging, and the realities of today’s economy.

What lessons can we learn from these experiences?

Are we doing enough as individuals, employers, and society to help people achieve financial security later in life?

https://bit.ly/44jl5Mm

06/16/2026

SpaceX recently closed the largest IPO in history.🚀

They raised $85.7 billion after underwriters exercised their "greenshoe" option above the already record-breaking $75 billion originally targeted.

Investor demand reportedly exceeded $250 billion, highlighting extraordinary market appetite for companies building critical infrastructure in space, communications, and AI.

Beyond the headline number, the IPO signals a broader shift in public markets.📈

Investors aren't simply buying a rocket company; they're betting on a platform that spans launch services, Starlink's global connectivity network, and long-term bets on space transportation.

The offering valued SpaceX at roughly $1.77 trillion at IPO pricing, with shares surging after debut, pushing its market value above $2 trillion.

Capital is increasingly flowing toward companies solving foundational infrastructure problems.

SpaceX's IPO wasn't just a financing event.

It was a market vote of confidence that the next generation of trillion-dollar companies may be built around space, connectivity, and technologies once considered science fiction.🌎

Article source:

Wall Street banks sold extra shares set aside for stronger investor demand, Elon Musk’s firm said.

06/15/2026

Have you ever gone into business with someone?

Two business partners build a successful company together.

They have a strong relationship, complementary skills, and a growing business.

But they have never fully answered one uncomfortable question:

What happens if one of them dies, becomes disabled, wants out, or gets divorced?

Most people assume:

“I’ve known them for years. They would never leave my family high and dry if something happened to me.”

And that may be true.

But many partnerships work well until life throws something unexpected at them.

Without a formalized exit or succession plan, you may be relying on lawyers, family members, and emotions to figure out how everything should play out.

That is why planning for the “what ifs” is not negative.

It is responsible.

Curious for business owners:

Do you know anyone who owned a business where something happened to them or one of their partners?

How did that situation play out?

And is one uncomfortable conversation worth protecting your business and relationships?

When should partners revisit their buy-sell agreement?

When the business grows?

When a new partner joins?

After a major life event?

Every few years?

Or only when there is a problem?

06/12/2026

A business owner can be doing everything “right” on paper.

Revenue is strong.
The business is profitable.
Lifestyle is comfortable.

But there is often one uncomfortable reality underneath it all:

Most of their wealth is tied up in the business, and there may not be a clear plan for what happens next.

What happens if they cannot work tomorrow?

What happens if a key employee leaves?

What happens when they eventually want to exit?

When I owned my auto detailing business, I learned this firsthand.

I was an operator, not an owner.

I knew how to detail cars.
I knew how to work hard.
I knew how to take care of customers.

But I did not really know how to grow, scale, or eventually exit a business.

And I think a lot of business owners can relate to some version of that.

From the outside, the business may look successful.

But underneath, there can still be major planning gaps that do not show up until later.

Curious how other business owners think about this:

At what point should a business owner start seriously planning their exit strategy?

Before they are ready to sell?
Once revenue hits a certain level?
When family gets involved?
Or only when a buyer shows up?

06/11/2026

You might spend years working toward “success.”

Better job title.
Better income.
Better apartment.
Better vacations.

But somewhere along the way, you might realize that your schedule has become completely centered around work.

You therefore feel disconnected from the life you originally wanted to build.

Maybe it’s unclear whether life is actually enjoyable.

Even once you have the things you wanted, you still might not fully soak them in or give yourself the opportunity to step back and be present.

At a certain point, how much money you make may no longer be the biggest thing standing in the way.

It may be the lack of flexibility to actually use your time the way you want.

What would you prioritize first?

A. More income potential
B. More free time
C. More stability and predictability
D. More meaningful experiences

06/10/2026

Sometimes the cost is more than you expected.

When my fiancée and I were traveling from Bari to Monopoli, we hopped on the train thinking we were good to go.

What we didn’t realize was that we were supposed to pay before getting on.

Once we were on the train, we were told we had two options:

Pay 50 euros each, or get off and wait for the next train.

Since we were not on a tight schedule that night, we decided to get off, and wait for the next train.

It was a minor inconvenience, but it made me think about how often this happens in real life.

Sometimes the cost is more than you expected.

A home repair.
A medical bill.
A tax surprise.
A business expense.
A wedding.
A vacation.
A retirement decision.
A delay you didn’t plan.

The difference is whether you have enough flexibility built into your plan to absorb it.
In our case, the “cost” was mostly time.

But if we had been rushing to a dinner reservation, hotel check-in, or connecting train, we probably would have paid the 50 euros each and moved on.

That is why I think financial planning is not just about trying to maximize every dollar.

It is about creating enough room in your life so one unexpected cost does not throw everything off track.

06/09/2026

Collaboration matters whether it’s inside or outside the workplace.

In my experience, some of the best client outcomes happen when advisors, CPAs, attorneys, and other professionals work together instead of operating independently in separate silos.

When everyone is aligned, the advice becomes more complete, more intentional, and ultimately more helpful

Something I’ve been thinking about lately is how incredibly easy it has become to connect with people, exchange ideas, and build relationships.

People used to handwrite letters, buy stamps, drive to the post office, and wait days or weeks just to communicate with someone. Networking opportunities were limited by geography, timing, and access.

Today, we can connect with someone across the country or across the world in seconds.

We can share ideas instantly.
Schedule a meeting in minutes.
Join communities online.
Learn from people we may have never crossed paths with otherwise.

And most of it can happen without even leaving your chair.

Yet despite all of this accessibility, so many people still struggle to reach out, collaborate, or put themselves out there.

Why?

Maybe it’s fear of rejection.
Maybe it’s overthinking.
Maybe people underestimate the value of a single conversation.
Or maybe we’ve become so digitally connected that genuine connection feels harder than ever.

Some of the best opportunities, friendships, business relationships, and ideas often begin with a simple conversation.

One message.
One introduction.
One shared perspective.

What do you think stops people from collaborating or connecting more often, even when the tools and access are right in front of us?

06/08/2026

If you’re a young family trying to balance:

Saving for retirement
Saving for college
Buying or upgrading a home
Paying for childcare
Building emergency savings
Protecting the family if something happens
Still enjoying life

Know that it’s a lot.

Most if not all of these goals are good goals.

You’re not doing anything wrong looking ahead at everything.

However, if you are trying to fund every goal at the same time, it might be too much at once.

I want to hear📣from parents or professionals who work with young families:

What do you think is the biggest financial struggle, and what kind of help do you look for to ease these stressors?