News: Financial Digest

Essex Savings Bank's Rafal named number one financial advisor

Essex Ct John Rafal, president of Essex Financial Services was ranked first in the August 27 Barron's Top 100 Independent Financial Advisers. For the past four years, Rafal has been included in Barron's Top 100 Financial Advisers, a listing that included mostly advisers from large international and national firms. This is the first year that Barron's rated independent financial advisers. Rafal, who resides in Old Lyme, Conn., started his own business in 1982 and joined with Essex Savings Bank in 1998. Essex Financial Services now manages over $2 billion in client assets. They provide a full range of financial services to individuals, professionals such as doctors and attorneys and business owners. Services include financial planning, investment services, alternative investment strategies, insurance products and retirement options including the management of corporate 401 (k) plans.
MORE FROM Financial Digest

Preservation of Affordable Housing secures $23.5 million in financing from Rockland Trust and Citizens Bank

Cambridge, MA The nonprofit Preservation of Affordable Housing (POAH) has secured $23.5 million in financing from Rockland Trust and Citizens Bank to transform a 150-year-old, underutilized church complex into housing. The project will ultimately create 46 affordable family-sized apartments.
READ ON THE GO
DIGITAL EDITIONS
Subscribe
Columns and Thought Leadership
Conn. hospitality market: A technical appraisal perspective on market dynamics and valuation challenges (2019-2025)

Conn. hospitality market: A technical appraisal perspective on market dynamics and valuation challenges (2019-2025)

The Connecticut hospitality market has demonstrated uneven recovery patterns between 2019 and 2025, with boutique and historic properties achieving $125 RevPAR in 2025, up 8.7% from the 2019 level. Coastal resort properties achieved a $105 RevPAR in 2025, representing 10.5% growth since 2019. Casino corridor properties maintained modest growth with RevPAR improving 4.5% to $92 in 2025.
Examples of investors who used Kay Properties for legacy and estate planning purposes for rental property/portfolios - by Dwight Kay

Examples of investors who used Kay Properties for legacy and estate planning purposes for rental property/portfolios - by Dwight Kay

Preserving wealth across multiple generations requires strategic planning, foresight, and the right investment vehicles. Delaware Statutory Trusts (DSTs) offer a powerful solution for families looking to build and protect their financial legacy and to efficiently plan for their estate.