Tech Talk With Bob

Tech Talk with Bob: Upgrade Safely

By Bob Dalles

If you just got a new computer or are thinking about upgrading to a new system, you might just have a need for my team. Clients have found peace of mind with these two services we offer businesses and individuals.

Data Transfers: If you are upgrading from an older computer to a newer one, you probably want to have all of your personal data transferred from your old computer to your new computer too. A lot of folks ask me if we can move their existing data (music, pictures, documents, videos, etc.) from their old computer to their new computer. We do this routinely. Clients tell me countless stories of data losses from attempting to transfer their files without using the proper techniques. We will safely and securely move your data quickly and painlessly. If the reason you are getting a new computer is because your old computer will not boot up, I usually can still recover your data off of your old dead system.

Once you have upgraded to your new computer and have successfully transferred all of your pictures, documents, and other personal files over to it, what do you do with your old computer? First, never throw your old computer into the trash. It needs to be disposed of properly and responsibly because it contains elements that are not safe for our environment. In addition, most municipalities have laws and impose fines in regard to the proper/improper disposal of these items. Second, your discarded computer has a disk drive in it (hard disk drive/solid state drive) that stores your information, including your personal data. Even if you delete your personal files, there are still methods cyber criminals can use to extract data that you thought was permanently erased. Therefore your data on your old computer sitting by the curb or in a dumpster can be intercepted by anyone willing to rummage through your trash from the time you throw it out to the time it gets to the landfill.

That is why I also offer my clients…

Safe and Secure System Disposals: Let me explain the process. First, we remove the disk drive mounted inside your computer that actually stores all of your personal data and private information. It is usually in the form of a hard disk drive or solid-state drive. Second, we disassemble and dispose of the remaining components through proper industry channels we have in place. At this point all that is left is your old disk drive. Finally, we place that drive into an industrial shredder that converts the drive into a pile of rubble.

There is no way any data will get into the hands of anyone, let alone cyber criminals, through an old computer we discarded. We can provide you with this quick and easy way to dispose of your old environmentally toxic computer. Plus, you also have peace of mind knowing that the data that was on your old computer is safe and inaccessible because your computer has been dismantled and its disk drive is no longer in one piece.

Cyber criminals will exploit the easy, unprotected systems. Protecting your data is your responsibility, but you don’t have to do it all by yourself. My staff and I are here to help you navigate through these cumbersome and often confusing tasks. If you are not sure your system is safe, please have it looked over by a Professionally Certified Computer Technician. If you need a certified professional, call us now at 727-534-4000. We’ve been helping folks restore their peace of mind, and sanity, with their technology for decades.

We Keep You Safer In Your Digital World!

“Rizzotto Tax” story continued from page 1 categories, give them a call to inquire about their special pricing. Through changing tax environments, it is crucial to work with a firm that is up to date on policy and can help you navigate through the stressful tax season ahead.

At Rizzotto Wealth Management you will find a team of Investment, Insurance, Tax & Legal Experts. They have recently opened their doors in a more spacious and upgraded office and are ready to serve all of your financial needs at their new location. They specialize in educating their clients on subjects such as: how to preserve your assets, how to diversify your portfolio for growth and safety, and how to create more income for retirement while reducing your taxes. Rizzotto Wealth Management is committed to assisting their clients every step of the way when it comes to

Investing, Retirement, Income Planning,

and Taxes. The firm is dedicated to providing exemplary service while displaying the highest standards of ethics and professional knowledge. They are approved members of the National Ethics Association and the National Association of Tax Professionals.

Rizzotto Wealth Management’s main objectives are to help you

Plan, Invest, and Protect.

They work with clients to develop an overall plan that encompasses your entire financial picture, taking the time to establish a deep understanding of your financial needs in order to find the best investment strategy for you. Amidst the vast sea of negatives, they want to make sure you are properly positioned for the significant opportunities ahead.

Meet the Rizzotto Team

Ed Rizzotto, Founder

and Managing Partner, moved to Florida 48 years ago from New York and has been a Trinity resident since 2000. A graduate of Clearwater Central Catholic High School, he earned his bachelor’s degree in Business Management from National-Louis University in Evanston, IL. Ed also served both active and reserve duty for 13 years in the U.S. Coast Guard. He started his Insurance and Financial career over 20 years ago. In 1999, he joined a local retirement planning firm, where he helped hundreds of people with tax and retirement planning for over six years. Ed Rizzotto enjoyed the opportunity to benefit the community, and was determined to create a complete

local business where he could help clients (both pre-retirees and current retirees) save money on their taxes, better manage their portfolios, plan for the future and focus more on enjoying their retirement years – and The Rizzotto Tax Advisory Group was established in 2006. In 2019 Rizzotto Tax Advisory Group officially rebranded as Rizzotto Wealth Management to reflect the services they’ve always been passionate about, investments and retirement planning. Ed holds a state-regulated Life & Health license and specializes in finding the appropriate insurance vehicles for clients as well as retirement planning and tax reduction strategies.

Nic Ranocchia, Managing

Partner, is a graduate of the University of South Florida, with a bachelor’s degree in Finance. Nic is a financial advisor who takes pride in digging into clients’ portfolios and making suggestions that make sense based on data and trends. He also brings a modern approach to the table using the latest technologies available to ensure all information is considered before a decision is made. With these techniques, Nic has been able to help many clients reach their financial goals. Together, Ed and Nic work efficiently as a team to serve their client’s financial needs as a whole. He is securities licensed and registered with FINRA as an Investment Advisory Representative and specializes in managed brokerage accounts.

Lorrie Rizzotto, Director

of Operations, joined the firm in 2009. Before joining Ed in running their family business, Lorrie specialized in corporate incentive and meeting planning. Married for 30 years, Lorrie and Ed have two children.

Jennifer Alt, Administrative

Assistant, gives everyone a warm reception and oversees the day to day office operations. Jennifer brings over 20 years of human resources and customer service experience to her role as Administrative Assistant and is a graduate of Florida State University.

Lauren Schafer, Marketing

Coordinator, oversees their marketing functions. She is a graduate of the University of Florida with a degree in Marketing and a minor in Entrepreneurship and has been with the team for over 2 years.

Their team of IRS

enrolled agents and

senior tax preparers have an average of over 20 years of experience in tax preparation and tax law and are ready to assist you with all of your tax preparation needs. They also have a long-standing relationship with a trusted elder law attorney who

They go beyond just taxes

Many members of the community have grown to know and trust the firm as a tax service, but their services stretch far beyond just taxes. They handle investments, insurance, brokerage accounts, portfolio management, retirement income planning and more. Rizzotto Wealth Management is guided by your goals and objectives and is not obligated to any single product or company. They look at your complete financial picture to serve as the single source for all of your financial needs. Through all phases of life, the Rizzotto Wealth Management team can help you establish the appropriate portfolio to help you pursue your financial goals. Rizzotto Wealth Management is committed to assisting their clients every step of the way, whether you’re looking for something with higher growth potential or safety they’ve got you covered! To schedule a tax

consult or complimentary financial review, please call 727.683.9119.

Fee-based financial planning and investment advisory services are offered through Truvestments Capital, LLC an SEC Registered Investment Advisor.