Newsletters

Fourty-seven percent of American workers have saved less than $25,000 for retirement, and 24% have saved less than $1,000.¹
Source: Employee Benefit Research Institute, 2017

Will you outlive your retirement income? Are your financial expectations for the coming year realistic?

Our financial newsletters are designed to provide helpful information on a wide variety of financial topics. Simply click on one of the newsletter topics below to read the article in its entirety.

• August

  HOT TOPIC: What’s Happening in the World of Higher Education?
  This article covers the decline in college enrollment, recent developments in student debt and financial aid, and tips for making cost-effective decisions.

  Mutual Funds: What’s in Your Portfolio?
  Mutual funds offer a convenient way to invest across a wide range of market activity. This article provides an overview of different types of mutual funds in order of typical risk.

  Home Energy Tax Credits
  There are two separate federal tax credits available for home installation of certain energy efficient or clean energy property. Learn more.

  On the Move Again: International Travel Tips
  Are you planning a foreign vacation? This article offers some suggestions that might help keep it on track.

  SECURE 2.0: Big Impact for Small Businesses
  This article discusses provisions in the SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022 that may be of particular interest to small business owners.

  It’s Your Money: Why Not Get Your Withholding Right?
  Did you owe money at tax time or receive a large refund? This article discusses the types of situations in which taxpayers should consider adjusting their withholding.

• July

  HOT TOPIC: Is This Bull Timid or Ready to Charge?
  On June 8, 2023, the S&P 500 closed 20% higher than its lowest recent closing value, beginning a new bull market. This article looks at some factors that may shed light on the current market.

  Why Buy Life Insurance During Unsettled Economic Times?
  This article looks at four good reasons why life insurance can be especially helpful in a challenging economy.

  SECURE 2.0 Act Expands Early Withdrawal Exceptions
  Discover exceptions to the federal income penalty for early withdrawals from tax-advantaged retirement accounts, including new exceptions added by the SECURE 2.0 Act.

  REITs, Rates, and Income
  This article provides an overview of REITs, including how they can offer a consistent income stream and why changing interest rates can affect REIT performance.

  Tracking the Fed’s Progress on Disinflation
  This article compares the key inflation measures that economists and investors are watching for signs of easing price pressures.

  Child Care Is a Budget Buster: Take Advantage of These Tax Breaks
  A tax credit and/or dependent-care flexible spending account might help offset some of the costs paid for a nanny, babysitter, day care, preschool, or day camp.

• June

  HOT TOPIC: Will Artificial Intelligence Upend the American Workforce?
  This article discusses the race between tech companies to monetize AI and how widespread adoption might affect workers, the economy, and society in general.

  How Taxes Impact Your Retirement-Income Strategy
  Retirees face unique challenges when managing their income, particularly when it comes to taxes. This article provides an overview of tax-related issues, from taxing Social Security to the new RMD rules and determining when to tap taxable and tax-advantaged accounts.

  A Mortgage Recast Is an Alternative to Refinancing
  This article explains how a mortgage recast works to enable a homeowner to reduce a monthly mortgage payment without having to refinance and why it may be an appealing solution in certain situations.

  Does the Social Security COLA Help If You’re Not Receiving Benefits?
  This article explains how the COLA not only helps current beneficiaries, but also may increase future benefits for those who are not yet receiving Social Security payments.

  Most Grocery Shoppers Aren’t Fooled by Shrinkflation
  You may have noticed products shrinking in size while prices stay the same or increase. This article includes tips for spotting and reducing the impact of this tricky strategy.

  Cheaper Hearing Aids Are Coming to a Store Near You
  Thanks to a recent regulatory shift, it’s now possible to buy an effective hearing aid without a medical exam or a prescription, potentially for a lot less money.

• May

  HOT TOPIC: Rescuing America’s Safety Net
  This article looks at the current fiscal outlook for the Social Security and Medicare programs and presents some potential changes that might help to strengthen them.

  Diversifying with Market Caps
  The S&P 500 Index ended 2022 down 19.4%. Midsize and smaller companies also lost ground but generally held their value better than large companies. This article explains why holding stocks in companies of different sizes can help diversify a portfolio.

  Keep an Eye Out for IRS-Related Scams
  Although IRS scams are especially prevalent during tax season, they also take place throughout the year. This article identifies some common tax scams and offers tips to help avoid becoming a victim.

  Social Security Offers Benefits from Birth Through Old Age
  The bulk of Social Security benefits go to retirees, but Social Security is much more than a retirement program. This article outlines other types of Social Security benefits.

  Municipal Bonds: A Tax-Advantaged Way to Put Capital to Work
  Muni bonds and tax-exempt funds have long been a mainstay in the portfolios of income-focused investors who want to manage their tax burdens.

  Bear Market Emotions: Strategy vs. Reaction
  Staying disciplined in building a well-constructed portfolio over time can help carry investors through the market’s rough spots.

• April

  HOT TOPIC: Bank Failures Shine Light on Interest Rate Risks
  Read about the reasons some banks are coming under pressure, including the rapid rise of interest rates, financial market effects, and the role of the FDIC.

  Are You Eligible for Any of These College-Related Federal Tax Benefits?
  College students and their parents need all the help they can get when paying for college or repaying student loans. This article explains three federal tax benefits that could take some of the sting out of expensive college costs.

  Time for a Spring Cleanup: Organizing Your Financial Records
  Spring is a good time to clean out and organize financial records. This article offers guidelines on how long different types of records need to be retained.

  Retiring in a Down Market? Don’t Panic
  Market volatility makes most investors nervous, but a big downturn can be especially disturbing to those who are approaching retirement or newly retired. This article presents three fundamental concepts that may help investors keep market movements in perspective and maintain their focus on long-term goals.

  Trusts — Not Just for Estate Taxes
  In the past, trusts were often used to avoid estate taxes, but that purpose has become less important for most people with current high exemption amounts. However, a properly constructed trust can serve many other purposes for families of more modest means.

  Business Owners: Should You Organize as an LLC?
  Establishing an LLC creates a separate legal entity to help shield a business owner’s personal assets from lawsuits brought against the firm by customers or employees.

• March

  Key Retirement and Tax Numbers for 2023
  Find out about cost-of-living adjustments that affect retirement plan contribution limits and other deductions and threshold amounts.

  Creating Your Own “Operation London Bridge”
  Queen Elizabeth II had a complex end-of-life plan, but you may also need an appropriate plan to help ease the burden on your family members.

  Double Up with a Spousal IRA
  Do you know how to fund an IRA for a nonworking spouse? These IRS rules can help couples build retirement savings based on joint income.

  When Should Young Adults Start Investing for Retirement?
  Now is the best time to start retirement investing for two key reasons: compounding and tax management. Read this article to learn more.

  The Inflation Experience is Painful – and Personal
  This article discusses consumer price index categories, how they’re weighted, and the top drivers of inflation over the past year.

• February

  HOT TOPIC: SECURE 2.0 Aims to Brighten the Future for Retirement Savers
  This article provides an overview of upcoming changes that could affect workplace retirement plan participants and IRA owners due to legislation passed by Congress at the end of 2022.

  Balancing Stocks and Bonds in One Fund
  Discover what to look for in a balanced mutual fund and learn how this type of fund might be used in a portfolio.

  Fixed for Life: What Can an Annuity Do for You?
  Do you know the difference between immediate and deferred annuities and options for annuitization? Read this article to find out.

  Three Ways to Help Simplify Your Finances
  Over time, finances can become complicated. Here are three ideas that might make them simpler and less stressful.

  IRA Strategies: After-Tax Money and the Pro-Rata Rule
  The pro-rata rule determines how much of a traditional IRA distribution is taxable. Read this article to learn how the rule is applied.

  Small Businesses Should Prepare for Stronger Tax Enforcement
  The IRS is receiving $80 billion to upgrade its technology and workforce. This article offers tips for business owners to help avoid a tax audit.

• January

  Stretch IRA Alternatives
  The 2019 SECURE Act effectively eliminated the stretch IRA. Explore three alternatives to help preserve wealth and pass it to beneficiaries.

  A 529 Plan Can Help Jump Start Your College Fund
  Do you know how a 529 savings plan can be instrumental in building a college fund? Read this article to find out.

  Tips for Safe Online Shopping
  This article offers ideas that could help online shoppers protect themselves from cyber criminals and scams.

  Taking Control of Your Retirement Savings
  Leaving a job? Discover four options that are often available for managing funds in an employer-sponsored retirement plan.

• December

  HOT TOPIC: ‘Tis the Season for Tax-Friendly Giving Strategies
  Donating to charity can make a difference at any time of the year. But taking a strategic approach, possibly as part of your year-end tax planning, could offer tax benefits and potentially increase your ability to give. This article provides an overview of various tax-advantaged giving strategies.

  Sectors: Overweight, Underweight, or Just Right?
  Did you know varying performance can change the balance of sectors in a portfolio? Learn how sector funds can be used to shift sector weighting.

  Is It Time to Buy an Electric Vehicle?
  The electric-vehicle market is evolving quickly. This article offers some ideas to consider before purchasing an electric vehicle.

  IRA Distributions Can Benefit Your Favorite Cause … and Your Tax Bill
  IRA owners who are 70½ or older can give to charity without itemizing and still get a tax break. Find out how.

  Talk About These Money Matters Before the Wedding
  Get an overview of financial topics couples should discuss to help keep surprises and disagreements from disrupting newlywed bliss.

  Fraudsters and Scammers Pocket Nearly $6 Billion in 2021
  This article discusses the most common and costly types of scams, and how would-be victims can spot them.

• November

  HOT TOPIC: What Does a Strong Dollar Mean for the U.S. Economy?
  This article looks at why the dollar is surging and how the strong dollar may affect U.S. consumers, businesses, and the broader economy.

  Famous People Who Died Without Proper Planning
  Think celebrities are way ahead of the curve when it comes to planning their estates? Many have died with no or inadequate estate plans.

  Retirement Savings in a Volatile Market
  Emotional reactions can be an enemy of sound investing. This article offers perspective and strategies that may help investors stay the course.

  Virtual Health Care Is Here to Stay
  Telehealth skyrocketed during the COVID-19 pandemic and continues to be popular. This article looks at the potential benefits of virtual health care.

• October

  HOT TOPIC: CHIPS and Science Act Aims to Preserve U.S. Technology Edge
  This article discusses the CHIPS and Science Act’s key provisions, as the U.S. strives to reduce its reliance on semiconductors produced overseas.

  How Much Life Insurance Do You Need?
  Three approaches to help determine an appropriate amount of life insurance coverage that can help meet changing financial needs.

  Building Financial Resilience
  Steps to be better positioned for turbulent events such as inflation, roller-coaster markets, and global events — and hopefully emerge even stronger.

  Donor-Advised Funds Combine Charitable Impact with Tax Benefits
  This article discusses how a donor-advised fund might be used to time charitable contributions for tax purposes or to gift appreciated assets.

  Small Businesses Are Short-Staffed and Overwhelmed
  The pandemic kicked off a severe labor shortage. What can small-business owners do if they are struggling to meet staffing needs?