Newsletters
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.
September
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HOT TOPIC: The Bull Is Back... Will It Keep Charging?
The S&P 500 index recently saw the fastest recovery in its history following the COVID-19 bear market, but will the surge continue?
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Could You Be Responsible for Your Parents’ Nursing Home Bills?
Filial responsibility laws can hold children responsible for certain parental debts. This potential liability is one reason to plan for long-term care needs.
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Survivor Benefits Provide a Financial Lifeline
Decisions made when claiming Social Security retirement benefits can make a big difference in spousal and other dependents’ survivor benefits.
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Consider Market Caps for Diversification
2020’s market volatility combined with holding stock in different-sized companies might help you diversify your equity portfolio at a discount.
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Student Loan Stress? These Plans Might Help
This article outlines the basic provisions of income-driven repayment plans that can help reduce the burden of federal student loans.
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Why Family Businesses Should Have Succession Plans
Do you know the reasons why business owners might need to take the time to develop a thoughtful succession plan?
August
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HOT TOPIC: College Disrupted: Students Face High Costs and Pandemic Impact
Paying for college can mean borrowing money or risking savings. This article focuses on financial aid and the importance of informed academic choices.
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Debit or Credit? Pick a Card
Do you know the differences between debit and credit cards? This article discusses both and when it might be better to use a credit card.
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Consider a Roth Conversion for Tax-Free Income
Lower tax rates and asset values may make now the time to consider a Roth conversion. This article outlines the rules and potential benefits.
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Turbulent Times: Bear Markets Come and Go
A look at the economic conditions that triggered the 2020 bear market and why investors may benefit from having a longer-term perspective.
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Indexed Annuities: A Strategy to Turn Savings into Retirement Income
Explore the unique features and risks of indexed annuities and their potential role in investors’ retirement income strategies.
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Crisis Relief: Financial Lifelines for Affected Workers
Temporary crisis relief legislation makes it easier to access retirement account funds and extends paid leave for workers at some small businesses.
July
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HOT TOPIC: The Shape of Economic Recovery
This article looks at the potential shape of the COVID-19 economic recovery with some historical context and key factors that may affect the direction of the economy.
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Mid-Year Is a Great Time to Fine-Tune Your Finances
The middle of the year is an ideal time to revisit financial resolutions and consider steps that may help develop a stronger financial position.
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Four Questions on the Roth Five-Year Rule
This article provides an overview of two versions of the Roth five-year rule and how they apply to various situations.
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The Beige Book: A Timely Economic Read
The Federal Reserve’s “Beige Book” provides a broad overview of the economy that is often essential for making economic policy decisions.
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Quarterly Taxes: Deadlines Keep Coming for the Self-Employed
If you are self-employed, do you know how to calculate quarterly estimated tax payments in order to avoid underpayment penalties?
June
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HOT TOPIC: Think Twice Before Speculating on a COVID-19 Cure
This article discusses risks involved in developing treatments and vaccines for COVID-19, and why discoveries might not benefit investors.
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Managing Your Workplace Retirement Plan
This article presents some steps employees can take to get the most out of their employer-sponsored retirement plans.
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Will vs. Trust: Know the Difference
Wills and trusts can each help in the distribution of assets at death. This article points out important differences between the two.
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Do ETFs Belong in Your Portfolio?
Do you know the potential benefits and risks of exchange-traded funds and how they differ from mutual funds?
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SECURE Act Changes That Matter to Small Employers
The SECURE Act could make it easier and more affordable for business owners to provide retirement plans and help their employees save for retirement.
May
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HOT TOPIC: Too Much Oil with Nowhere to Go
This article looks at the reasons behind crude oil’s price collapse and the larger issue of imbalance between supply and demand in the global oil industry.
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Keeping Cool: Investment Strategy vs. Reaction
This article offers ideas to help investors focus on strategic decisions rather than react emotionally to the latest market news or movements.
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The Cost of Family Caregiving
A look at the financial, emotional, and physical costs of family caregiving with some helpful suggestions for caregivers.
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Telemedicine: The Virtual Doctor Will See You Now
Many large employers offer telemedicine programs in their benefit packages. Do you know the potential advantages of telemedicine?
April
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HOT TOPIC: Government Acts to Blunt Financial Impact of Global Pandemic
A discussion of the measures being taken by the federal government to support workers, businesses, financial markets, and the economy in these trying times.
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Setting a Retirement Savings Goal
This article features a worksheet to help you estimate the savings you might need to generate your desired retirement income.
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Looking for Value with P/E Ratios
Discover the basics of P/E ratios, with an emphasis on analyzing them in the appropriate context for making meaningful comparisons.
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Early Retirement and Your Tax-Deferred Savings
Find out how the rules for early-distribution penalty exceptions differ for withdrawals from traditional IRAs and employer-sponsored plans.
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Living Benefits Can Help Counter Retirement Risks
Optional riders that add living benefits to annuities might help retirees address two financial risks: outliving their savings and paying for long-term care.
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Don’t Let a Disaster Keep the Lights Off Forever
As a small-business owner, do you know the types of coverages that may or may not be included in a standard business owner policy?