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.

November

HOT TOPIC: Can Consumers Keep Carrying the Economy?

Consumer spending has bolstered the economy amid inflation, higher interest rates, and a cooling job market. This article looks at what may be driving spending and what might derail its momentum.
HDHP/HSA Pairing May Help Control Medical Costs

High-deductible health plans offer potential savings by encouraging cost-effective choices in medical spending, as well as eligibility for a health savings account with tax advantages.
You’ve Received an Inheritance, Now What?

Receiving an inheritance might promote spending without planning, but it’s not wise to make hasty decisions. This article provides suggestions that could help manage an inheritance.
Bond Yields Are Up, but What Are the Risks?

After years of low yields, bonds are offering higher yields that may be appealing to investors regardless of their risk tolerance. This article provides an overview of bond risks.
Tax-Loss Harvesting Offers Chance at Silver Lining

Stock market downturns can be rough on a portfolio’s bottom line, but selling losing investments may offer the potential to reduce an investor’s tax liability.
Breaking Down Clean Vehicle Tax Credits for Business Owners

Business owners may be able to claim one of two new federal tax credits to help offset the cost to purchase certain clean vehicles.

October

HOT TOPIC: Rising Oil Prices Could Pose the Latest Threat to the Economy

This article discusses the market dynamics that are impacting oil prices and adding to concerns about broader inflation and economic growth.
Time to Bulk Up Your Emergency Fund

A financial crisis can strike when least expected, so it’s important to have a sufficient emergency fund. This article offers some suggestions to help increase a fund before it’s needed.
Four Key Objectives of a Sound Retirement Plan

A sound retirement plan should be based on personal circumstances, and no one strategy is suitable for everyone. This article looks at four goals that a retirement strategy should address.
Managing Medicare Out-of-Pocket Costs

This article looks at the two different and mutually exclusive options Medicare beneficiaries have to help control retirement health-care spending: Medigap and Medicare Advantage.

September

HOT TOPIC: Soft Landing or Delayed Recession?

This article looks at the current state of U.S. economic activity and the prospects for continued growth as higher interest rates work their way through the economy.
Coming in 2024: New 529 Plan-to-Roth IRA Rollover Option

The SECURE 2.0 Act includes two new provisions related to college savings and funding. Learn more in this article.
Leave a Lasting Gift with an Ethical Will

An ethical will, also called a legacy letter, can tell a personal story and communicate beliefs and life lessons to family, friends, or community.
New RMD Rules Give Retirement Savings More Time to Grow

This article explains the rules for required minimum distribution from tax-deferred retirement accounts with an emphasis on the new provisions of the SECURE 2.0 Act.
Social Security 101

Social Security is complicated, and the details are often misunderstood even by those who are already receiving benefits.

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.
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.

July

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.
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.

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.
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

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.
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.

March

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.
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.
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.

January

HOT TOPIC: Is the Yield Curve Signaling a Recession?

An inversion of two-year and 10-year Treasury notes has preceded each recession for 50 years. This article looks at the current yield curve and what it might mean for the economy.
Stretch IRA Alternatives

The 2019 SECURE Act effectively eliminated the stretch IRA. Explore three alternatives to help preserve wealth and pass it to beneficiaries.
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.
Naming a Trusted Contact

It may be wise to designate a trusted contact when opening or updating an account at a brokerage or other financial firm. Learn why.

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.

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