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: 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.
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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.
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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.
August
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
April
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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Stretch IRA Alternatives
The 2019 SECURE Act effectively eliminated the stretch IRA. Explore three alternatives to help preserve wealth and pass it to beneficiaries.
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Tips for Safe Online Shopping
This article offers ideas that could help online shoppers protect themselves from cyber criminals and scams.
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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
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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.
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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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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.
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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
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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.
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New Life for Your Old Insurance Policy
Did you know that there are alternatives to abandoning or surrendering current life insurance coverage? Learn more in this article.
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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.
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How Funding an HSA Could Help Strengthen Your Retirement Strategy
Discover how a well-managed health savings account can help you pay current and future medical bills as well as prepare for retirement.
October
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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.
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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.
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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?