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.

April

Beware of These Life Insurance Beneficiary Mistakes

Naming a life insurance policy’s beneficiaries should be a relatively simple task, but there are some situations that can lead to unintended and adverse consequences.
What’s Required of the Executor of an Estate?

Being named as the executor of an estate is generally an honor but settling an estate can be a difficult and time-consuming job. This article provides an overview of typical executor responsibilities.
Fixed Annuities: Retirement Income for Now or Later

Purchasing a fixed annuity shifts the risk for future investment returns to the insurance company and could help create a pension-like income stream for retirement.

March

HOT TOPIC: Can Productivity Keep Driving the U.S. Economy?

This article looks at the importance of productivity to the U.S. economy, possible contributing factors to the recent surge, and the prospects for an extended period of strong productivity growth.
Key Retirement and Tax Numbers for 2024

This article presents the IRS’ cost-of-living adjustments for 2024 that affect contribution limits for retirement plans and various tax deduction, exclusion, exemption, and threshold amounts.
How Savers and Spenders Can Meet in the Middle

Couples who have opposite philosophies regarding saving and spending often have trouble finding common ground. This article offers some tips to learn to work with financial differences.
The Federal Reserve’s Key Meeting Dates in 2024

This article outlines the Federal Reserve’s three main objectives and provides the meeting schedule of the Federal Open Market Committee.

February

HOT TOPIC: Tax Season News and Survival Tips

Taxpayers may want to be aware of important updates as they prepare to file their 2023 federal returns. This article includes information, filing tips, and last-minute opportunities for tax savings.
Don’t Forget About Credit When Planning for Retirement

Credit may not be at the top of the list when it comes to retirement, but good credit can make a big difference for retirees. This article looks at some key factors that lenders consider.
Do You Have These Key Estate Planning Documents?

This article provides an overview of four estate planning documents that almost everyone should have: a durable power of attorney, a medical directive, a will, and a letter of instruction.
Debit or Credit — What’s the Difference?

This article explains why it may be better to use a credit card for certain transactions, as long as the bill is paid on time to avoid interest charges.
Small Businesses Could Face Borrowing Challenges

Despite tougher lending conditions and higher interest costs, many people who need capital for business purposes may need to borrow money. This article discusses some common financing options.

January

Understanding Life Insurance

Life insurance can help replace much-needed income after the death of a provider. With the wide variety of policies available, it’s important to understand the basic types of coverage.
Will You Work Beyond Traditional Retirement Age?

Does your income strategy beyond traditional retirement age include receiving a paycheck? This article looks at the advantages and disadvantages of working later in life.
How to Kill Your Zombie Subscriptions

With inflation cutting into consumers’ purchasing power, getting rid of a few unnecessary recurring charges could be a painless way to help balance the household budget.

December

Much Ado About RMDs

This article provides an overview of the changes the SECURE 2.0 Act made and a brief explanation of how to calculate required minimum distributions from tax-advantaged retirement accounts.
Medical Debt and Your Credit Report

This article looks at changes in the way medical debt is handled on credit reports and offers tips to avoid having unpaid medical bills impact credit.
Why the EPA is Focusing on “Forever” Chemicals

In March 2023, the Environmental Protection Agency proposed the first federal limits for six types of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, in public drinking water.
New Medicare Rules Tackle Prescription Drug Prices

The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 included provisions intended to lower prescription drug costs for Medicare enrollees and slow drug spending by the federal government.

November

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.
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.
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.
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.
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

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.
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

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.
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.

Address:

Phone:

E-mail: