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.

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.

April

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

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