Newsletters

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.

• New FAFSA Favors Grandparent College Giving

  Changes to the 2024–2025 Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) allow grandparents to help with college expenses without affecting financial aid eligibility based on the FAFSA.

• Enriching a Teen with a Roth IRA

  A teen with a part-time job can contribute to a Roth IRA, which is a flexible way to accumulate funds for college, retirement, and other long-term needs.

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.

• All Eyes on the Earnings Picture

  Earnings season can be a volatile period for stocks. As investors digest and respond to new data, the marketplace rewards some companies and punishes others.

• 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.

• Mutual Funds: What’s in Your Portfolio?

  Mutual funds offer a convenient way to invest across a wide range of market activity. This article provides an overview of different types of mutual funds in order of typical risk.

• 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

• HOT TOPIC: Is This Bull Timid or Ready to Charge?

  On June 8, 2023, the S&P 500 closed 20% higher than its lowest recent closing value, beginning a new bull market. This article looks at some factors that may shed light on the current market.

• 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.

• REITs, Rates, and Income

  This article provides an overview of REITs, including how they can offer a consistent income stream and why changing interest rates can affect REIT performance.

• 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

• 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.

• 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.

• Diversifying with Market Caps

  The S&P 500 Index ended 2022 down 19.4%. Midsize and smaller companies also lost ground but generally held their value better than large companies. This article explains why holding stocks in companies of different sizes can help diversify a portfolio.

• 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.

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.

• When Should Young Adults Start Investing for Retirement?

  Now is the best time to start retirement investing for two key reasons: compounding and tax management. Read this article to learn more.

• 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.

• Balancing Stocks and Bonds in One Fund

  Discover what to look for in a balanced mutual fund and learn how this type of fund might be used in a portfolio.

• 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

• 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.

• A 529 Plan Can Help Jump Start Your College Fund

  Do you know how a 529 savings plan can be instrumental in building a college fund? Read this article to find out.

• 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.