Newsletters

April

• HOT TOPIC: Government Acts to Blunt Financial Impact of Global Pandemic

  A discussion of the measures being taken by the federal government to support workers, businesses, financial markets, and the economy in these trying times.

• Setting a Retirement Savings Goal

  This article features a worksheet to help you estimate the savings you might need to generate your desired retirement income.

• Looking for Value with P/E Ratios

  Discover the basics of P/E ratios, with an emphasis on analyzing them in the appropriate context for making meaningful comparisons.

• Early Retirement and Your Tax-Deferred Savings

  Find out how the rules for early-distribution penalty exceptions differ for withdrawals from traditional IRAs and employer-sponsored plans.

• Living Benefits Can Help Counter Retirement Risks

  Optional riders that add living benefits to annuities might help retirees address two financial risks: outliving their savings and paying for long-term care.

• Don’t Let a Disaster Keep the Lights Off Forever

  As a small-business owner, do you know the types of coverages that may or may not be included in a standard business owner policy?

March

• HOT TOPIC: The Coronavirus and the Global Economy

  An examination of how China’s coronavirus-driven slowdown has affected global business activity and a look at its potential economic impact.

• Three Lessons from Retirees

  A survey of workers and retirees yielded three key findings that may prove helpful in planning for retirement. Find out more.

February

• HOT TOPIC: The SECURE Act and Your Retirement Savings

  A discussion of the important provisions in the SECURE Act that could affect retirement, tax, and estate planning strategies.

• Retirement Savings: Traditional, Roth, or Both?

  How does a traditional or Roth structure affect your IRA or employer-sponsored retirement plan? And what do their differences mean for older workers?

• What Is Cyber Insurance, and Do You Need It?

  Cyber attacks and loss of data can be devastating, so businesses should be proactive about addressing this risk.

January

• HOT TOPIC: Two Trade Agreements Offer Optimism, But Uncertainty Remains

  A look at the U.S.-China “skinny” trade deal and the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, and their potential impact on consumers and the U.S. economy.

• Give and Receive with a Charitable Remainder Trust

  Discover how to give a substantial gift to a favorite charity while receiving a flow of income during your lifetime.

• Running with the Dogs

  See how the Dogs of the Dow, an investing strategy known for chasing dividends and value, can be implemented through a unit investment trust.

• Rain, Sleet, Snow — and Lawsuits?

  Icy winter walkways can lead to injuries and lawsuits. Find out how an umbrella policy can offer higher liability coverage.

• Business or Hobby? It’s All About Taxes

  The difference between a money-losing business and a hobby matters at tax time. This article presents IRS criteria for making the distinction.

• Is It Time to Step Up Your Digital Marketing?

  Now that 28% of Americans report being online “almost constantly,” could digital marketing be a cost-effective way to attract new customers?

December

• What’s Required of the Executor of an Estate?

  Being named the executor of an estate can be an honor, but this overview shows why it can also be a difficult and time-consuming job.

• Qualified Charitable Distributions

  Discover how qualified charitable distributions work and why they may now be more valuable than taking a tax deduction.

• A New Option for Providing Health Coverage in 2020

  Learn more about Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangements and how they may help small businesses offer employee health coverage.

November

• Three Regrets of Retirees

  More than half of retirees surveyed had retirement planning regrets. Explore the three most common mistakes and how to avoid them.

October

• HOT TOPIC: Could a Health Savings Account Help Strengthen Your Retirement Plan?

  In addition to setting aside pre-tax income to pay current and future medical expenses, an HSA could play an important role in your long-term retirement strategy.

• Five Money Issues to Talk About Before the Wedding

  Before saying “I do,” newly-engaged couples may want to discuss these five key financial topics.

• What Medicare Won’t Cover

  See potentially expensive services Original Medicare doesn’t cover and how Medicare Advantage, Medigap or private insurance might help.

September

• Life Insurance Strategies: Reasons Empty Nesters May Want Permanent Coverage

  As policyholders age, life insurance could help supplement retirement income, support a surviving spouse, and/or leave a legacy.

August

• Life Insurance with Long-Term Care Benefits

  Concerned about the costs of long-term care? Discover two strategies that combine life insurance coverage with LTC benefits.

• Qualified Longevity Annuity Contracts (QLACs)

  Worried your retirement might outlast your savings? A qualified longevity annuity contract could provide an income stream later in life.

July

• Seeking Balance in a Mutual Fund

  Balancing stocks and bonds can be a central part of building an investment portfolio. Find out how balanced funds follow a similar strategy.

• Calculating Key Financial Ratios

  The financial ratios that help measure an organization’s performance may also be used by potential lenders and investors. Learn more.

June

• A Steady Strategy in Turbulent Times

  Dollar-cost averaging can help investors focus on building their portfolios through regular investing rather than reacting to market swings.

• Avoiding Probate with a Transfer-on-Death Deed

  Many U.S. states offer a way to avoid probate when leaving the family home to your heirs. Learn more about transfer-on-death deeds.

• Steps to Executing an Exit Strategy

  Monetizing a closely held business can be a difficult process, so owners may want to plan an exit strategy before they really need one.