Newsletters

June

• HOT TOPIC: Shortages and Bottlenecks Expose Weak Links in U.S. Supply Chains

  As a consumer, have you noticed shortages? Here are some of the reasons behind supply-chain problems and how they might impact the economy.

• New Changes to College Financial Aid and Education Tax Benefits

  The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, included several provisions affecting financial aid and education. Learn more.

• How Well Do You Understand Retirement Plan Rules?

  From IRAs to 401(k)s, qualified retirement plans can be complex. This short quiz tests readers’ knowledge of a few of the finer points.

• Your Business: New Rules for Writing Off Restaurant Meals

  The December 2020 stimulus bill lets businesses deduct the full cost of restaurant meals in tax years 2021 and 2022. Get the details.

May

• HOT TOPIC: Rising Inflation: Where Will It Go from Here?

  Read about the causes of the recent inflationary trend. Does it represent a short-term phase or the start of a longer-term acceleration in prices?

• Real Estate for Income and Diversification

  Are you familiar with REITs and why they can help diversify a portfolio? Read this article to learn more.

• Five Tips to Follow When Applying for a Mortgage

  Historically low interest rates have driven record homebuying. This article provides some ideas to consider when applying for a mortgage.

• Portfolios Get Personal: Growing Interest in Socially Responsible Investing

  This article discusses socially responsible investments that may enable the pursuit of financial returns and make a positive global impact.

April

• A Financial Wellness Plan Can Help Pave the Road to Retirement

  This article outlines four elements of financial well-being and offers suggestions to strengthen financial wellness.

March

• Home Sweet Home Equity

  Owning a home or having substantial equity may offer financial benefits in retirement. Discover five ways to use or increase home equity.

• Is Your Home Office Also a Tax Shelter?

  This article explains which taxpayers are eligible for the home office deduction and describes the two methods used to calculate it.

February

• Sequence Risk: Preparing to Retire in a Down Market

  This article offers a strategy that may help address sequence risk — the danger of poor investment performance at the outset of retirement.

• Watch Out for These Financial Pitfalls in the New Year

  Financial opportunities and potential pitfalls can appear at any time. Here are common money mistakes to avoid at various stages of life.

• When You Can’t Speak for Yourself

  Discover how a living will and durable powers of attorney for health care and finances can help ensure your wishes are carried out.

January

• Five Tips to Regain Your Retirement Savings Focus in 2021

  This article presents five steps that could help focus and enhance a retirement savings strategy in 2021.

• Money Market Funds in a Low Rate Environment

  Did you know there still may be reasons to hold money market mutual funds despite low yields? Read this article to find out more.

• Gift vs. Inheritance: Consider the Tax Difference

  When deciding whether to gift assets now or transfer them to heirs at death, you need to understand step-up in basis and tax consequences.

December

• Should You Pay Off Student Loans Early or Save More for Retirement?

  Wondering whether you should pay off student loan debt today or save for the future? Here are some considerations to help make the decision.

• Putting Your Nest Egg in Three Baskets

  Find out how understanding sequence-of-returns risk could help you develop a three-prong distribution strategy for retirement.

November

• Your Estate: Have You Looked at These Legal Documents Lately?

  This article looks at documents that should be kept up to date, including wills, trusts, advance medical directives, and beneficiary forms.

• Four Steps to Rebuilding Your Business

  Small-business owners may need to think on their feet and visualize what a recovery might look like for their operations post COVID-19.

October

• Return of Premium Life Insurance: Protection and Cash Back

  This article provides an overview of the pros and cons of a type of term policy – return of premium life insurance.

September

• Could You Be Responsible for Your Parents’ Nursing Home Bills?

  Filial responsibility laws can hold children responsible for certain parental debts. This potential liability is one reason to plan for long-term care needs.

• Survivor Benefits Provide a Financial Lifeline

  Decisions made when claiming Social Security retirement benefits can make a big difference in spousal and other dependents’ survivor benefits.

• Why Family Businesses Should Have Succession Plans

  Do you know the reasons why business owners might need to take the time to develop a thoughtful succession plan?

August

• Indexed Annuities: A Strategy to Turn Savings into Retirement Income

  Explore the unique features and risks of indexed annuities and their potential role in investors’ retirement income strategies.