Newsletters

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.

May

• Bonds Can Offer Stability Even with Rising Rates

  Explore three major categories of bonds, plus ideas for navigating the bond market amid climbing interest rates.

• SRI Investing: Not Just for Stocks

  Find out how individual impact bonds may allow investors to preserve principal and generate income while supporting activities that are important to them.

• Be Aware of Observation Care

  Covered by Medicare? Discover how observation status can impact your out-of-pocket costs and eligibility for post-hospital skilled nursing facility coverage.

• Retirement Planning: How Secure Is Social Security?

  View Social Security’s financial outlook, plus seven proposed fixes for a looming shortfall that may affect future benefits.

• Watch Out for Scams That Target Businesses

  Financial scams aimed at businesses are on the rise. See which potentially costly schemes owners and employees need to look out for.

April

• Do You Need a Power of Attorney?

  Explore three types of powers of attorney and find out how a living will can supplement a durable POA for health care.

• Trusts Offer More Than Estate Tax Protection

  Find out whether a testamentary trust, living trust, or special-purpose trust can benefit your family.

March

• Taking a Team Approach to Retirement Savings

  Even if you and your spouse have separate retirement accounts, you may still be able to craft a unified savings and investment strategy.

• IPOs: Consider the Risks Behind the Hype

  Discover why it might be worth waiting for a record of financial results before investing in an initial public offering.

• Bridging the Gap Between Retirement and Medicare Eligibility

  See three options that may help you bridge the health insurance coverage gap between retirement and Medicare eligibility.

• Estate Taxes: Should a Trust Own Your Life Insurance?

  An irrevocable life insurance trust can help pay estate taxes, but recent exemption level increases may warrant a new insurance strategy.

• Succession Plans Often Hinge on Reliable Valuation

  Discover the role a reliable business valuation can play in succession, tax, and retirement planning.