Newsletters

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.

• 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.

• 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

• 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.

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.

• 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.

April

• Retiring in a Down Market? Don’t Panic

  Market volatility makes most investors nervous, but a big downturn can be especially disturbing to those who are approaching retirement or newly retired. This article presents three fundamental concepts that may help investors keep market movements in perspective and maintain their focus on long-term goals.

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.

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.

• 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.

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.

• 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.

October

• How Much Life Insurance Do You Need?

  Three approaches to help determine an appropriate amount of life insurance coverage that can help meet changing financial needs.