Newsletters

July

• HOT TOPIC: Buffett Takes a Bow: 7 Lessons from an Iconic Investor

  At age 94, Warren Buffett recently announced his retirement as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway. This article focuses on investment fundamentals as well as tips and quotes from the famous investor.

• Will You Pay a Medicare Surcharge?

  The standard monthly Part B premium is $185 in 2025, but premiums for both Part B and Part D can vary based on income levels.

• Fine-Tuning with Sector Funds

  The stocks in the S&P 500 are classified by 11 sectors, each of which responds differently to market conditions.

• Peer-to-Peer Payments Are Popular, but Be Careful

  Making a peer-to-peer (P2P) payment is a convenient way to transfer money to family, friends, or businesses — these precautions can help avoid costly mistakes.

• Individual Bonds vs. Bond Funds: What’s the Difference?

  Individual bonds and bond funds can both provide an income stream, but there are important differences.

• Important Tax Breaks for Pass-Through Businesses

  Some owners of pass-through businesses may be able to deduct up to 20% of their qualified business income and/or take generous deductions for investing in qualified property.

June

• HOT TOPIC: Moody’s Downgraded U.S. Debt — Does It Matter?

  On May 16, 2025, Moody’s Ratings downgraded U.S. government debt from its highest rating of Aaa to Aa1. This article looks at the reasons for the downgrade and its potential effects.

• Versatile 529 Plans Can Help with More than Just College

  529 plans were originally created to save for college, but Congress has expanded the ways these plans can be used, making them a more flexible and versatile savings vehicle.

• Life Insurance in Retirement

  Life insurance might not seem necessary for retirees or those close to retirement, but there are situations where coverage may make sense.

• Catch Up for a More Comfortable Retirement

  Only a third of U.S. workers age 50 and older feel they are on track to enjoy a comfortable retirement, but there are opportunities to build substantial savings late in a working career.

• Look Out for Observation Care

  The use of observation care, during which a patient may be in a hospital room with hospital services but is not officially admitted, has raised concerns for both patients and providers.

• Convertible Bonds Straddle the Line Between Fixed Income and Potential Growth

  A convertible bond is a regular corporate bond that comes with a special added feature: the investor has the right to convert it into shares of that company’s common stock.

May

• HOT TOPIC: Tariffs Drive Market Volatility

  This article explains why tariffs have shaken the markets and provides an overview of long-term trends that may help investors put the current volatility in perspective.

• ETFs Are Closing the Gap with Mutual Funds

  Investor demand for exchange-traded funds (ETFs) has increased rapidly over the last decade due to attractive features that set them apart from mutual funds.

• Debt After Death: What Happens to Debt When Someone Dies?

  This article provides an overview of how debts are settled after the death of a loved one.

• Playing Fair: New Consumer Protections for Airline Passengers

  Thanks to a new federal law and rules issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation, airline passengers could have extra consumer protections.

• QLACs: Your Retirement Accounts Can Act Like Pensions

  With a qualified longevity annuity contract, or QLAC, a retiring worker can use a portion of their tax-deferred savings to set up a lifetime income stream that begins at an older age.

• Concerned About Cyberattacks? The Threat Is Real

  Small businesses that handle potentially sensitive information about customers, employees, or competitors should be proactive about addressing this risk.

April

• HOT TOPIC: Tariff Turmoil: The Makings of a Stock Market Correction

  On March 13, 2025, the S&P 500 Index landed in correction territory after a swift drop. An escalating trade war and signs of a slowing economy have unsettled the financial markets.

• Are You Missing the Bull’s-Eye with a Target-Date Fund?

  Two out of three 401(k) participants have assets in a target-date fund, but many may not fully understand how these “all-in-one” funds work.

• Breaking Down the Numbers: The Soaring U.S. National Debt

  As of March 2025, the U.S. national debt was a record $36.21 trillion, while the 2024 deficit of $1.83 trillion was the third-highest on record.

• Cancer Happens: Insurance Can Help Fortify Your Finances

  Although it’s scary to consider the possibility of a cancer diagnosis, it might be helpful to prepare for the financial implications.

• Traditional or Roth Contributions? Think It Through for Future You

  When a workplace retirement plan offers both Traditional and Roth accounts, it may help to understand their key features and distinctions.

• The Four-Day Workweek: Is It Destiny or a Distant Dream?

  Wider use of artificial intelligence is one reason that the prospect of a four-day workweek (with no loss in pay) is now being taken seriously by companies around the world.

March

• HOT TOPIC: Tariffs: How They Work and Potential Economic Effects

  During the first two weeks of February, President Trump authorized two major tariff actions, with more likely to come. This Special Report explains tariffs and how they might affect the U.S. economy.

• Key Retirement and Tax Numbers for 2025

  This article outlines some important IRS cost-of-living adjustments for 2025.

• Accounts for Two: A Team Approach to Retirement Savings

  Even if most of a married couple’s retirement assets reside in different accounts, open communication and teamwork can help them craft a unified retirement strategy.

• Read a Good Beige Book Lately?

  The Federal Reserve’s Beige Book provides a concise narrative overview of the economy in each of the 12 Federal Reserve Bank Districts and is readily available to the public.

February

• HOT TOPIC: The Social Security Fairness Act Increases Benefits for Millions

  This article explains what will be changing and who can expect to receive higher Social Security benefits due to the Social Security Fairness Act.

• Three Market-Moving Economic Indicators to Watch

  Among all the economic indicators released each month, these three reports may have the strongest effect on the market.

• Financial Safety Nets: Exploring Available Sources of Emergency Funds

  Nearly 60% of U.S. adults are uncomfortable with their level of emergency savings. Here are some potential ways to access funds.

• What’s New for 2025?

  This article outlines changes that may affect retirement savings, health-care costs, air travel, and consumer credit.

• Is Tip Fatigue Wearing You Out?

  Tipping culture is changing, and consumers are feeling uneasy about where, when, and how much to tip.

January

• HOT TOPIC: Data for Sale: Tips to Help Protect Your Private Information

  Recent action by the Federal Trade Commission highlights the potential for abuse by online data brokers. This article offers some tips that might help consumers keep their private data private.

• Extreme Weather and Your Home Insurance: How to Navigate the Financial Storm

  Many insurance companies have begun to raise rates, restrict coverage, or stop selling policies in high-risk areas.

November

• If You Don’t Have a Will Yet, Why Not?

  Although 64% of Americans think having a will is important, only 32% have one. This article looks at reasons people don’t have a will and why they need one regardless of the reason.

• Do You Know Your Medicare Coverage Options?

  There are two ways to obtain Medicare coverage: Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage. Here’s how they work.

• Higher Rates Pressure Borrowers and Some Banks: Is Your Money Safe?

  In 2023, large bank failures brought renewed attention to the risks banks take to earn money, the role of the FDIC, and the insurance that covers customer deposits.

September

• It’s Complicated: Inheriting IRAs and Retirement Plans

  The SECURE Act of 2019 dramatically changed the rules governing how IRA and retirement plan assets are distributed to beneficiaries.

• Thinking of Selling Your Home? Don’t Be Surprised by Capital Gains Taxes

  This article explains the basics of capital gains taxes when selling a home.

August

• After the Loss of a Loved One, Watch Out for Scams

  Scammers often prey on those who are most vulnerable. This article outlines common scams that target people who have lost a loved one.