Newsletters

August

• HOT TOPIC: Is the U.S. Economy in a Recession?

  This article looks at how a recession is officially determined and some current indicators that suggest strength or weakness in the U.S. economy.

• Inflation Protection for Investment Dollars

  Did you know that Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS) can help hedge a bond portfolio against inflation? This article explains how.

• Life Insurance Living Benefits

  In addition to the death benefit, life insurance policies can provide other benefits while the policyholder is still alive. Find out more.

• Uncle Sam Wants to Know About Your Gig Income

  Discover how a 2022 IRS tax reporting change could affect people who are self-employed or whose side job pays through an app or online platform.

• Sticker Shock Is No Joke for Car Buyers

  This article discusses recent trends affecting the automotive market and includes suggestions for those who want to purchase a vehicle.

• Six Steps to Starting a New Business

  Have you thought about starting your own business? Here’s an overview of some important first steps in the entrepreneurial process.

July

• A Wealth of Information: How to Read a Mutual Fund Prospectus

  Did you know that a mutual fund prospectus provides key details about the fund? This article offers an overview of information in a prospectus.

• Adjusting Your Tax Withholding

  Consider adjustments to income tax withholding after viewing the prior year’s tax results. See which situations might require special attention.

• WEP and GPO Can Reduce Social Security Benefits

  Explore how the windfall elimination provision and the government pension offset can affect Social Security benefits for people who earned a pension in noncovered employment.

June

• Avoiding Probate

  Probate can result in added expenses and delays when settling an estate. Read about four ways to avoid the probate process.

• What’s Your Retirement Dream Elevator Pitch?

  How do you see your retirement? This article provides some guidelines to help you develop a well-defined retirement vision.

• Consider a Bond Ladder for Rising Interest Rates

  A bond ladder can help mitigate the effect of rising rates, generate income, and dampen the effects of stock market volatility. Learn more.

May

• HOT TOPIC: High Inflation: How Long Will It Last?

  This article looks at some of the forces behind rising prices, the Fed’s plan to combat them, and early signs that inflation may be easing.

• Working While Receiving Social Security Benefits

  Do you understand how working in retirement can affect your Social Security benefits? Read this article to find out.

• Food Inflation: What’s Behind It and How to Cope

  U.S. food prices were hit hard in 2021. This article includes seven tips to help consumers control their family’s grocery bills.

April

• HOT TOPIC: Is the Russia-Ukraine War a Threat to the Global Economy?

  Explore the potential impact of the Russia-Ukraine conflict across global markets, including supply disruptions, higher prices, and slower growth.

• Key Retirement and Tax Numbers for 2022

  Explore some key retirement plan contribution limits and various tax deduction, exclusion, exemption, and threshold amounts for 2022.

• What’s the Difference Between Medicare and Medicaid?

  Medicare and Medicaid may seem similar, but what each program pays for and for whom can be very different.

March

• HOT TOPIC: Colliding Forces: Russia, Oil, Inflation, and Market Volatility

  Find out more about rising oil prices related to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and the potential effects on U.S. consumers and investors.

• When Two Goals Collide: Balancing College and Retirement Preparations

  This article discusses college financial aid and some ideas that might help fund college while maintaining a solid retirement savings strategy.

• If You Don’t Have a Will, You Probably Should

  Do you have a will? If not, this article offers three key reasons why you should.

February

• Building Blocks for Financing College with Less Debt

  Financing a college education with minimal debt requires planning, saving, financial aid knowledge, research, and sound decision-making.

• How to Correct an Error on Your Credit Report

  Did you know credit report errors more than doubled during the pandemic? Find out how to get your free credit report and correct any errors.

• Did You Know Medicaid May Pay You as a Family Caregiver?

  Caregiving can exact physical, emotional, and financial tolls, but in some cases, Medicaid may provide financial relief to family caregivers.

January

• HOT TOPIC: The Fed Pivots to Fight Inflation

  This article looks at the strategy behind the Fed’s monetary policy shift and the potential consequences for consumers, investors, and the economy.

• 401(k) and IRA: A Combined Savings Strategy

  Do you know the differences between a 401(k) and an IRA? Find out how they might work together to boost your retirement assets.

• Charitable Giving Can Be a Family Affair

  Discover four ways to incorporate charitable giving into an overall financial plan that fulfills a family’s wish to “give back.”

December

• Should You Speed Up Your Retirement Plans?

  The pandemic caused some Americans to file for Social Security earlier than planned. See four factors to consider before retiring early.

• Balancing Medicare and Work-Based Insurance

  Read about rules and other considerations faced by workers who are eligible for both Medicare and employer-based health insurance.

November

• Net Price Calculators Help Gauge College Affordability

  Did you know a net price calculator can help measure a college’s true cost? Discover how it provides an estimate of how much grant aid a student might expect.

• Is a High-Deductible Health Plan Right for You?

  What distinguishes HDHPs from preferred provider organizations (PPOs)? Learn about some key differences between the plans.

• Women Face Challenges in a Post-Pandemic World

  As the COVID-19 crisis eases its grip on the economy, here are some ideas to help women reexamine their retirement planning strategies.

• Do You Have a Tax-Smart Withdrawal Strategy?

  Explore the tax treatment of different types of retirement accounts and the tax consequences of withdrawals, especially from multiple accounts.

October

• HOT TOPIC: Social Security’s Uncertain Future: What You Should Know

  This article explores demographic trends that are dimming Social Security’s financial outlook and proposals to address the looming shortfall.

• Four Reasons to Review Your Life Insurance Needs

  This article looks at major life events and the need to review your life insurance coverage in light of changing circumstances.

• Grandparent 529 Plans Get a Boost Under New FAFSA Rules

  Read how the FAFSA Simplification Act helps grandparents assist with college costs without impacting their grandchildren’s financial aid.

• Credit Scores Reach Record High

  This article discusses the components that determine your credit score and provides tips for maintaining a high score or raising a low one.