Newsletters

October

• HOT TOPIC: CHIPS and Science Act Aims to Preserve U.S. Technology Edge

  This article discusses the CHIPS and Science Act’s key provisions, as the U.S. strives to reduce its reliance on semiconductors produced overseas.

• Passive, Active, or Both?

  Index funds or traditional actively managed funds: Which approach, or both, is most effective?

• 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.

• Building Financial Resilience

  Steps to be better positioned for turbulent events such as inflation, roller-coaster markets, and global events — and hopefully emerge even stronger.

• Donor-Advised Funds Combine Charitable Impact with Tax Benefits

  This article discusses how a donor-advised fund might be used to time charitable contributions for tax purposes or to gift appreciated assets.

• Small Businesses Are Short-Staffed and Overwhelmed

  The pandemic kicked off a severe labor shortage. What can small-business owners do if they are struggling to meet staffing needs?

September

• HOT TOPIC: Unpacking the Inflation Reduction Act: What’s in It?

  This article provides an overview of provisions that could affect consumers and businesses, including clean energy tax credits, Medicare changes, and new corporate taxes.

• Dividends for Income and Total Returns

  Dividend investing can be a dependable source of income for retirees and others. This article provides an overview.

• What the Red-Hot Job Market Means for Workers

  A discussion of the dynamics of the current job market — one that is quite possibly the most worker-friendly in many years.

• Preparing for a Natural Disaster

  Here are some tips to help homeowners protect their properties and evacuate safely in the event of a natural disaster.

• How Life Insurance Could Help Mitigate Taxes in Retirement

  A permanent life policy can be used to help supplement retirement income, pay for long-term care services, or leave a tax-free legacy.

• Diversifying Your Portfolio with International Flair

  Do you know the benefits and risks of investing in foreign markets using international mutual funds or ETFs? Find out in this article.

July

• HOT TOPIC: Tech Sector Turmoil and the Bear Market

  This article discusses factors that have been driving market volatility and provides perspective to help investors make sound portfolio decisions.

• 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.

• Should You Consider Tapping the Equity in Your Home?

  Using home equity to fund other financial objectives has potential benefits and risks. This article looks at various ways to tap home equity.

• 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.

• How Long Should You Keep Financial Records?

  The end of tax season might be a good time to organize financial records. Discover guidelines to help you decide what to keep and what to discard.

June

• HOT TOPIC: Rising Rates Join Long List of Housing Dilemmas

  This article explores how soaring housing costs, rising rates, and declining affordability could impact borrowers and the housing market.

• 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.

• Where to Look for Lost and Forgotten Money

  States hold unclaimed property for about one in 10 Americans. Here are some online resources that may help you find out if you’re one of them.

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.

• Baseball Lessons That Might Help Change Up Your Finances

  Learn some lessons from America’s favorite pastime that may inspire you to take a fresh look at your finances.

• 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

• ETFs Are Gaining on Mutual Funds: Here’s Why

  Are you familiar with the differences between mutual funds and exchange-traded funds? This article compares and contrasts the two.

• 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.

• Splurge or Save? Making the Most of Your Income-Tax Refund

  Did you receive an income-tax refund this year? This article looks at some ways to use it.

• 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

• 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.

• Mutual Funds: Do You Know What’s in Your Portfolio?

  It’s important for investors to understand the funds in their portfolios. This article provides an overview of different types of funds.

• 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.

• Going Green: A Fast-Growing Corner of the Global Bond Market

  This article looks at the types of projects funded by green bonds, some current trends, and the potential benefits and risks for investors.

• When Buying Is Easy, Paying Later Can Be a Problem

  Spreading out payments for online purchases may be tempting, but shoppers should think twice before committing to installment purchases.

February

• HOT TOPIC: Help Wanted: Why Can’t Businesses Find Enough Workers?

  This article discusses the U.S. workforce and what the shifting labor market could mean for workers, employers, inflation, and economic growth.

• 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.

• Are You a HENRY? Consider These Wealth-Building Strategies

  High earner, not rich yet (HENRY) refers to young professionals with big incomes and little savings. Find out how HENRYs might grow wealth.

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.”

• Your Social Security Statement: What’s in It for You?

  This article explains some of the key information provided on a personalized Social Security Statement.

• Looking Back, Looking Forward

  See the indicators economists rely on to understand the past, present, and potential future direction of the economy.

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.

• 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.