Newsletters

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

• 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.

• 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

• 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.

• 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

• HOT TOPIC: Supply-Chain Chaos: Holiday Edition

  Explore current economic conditions and retail trends, including sharply higher prices and the potential for sporadic product delays and shortages.

• 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.

• Year-End 2021 Tax Tips

  This article outlines various tax-related financial moves to consider before the end of the calendar year.

• 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.

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.

• A Map for Your Family

  A letter of instruction could be just as important as a will to help loved ones settle an estate. Do you know what information to include?

• 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.

• Fund Retirement and Reward Workers with a Cash Balance Plan

  Do you know how cash balance retirement plans can help small business owners reduce taxable income and catch up on their savings? Find out.

September

• Signs of a Scam…and How to Resist It

  Discover four common practices that might help you identify and avoid scams.

• Child Tax Credit for 2021: Will You Get More?

  This article discusses substantial, temporary improvements to the child tax credit due to The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.

• A More Affordable Life Insurance Solution

  Thinking of letting your life insurance policy expire? Learn about survivorship life, which may be more affordable for older consumers.

• Following the Inflation Debate

  See how measures economists and Fed policymakers use to monitor inflation fuel the debate over how long 2021’s price increases will last.

July

• HOT TOPIC: Hostage Data: Ransomware and Protecting Your Digital Information

  This article provides an overview of high-profile ransomware attacks and offers tips to help consumers protect their own data.

• Considerations When Making Gifts to Children

  This article provides an overview of tax provisions and other issues to consider when making significant gifts to children or grandchildren.

• Pension or Lump Sum: Which Should You Choose?

  Do you know the key factors to consider if offered an option to take a lump sum in lieu of a pension? Read this article to find out.

• Stock Market Risks in the Spotlight

  Find out how inflation and interest-rate fears, regulatory or legislative action, and other factors could influence stock prices in 2021.

June

• HOT TOPIC: Shortages and Bottlenecks Expose Weak Links in U.S. Supply Chains

  As a consumer, have you noticed shortages? Here are some of the reasons behind supply-chain problems and how they might impact the economy.

• New Changes to College Financial Aid and Education Tax Benefits

  The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, included several provisions affecting financial aid and education. Learn more.

• How Well Do You Understand Retirement Plan Rules?

  From IRAs to 401(k)s, qualified retirement plans can be complex. This short quiz tests readers’ knowledge of a few of the finer points.