Newsletters

December

• Hot Topic: The Ag Economy: Tough Times for Farmers in 2019

  Farm bankruptcies rose in 2019, despite billions in federal support. This article discusses the effect on rural communities and regional economies.

• Online Shopping Tips

  As web-based retail sales continue to grow, these tips may help ensure a safer online shopping experience.

• What’s Required of the Executor of an Estate?

  Being named the executor of an estate can be an honor, but this overview shows why it can also be a difficult and time-consuming job.

• Prices and the Economy

  Low inflation may seem like good news, but it has a darker side. See which factors might be driving down inflation in the United States.

• Qualified Charitable Distributions

  Discover how qualified charitable distributions work and why they may now be more valuable than taking a tax deduction.

• A New Option for Providing Health Coverage in 2020

  Learn more about Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangements and how they may help small businesses offer employee health coverage.

November

• HOT TOPIC: Manufacturing Slowdown. . .What Does It Mean for the Economy?

  This article looks at some of the reasons behind the manufacturing slowdown and what it might mean for the broader U.S. economy.

• Three Regrets of Retirees

  More than half of retirees surveyed had retirement planning regrets. Explore the three most common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Medicare Open Enrollment

  This article explains the changes that Medicare beneficiaries can make during the annual open enrollment period from October 15 to December 7.

• Closed-End Funds May Offer Higher Income

  Discover why closed-end funds may offer potentially higher income streams than traditional mutual funds holding similar securities.

• Taming Investment Taxes

  Do you know how investments are taxed and which strategies can help improve a portfolio’s tax efficiency?

• Retirement Plans for the Self-Employed Dangle Tax Benefits

  Solo 401(k) plans and SEP IRAs may help small-business owners and the self-employed shelter more income from taxes and save for the future.

October

• HOT TOPIC: Could a Health Savings Account Help Strengthen Your Retirement Plan?

  In addition to setting aside pre-tax income to pay current and future medical expenses, an HSA could play an important role in your long-term retirement strategy.

• Protection to Help Your Family

  Explore the benefits of individual life insurance versus work-based coverage, and compare term and permanent policies.

• Five Money Issues to Talk About Before the Wedding

  Before saying “I do,” newly-engaged couples may want to discuss these five key financial topics.

• What Medicare Won’t Cover

  See potentially expensive services Original Medicare doesn’t cover and how Medicare Advantage, Medigap or private insurance might help.

• Index Update: Shifting Sectors Reflect Social Change

  How do recent classification changes reflect shifts in the telecommunications sector, and what does that mean to investors?

• Coping with a Labor Shortage

  As small businesses struggle to recruit and retain employees in a tight job market, these tips may help owners meet staffing needs.

September

• HOT TOPIC: Upside Down: What Does the Yield Curve Suggest About Growth?

  An inverted yield curve can be an economic indicator along with other factors that contribute to an uncertain outlook for future growth.

• Sticker Shock May Drive Consumers to Used Cars

  As new car prices skyrocket, these three trends could make 2019 a good year to buy a three-year-old vehicle.

• Risk Tolerance: Stress-Test Your Portfolio…and Yourself

  Do you know your personal tolerance for market risk? Here are three key questions that may help you find out.

• Steps to Help Lower Capital Gains Taxes

  Discover how the step-up in basis provision may help reduce capital gains taxes and preserve the value of assets left to heirs.

• Life Insurance Strategies: Reasons Empty Nesters May Want Permanent Coverage

  As policyholders age, life insurance could help supplement retirement income, support a surviving spouse, and/or leave a legacy.

• Could Employee Ownership Be Part of Your Succession Plan?

  An employee stock ownership plan may be a tax-friendly way for retiring small-business owners to pass the reins to employees.

August

• HOT TOPIC: How Geopolitical Tensions May Affect Oil Prices and the Economy

  Explore the relationship between fuel prices and economic growth, factors that influence prices, and how U.S. production altered the global oil market.

• Caught in the Middle: The Sandwich Generation

  Tips to help balance the competing demands of saving for retirement and providing financial support to adult children and aging parents.

• Consider REITs for Income and Diversification

  Explore the basics of equity real estate investment trusts (REITs) including their potential benefits and risks.

• Life Insurance with Long-Term Care Benefits

  Concerned about the costs of long-term care? Discover two strategies that combine life insurance coverage with LTC benefits.

• Qualified Longevity Annuity Contracts (QLACs)

  Worried your retirement might outlast your savings? A qualified longevity annuity contract could provide an income stream later in life.

July

• HOT TOPIC: All Eyes on the U.S. Economy as It Caps Off Decade of Growth

  This article compares the current economic expansion with prior business cycles and examines developments that could affect future growth.

• Seeking Balance in a Mutual Fund

  Balancing stocks and bonds can be a central part of building an investment portfolio. Find out how balanced funds follow a similar strategy.

• What’s the Real Return on Your Investments?

  Tax rates, interest rates, and inflation can all cut into the value of investment dollars. This article looks at real return on investments.

• Indexed Annuities: Growth Potential with Downside Protection

  Discover how indexed annuities work, including the risks and potential benefits of purchasing an indexed annuity contract.

• New Study Finds Widespread Job Loss After 50

  A job loss after age 50 can carry serious consequences. These tips may help you prepare professionally and financially for a late-career challenge.

• Calculating Key Financial Ratios

  The financial ratios that help measure an organization’s performance may also be used by potential lenders and investors. Learn more.

June

• HOT TOPIC: U.S.-China Trade War: Who Pays the Price?

  A look at the issues behind the trade war with China, as well as who will carry the costs of the tariffs and the potential effect on the U.S. economy.

• A Steady Strategy in Turbulent Times

  Dollar-cost averaging can help investors focus on building their portfolios through regular investing rather than reacting to market swings.

• College Savings: Roth or 529 Plan?

  Can a Roth IRA double as a college savings tool? Find out how a Roth IRA compares with state-based 529 college savings plans.

• Avoiding Probate with a Transfer-on-Death Deed

  Many U.S. states offer a way to avoid probate when leaving the family home to your heirs. Learn more about transfer-on-death deeds.

• Interest Rates and the Economy

  Do you know which factors influence bond yields and why the gap between short- and long-term yields is often viewed as an economic indicator?

• Steps to Executing an Exit Strategy

  Monetizing a closely held business can be a difficult process, so owners may want to plan an exit strategy before they really need one.

May

• HOT TOPIC: 1040 Postmortem: Making Sense of Your Taxes and Withholding

  Surprised by the final numbers on your 2018 tax return? Here are some tips for adjusting withholding to help avoid surprises next tax season.

• Bonds Can Offer Stability Even with Rising Rates

  Explore three major categories of bonds, plus ideas for navigating the bond market amid climbing interest rates.

• SRI Investing: Not Just for Stocks

  Find out how individual impact bonds may allow investors to preserve principal and generate income while supporting activities that are important to them.

• Be Aware of Observation Care

  Covered by Medicare? Discover how observation status can impact your out-of-pocket costs and eligibility for post-hospital skilled nursing facility coverage.

• Retirement Planning: How Secure Is Social Security?

  View Social Security’s financial outlook, plus seven proposed fixes for a looming shortfall that may affect future benefits.

• Watch Out for Scams That Target Businesses

  Financial scams aimed at businesses are on the rise. See which potentially costly schemes owners and employees need to look out for.

April

• HOT TOPIC: The Fed Hits the Brakes: No Rate Hikes Projected in 2019

  The Fed signaled a pause in raising interest rates. How markets reacted and what the change says about the direction of the U.S. economy.

• Do You Need a Power of Attorney?

  Explore three types of powers of attorney and find out how a living will can supplement a durable POA for health care.

• Why Americans Are Eating Out Less Than Ever

  Dining out is on the decline. Discover why Americans prepared about 82% of their meals and snacks at home in 2018.

• Trusts Offer More Than Estate Tax Protection

  Find out whether a testamentary trust, living trust, or special-purpose trust can benefit your family.

• Considering Preferreds? Proceed with Caution

  Considering investing in preferred stocks? This overview examines the risks and potential benefits.

• Clarifying Tax Deductions for Meals and Entertainment

  Wondering if you can still write off 50% of the cost of business meals? Find out what is and isn’t deductible.

February

• Need to Tap Your 401(k)? Proceed with Care

  Explore an overview of rules and tax consequences for 401(k) plan hardship distributions and other early withdrawals.

• Looking Back, Looking Ahead

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

• Getting Real About Retirement

  This article features a worksheet and relevant information to help estimate retirement expenses and income.

• Seeking Synergy: Why Mergers and Acquisitions Matter to Investors

  Find out how and why mergers and acquisitions take place (and why they matter to investors).

• A Business Plan Can Be Your Guide to Growth

  A business plan can be an important step toward success. Here are some key components to consider.

January

• ABLE Accounts for Disability Expenses

  Explore ABLE account requirements and potential benefits, including new saving opportunities under the 2017 tax law.

• Are Your Designated Heirs Up-to-Date?

  The New Year might be a good time to review and update beneficiaries on estate documents, insurance policies, and financial accounts.

• Consider a Customized Disability Policy

  Review the potential benefits of an individual disability income policy vs. a group policy, as well as common riders.

• Technology Trend: How Blockchain Could Impact the Future

  Businesses and governments are exploring blockchain applications as they seek to improve transparency, increase productivity, and reduce costs.

• Some Small Companies Facing Tariff Troubles

  Small-business owners should watch for trade policy changes that could impact their products, supply chains, or competitors.