Newsletters

April

• HOT TOPIC: Government Acts to Blunt Financial Impact of Global Pandemic

  A discussion of the measures being taken by the federal government to support workers, businesses, financial markets, and the economy in these trying times.

• Setting a Retirement Savings Goal

  This article features a worksheet to help you estimate the savings you might need to generate your desired retirement income.

• Looking for Value with P/E Ratios

  Discover the basics of P/E ratios, with an emphasis on analyzing them in the appropriate context for making meaningful comparisons.

• Early Retirement and Your Tax-Deferred Savings

  Find out how the rules for early-distribution penalty exceptions differ for withdrawals from traditional IRAs and employer-sponsored plans.

• Living Benefits Can Help Counter Retirement Risks

  Optional riders that add living benefits to annuities might help retirees address two financial risks: outliving their savings and paying for long-term care.

• Don’t Let a Disaster Keep the Lights Off Forever

  As a small-business owner, do you know the types of coverages that may or may not be included in a standard business owner policy?

March

• HOT TOPIC: The Coronavirus and the Global Economy

  An examination of how China’s coronavirus-driven slowdown has affected global business activity and a look at its potential economic impact.

• Stay-at-Home Spouse? Consider a Spousal IRA

  Stay-at-home spouses can fall behind in saving for retirement. This article explains how a spousal IRA can help keep retirement savings on track.

• Three Lessons from Retirees

  A survey of workers and retirees yielded three key findings that may prove helpful in planning for retirement. Find out more.

• Five Red Flags That Raise the Odds of an Audit

  Ever wonder why the IRS might take a closer look at a taxpayer’s return? This article discusses different types of audits and what might trigger one.

• Behavioral Biases That Can Lead to Costly Mistakes

  Learn about six blind spots that can lead to regrettable portfolio decisions (and how investors might avoid them).

• Classifying Workers: Know the Rules and Risks

  This article explores the complex web of federal and state tax and employment laws that determine how businesses must classify workers.

February

• Retirement Savings: Traditional, Roth, or Both?

  How does a traditional or Roth structure affect your IRA or employer-sponsored retirement plan? And what do their differences mean for older workers?

January

• HOT TOPIC: Two Trade Agreements Offer Optimism, But Uncertainty Remains

  A look at the U.S.-China “skinny” trade deal and the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, and their potential impact on consumers and the U.S. economy.

December

• 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.

November

• 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.

• Taming Investment Taxes

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

October

• 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.

September

• 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.

August

• 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

• 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.

June

• 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.

May

• 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.