Newsletters

July

• HOT TOPIC: Is This Bull Timid or Ready to Charge?

  On June 8, 2023, the S&P 500 closed 20% higher than its lowest recent closing value, beginning a new bull market. This article looks at some factors that may shed light on the current market.

• Why Buy Life Insurance During Unsettled Economic Times?

  This article looks at four good reasons why life insurance can be especially helpful in a challenging economy.

• REITs, Rates, and Income

  This article provides an overview of REITs, including how they can offer a consistent income stream and why changing interest rates can affect REIT performance.

June

• A Mortgage Recast Is an Alternative to Refinancing

  This article explains how a mortgage recast works to enable a homeowner to reduce a monthly mortgage payment without having to refinance and why it may be an appealing solution in certain situations.

• Cheaper Hearing Aids Are Coming to a Store Near You

  Thanks to a recent regulatory shift, it’s now possible to buy an effective hearing aid without a medical exam or a prescription, potentially for a lot less money.

May

• HOT TOPIC: Rescuing America’s Safety Net

  This article looks at the current fiscal outlook for the Social Security and Medicare programs and presents some potential changes that might help to strengthen them.

• Diversifying with Market Caps

  The S&P 500 Index ended 2022 down 19.4%. Midsize and smaller companies also lost ground but generally held their value better than large companies. This article explains why holding stocks in companies of different sizes can help diversify a portfolio.

• Keep an Eye Out for IRS-Related Scams

  Although IRS scams are especially prevalent during tax season, they also take place throughout the year. This article identifies some common tax scams and offers tips to help avoid becoming a victim.

• Social Security Offers Benefits from Birth Through Old Age

  The bulk of Social Security benefits go to retirees, but Social Security is much more than a retirement program. This article outlines other types of Social Security benefits.

• Municipal Bonds: A Tax-Advantaged Way to Put Capital to Work

  Muni bonds and tax-exempt funds have long been a mainstay in the portfolios of income-focused investors who want to manage their tax burdens.

April

• Time for a Spring Cleanup: Organizing Your Financial Records

  Spring is a good time to clean out and organize financial records. This article offers guidelines on how long different types of records need to be retained.

March

• Key Retirement and Tax Numbers for 2023

  Find out about cost-of-living adjustments that affect retirement plan contribution limits and other deductions and threshold amounts.

• Creating Your Own “Operation London Bridge”

  Queen Elizabeth II had a complex end-of-life plan, but you may also need an appropriate plan to help ease the burden on your family members.

• When Should Young Adults Start Investing for Retirement?

  Now is the best time to start retirement investing for two key reasons: compounding and tax management. Read this article to learn more.

• The Inflation Experience is Painful – and Personal

  This article discusses consumer price index categories, how they’re weighted, and the top drivers of inflation over the past year.

February

• HOT TOPIC: SECURE 2.0 Aims to Brighten the Future for Retirement Savers

  This article provides an overview of upcoming changes that could affect workplace retirement plan participants and IRA owners due to legislation passed by Congress at the end of 2022.

• Balancing Stocks and Bonds in One Fund

  Discover what to look for in a balanced mutual fund and learn how this type of fund might be used in a portfolio.

• Fixed for Life: What Can an Annuity Do for You?

  Do you know the difference between immediate and deferred annuities and options for annuitization? Read this article to find out.

• Three Ways to Help Simplify Your Finances

  Over time, finances can become complicated. Here are three ideas that might make them simpler and less stressful.

January

• HOT TOPIC: Is the Yield Curve Signaling a Recession?

  An inversion of two-year and 10-year Treasury notes has preceded each recession for 50 years. This article looks at the current yield curve and what it might mean for the economy.

• Stretch IRA Alternatives

  The 2019 SECURE Act effectively eliminated the stretch IRA. Explore three alternatives to help preserve wealth and pass it to beneficiaries.

• Tips for Safe Online Shopping

  This article offers ideas that could help online shoppers protect themselves from cyber criminals and scams.

• Naming a Trusted Contact

  It may be wise to designate a trusted contact when opening or updating an account at a brokerage or other financial firm. Learn why.

November

• HOT TOPIC: What Does a Strong Dollar Mean for the U.S. Economy?

  This article looks at why the dollar is surging and how the strong dollar may affect U.S. consumers, businesses, and the broader economy.

• Famous People Who Died Without Proper Planning

  Think celebrities are way ahead of the curve when it comes to planning their estates? Many have died with no or inadequate estate plans.

• Retirement Savings in a Volatile Market

  Emotional reactions can be an enemy of sound investing. This article offers perspective and strategies that may help investors stay the course.

• Virtual Health Care Is Here to Stay

  Telehealth skyrocketed during the COVID-19 pandemic and continues to be popular. This article looks at the potential benefits of virtual health care.

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.

• 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?