Newsletters

January

• HOT TOPIC: Data for Sale: Tips to Help Protect Your Private Information

  Recent action by the Federal Trade Commission highlights the potential for abuse by online data brokers. This article offers some tips that might help consumers keep their private data private.

• Home Energy Rebates Could Save You Money

  The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 included two provisions allowing rebates for home energy efficiency retrofit projects and home electrification and appliance projects.

• Would You Be Prepared for an Unplanned Early Retirement?

  Nearly half of current retirees retired earlier than planned. Here are some steps to help prepare for the unexpected.

• A Critical Combo: Life Insurance with Long-Term Care Benefits

  Although long-term care insurance is typically a “use-it-or-lose-it” proposition, these alternatives can help pay for care if it’s needed or provide a death benefit for beneficiaries if it’s not.

• Extreme Weather and Your Home Insurance: How to Navigate the Financial Storm

  Many insurance companies have begun to raise rates, restrict coverage, or stop selling policies in high-risk areas.

• A Mortgage Recast Is an Alternative to Refinancing

  When a mortgage is recast, the borrower puts money toward the principal balance of a home loan, reducing the monthly payment.

December

• Charitable Gifts of Life Insurance

  Life insurance offers a way to make a substantial gift to charity while also benefiting from favorable tax rules.

• Year-End 2024 Tax Tips

  Here are some things to consider when weighing potential tax moves before the end of the year.

• Two Tax-Friendly Retirement Plans for the Self-Employed

  Setting up a retirement plan provides a way to help shelter more income from taxes and save money for the future.

November

• HOT TOPIC: High Foreign Investment in the U.S. – Will It Last?

  The United States received almost one-third of all global foreign investment from 2021 to 2023. This article looks at how different types of foreign investment may impact the U.S. economy.

• If You Don’t Have a Will Yet, Why Not?

  Although 64% of Americans think having a will is important, only 32% have one. This article looks at reasons people don’t have a will and why they need one regardless of the reason.

• FAFSA for 2025-2026 School Year Opens December 1

  Following a disastrous rollout last year, this article provides tips for submitting the redesigned Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the 2025–2026 school year.

• Do You Know Your Medicare Coverage Options?

  There are two ways to obtain Medicare coverage: Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage. Here’s how they work.

October

• Do You Have Enough Life Insurance?

  Life insurance needs change over time. This article presents five guidelines to help determine an appropriate amount of life insurance coverage.

• A Pension Strategy That May Boost Your Income

  A strategy called pension maximization may enable a married pensioner to elect the higher payments of a single-life annuity while also providing for the spouse’s financial future.

• What’s Your Real Return?

  While investors typically look at the nominal return on their investments, it’s important to understand the real return in order to target financial goals.

September

• Eight Great Investing Quotes

  This article offers eight quotes from successful investors, economists, and other insightful thinkers that may help provide perspective and focus for an investing strategy.

• Thinking of Selling Your Home? Don’t Be Surprised by Capital Gains Taxes

  This article explains the basics of capital gains taxes when selling a home.

• Just Your Average Millionaire

  The average net worth of U.S. families surpassed $1 million for the first time in 2022, but wealth levels vary greatly by age, housing status, education, and income.

August

• Watch for These Hazards on the Road to Retirement

  The road to retirement is typically not a smooth ride. This article looks at five potential risks that can slow progress along the way.

• Mixing It Up: Asset Allocation and Diversification

  This article explains how asset allocation and diversification can work together to help mitigate portfolio risk.

• After the Loss of a Loved One, Watch Out for Scams

  Scammers often prey on those who are most vulnerable. This article outlines common scams that target people who have lost a loved one.

July

• Saving for College: 529 Plan vs. Roth IRA

  529 plans and Roth IRAs can both be used to save for college. This article compares the features of these two saving options.

June

• Investor, Know Thyself: How Your Biases Can Affect Investment Decisions

  While traditional economic models assume that people make rational decisions, most humans don’t think like robots. This article summarizes some common biases that can influence financial decisions.

• Do You Need to Adjust Your Tax Withholding?

  After filing last year’s tax return, it may be a good time to adjust income tax withholding. This article explains how to estimate and adjust withholding.

• Insurance Gaps May Pose Risks for High-Net-Worth Households

  It’s important for affluent families to reassess their liability coverage periodically, to make sure it’s sufficient based on their finances, lifestyles, and the related risks.

• The United States Is Older Than Ever Before

  The median age of the U.S. population rose to a record high in 2022, a demographic trend that has implications for the economy and government programs like Social Security and Medicare.

May

• Where Will You Live as You Grow Older?

  Many people would rather not think about the consequences of aging in general, much less that they might eventually need to rethink their living situation.

April

• Beware of These Life Insurance Beneficiary Mistakes

  Naming a life insurance policy’s beneficiaries should be a relatively simple task, but there are some situations that can lead to unintended and adverse consequences.

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

  Being named as the executor of an estate is generally an honor but settling an estate can be a difficult and time-consuming job. This article provides an overview of typical executor responsibilities.

February

• Do You Have These Key Estate Planning Documents?

  This article provides an overview of four estate planning documents that almost everyone should have: a durable power of attorney, a medical directive, a will, and a letter of instruction.