Newsletters

June

• HOT TOPIC: Will Artificial Intelligence Upend the American Workforce?

  This article discusses the race between tech companies to monetize AI and how widespread adoption might affect workers, the economy, and society in general.

• How Taxes Impact Your Retirement-Income Strategy

  Retirees face unique challenges when managing their income, particularly when it comes to taxes. This article provides an overview of tax-related issues, from taxing Social Security to the new RMD rules and determining when to tap taxable and tax-advantaged accounts.

• 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.

• Does the Social Security COLA Help If You’re Not Receiving Benefits?

  This article explains how the COLA not only helps current beneficiaries, but also may increase future benefits for those who are not yet receiving Social Security payments.

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.

• Bear Market Emotions: Strategy vs. Reaction

  Staying disciplined in building a well-constructed portfolio over time can help carry investors through the market’s rough spots.

April

• HOT TOPIC: Bank Failures Shine Light on Interest Rate Risks

  Read about the reasons some banks are coming under pressure, including the rapid rise of interest rates, financial market effects, and the role of the FDIC.

• Are You Eligible for Any of These College-Related Federal Tax Benefits?

  College students and their parents need all the help they can get when paying for college or repaying student loans. This article explains three federal tax benefits that could take some of the sting out of expensive college costs.

• 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.

• Retiring in a Down Market? Don’t Panic

  Market volatility makes most investors nervous, but a big downturn can be especially disturbing to those who are approaching retirement or newly retired. This article presents three fundamental concepts that may help investors keep market movements in perspective and maintain their focus on long-term goals.

• Trusts — Not Just for Estate Taxes

  In the past, trusts were often used to avoid estate taxes, but that purpose has become less important for most people with current high exemption amounts. However, a properly constructed trust can serve many other purposes for families of more modest means.

• Business Owners: Should You Organize as an LLC?

  Establishing an LLC creates a separate legal entity to help shield a business owner’s personal assets from lawsuits brought against the firm by customers or employees.

March

• HOT TOPIC: Red Ink: The Debt Ceiling and Deficit Spending

  This report explains the potential consequences of not raising the debt limit in a timely manner and provides an overview of new projections from the CBO for future deficits and the national debt.

• 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.

• Double Up with a Spousal IRA

  Do you know how to fund an IRA for a nonworking spouse? These IRS rules can help couples build retirement savings based on joint income.

• 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

• 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.

• IRA Strategies: After-Tax Money and the Pro-Rata Rule

  The pro-rata rule determines how much of a traditional IRA distribution is taxable. Read this article to learn how the rule is applied.

• Small Businesses Should Prepare for Stronger Tax Enforcement

  The IRS is receiving $80 billion to upgrade its technology and workforce. This article offers tips for business owners to help avoid a tax audit.

January

• Stretch IRA Alternatives

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

• A 529 Plan Can Help Jump Start Your College Fund

  Do you know how a 529 savings plan can be instrumental in building a college fund? Read this article to find out.

• 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.

December

• IRA Distributions Can Benefit Your Favorite Cause … and Your Tax Bill

  IRA owners who are 70½ or older can give to charity without itemizing and still get a tax break. Find out how.

• Talk About These Money Matters Before the Wedding

  Get an overview of financial topics couples should discuss to help keep surprises and disagreements from disrupting newlywed bliss.

• Fraudsters and Scammers Pocket Nearly $6 Billion in 2021

  This article discusses the most common and costly types of scams, and how would-be victims can spot them.

November

• 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.

October

• 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.

July

• Adjusting Your Tax Withholding

  Consider adjustments to income tax withholding after viewing the prior year’s tax results. See which situations might require special attention.