Newsletters

December

• HOT TOPIC: A Cautiously Optimistic Economic Outlook for 2024

  The U.S. economy grew in the third quarter of 2023, despite high interest rates and unsettling geopolitical conflict. This article discusses market conditions and economic forecasts for 2024.

• Much Ado About RMDs

  This article provides an overview of the changes the SECURE 2.0 Act made and a brief explanation of how to calculate required minimum distributions from tax-advantaged retirement accounts.

• Medical Debt and Your Credit Report

  This article looks at changes in the way medical debt is handled on credit reports and offers tips to avoid having unpaid medical bills impact credit.

• ISM Indexes Watch for Trouble on Both Sides of the Economy

  Two different Purchasing Managers Indexes are generally considered to be leading economic indicators that can help businesses and investors make more informed decisions.

• Why the EPA is Focusing on “Forever” Chemicals

  In March 2023, the Environmental Protection Agency proposed the first federal limits for six types of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, in public drinking water.

• New Medicare Rules Tackle Prescription Drug Prices

  The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 included provisions intended to lower prescription drug costs for Medicare enrollees and slow drug spending by the federal government.

November

• HOT TOPIC: Can Consumers Keep Carrying the Economy?

  Consumer spending has bolstered the economy amid inflation, higher interest rates, and a cooling job market. This article looks at what may be driving spending and what might derail its momentum.

• HDHP/HSA Pairing May Help Control Medical Costs

  High-deductible health plans offer potential savings by encouraging cost-effective choices in medical spending, as well as eligibility for a health savings account with tax advantages.

• You’ve Received an Inheritance, Now What?

  Receiving an inheritance might promote spending without planning, but it’s not wise to make hasty decisions. This article provides suggestions that could help manage an inheritance.

• Bond Yields Are Up, but What Are the Risks?

  After years of low yields, bonds are offering higher yields that may be appealing to investors regardless of their risk tolerance. This article provides an overview of bond risks.

• Tax-Loss Harvesting Offers Chance at Silver Lining

  Stock market downturns can be rough on a portfolio’s bottom line, but selling losing investments may offer the potential to reduce an investor’s tax liability.

• Breaking Down Clean Vehicle Tax Credits for Business Owners

  Business owners may be able to claim one of two new federal tax credits to help offset the cost to purchase certain clean vehicles.

October

• HOT TOPIC: Rising Oil Prices Could Pose the Latest Threat to the Economy

  This article discusses the market dynamics that are impacting oil prices and adding to concerns about broader inflation and economic growth.

• Time to Bulk Up Your Emergency Fund

  A financial crisis can strike when least expected, so it’s important to have a sufficient emergency fund. This article offers some suggestions to help increase a fund before it’s needed.

• Four Key Objectives of a Sound Retirement Plan

  A sound retirement plan should be based on personal circumstances, and no one strategy is suitable for everyone. This article looks at four goals that a retirement strategy should address.

• Managing Medicare Out-of-Pocket Costs

  This article looks at the two different and mutually exclusive options Medicare beneficiaries have to help control retirement health-care spending: Medigap and Medicare Advantage.

• New FAFSA Favors Grandparent College Giving

  Changes to the 2024–2025 Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) allow grandparents to help with college expenses without affecting financial aid eligibility based on the FAFSA.

• Enriching a Teen with a Roth IRA

  A teen with a part-time job can contribute to a Roth IRA, which is a flexible way to accumulate funds for college, retirement, and other long-term needs.

September

• HOT TOPIC: Soft Landing or Delayed Recession?

  This article looks at the current state of U.S. economic activity and the prospects for continued growth as higher interest rates work their way through the economy.

• Coming in 2024: New 529 Plan-to-Roth IRA Rollover Option

  The SECURE 2.0 Act includes two new provisions related to college savings and funding. Learn more in this article.

• Leave a Lasting Gift with an Ethical Will

  An ethical will, also called a legacy letter, can tell a personal story and communicate beliefs and life lessons to family, friends, or community.

• New RMD Rules Give Retirement Savings More Time to Grow

  This article explains the rules for required minimum distribution from tax-deferred retirement accounts with an emphasis on the new provisions of the SECURE 2.0 Act.

• All Eyes on the Earnings Picture

  Earnings season can be a volatile period for stocks. As investors digest and respond to new data, the marketplace rewards some companies and punishes others.

• Social Security 101

  Social Security is complicated, and the details are often misunderstood even by those who are already receiving benefits.

August

• HOT TOPIC: What’s Happening in the World of Higher Education?

  This article covers the decline in college enrollment, recent developments in student debt and financial aid, and tips for making cost-effective decisions.

• Mutual Funds: What’s in Your Portfolio?

  Mutual funds offer a convenient way to invest across a wide range of market activity. This article provides an overview of different types of mutual funds in order of typical risk.

• Home Energy Tax Credits

  There are two separate federal tax credits available for home installation of certain energy efficient or clean energy property. Learn more.

• On the Move Again: International Travel Tips

  Are you planning a foreign vacation? This article offers some suggestions that might help keep it on track.

• SECURE 2.0: Big Impact for Small Businesses

  This article discusses provisions in the SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022 that may be of particular interest to small business owners.

• It’s Your Money: Why Not Get Your Withholding Right?

  Did you owe money at tax time or receive a large refund? This article discusses the types of situations in which taxpayers should consider adjusting their withholding.

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.

• SECURE 2.0 Act Expands Early Withdrawal Exceptions

  Discover exceptions to the federal income penalty for early withdrawals from tax-advantaged retirement accounts, including new exceptions added by the SECURE 2.0 Act.

• 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.

• Tracking the Fed’s Progress on Disinflation

  This article compares the key inflation measures that economists and investors are watching for signs of easing price pressures.

• Child Care Is a Budget Buster: Take Advantage of These Tax Breaks

  A tax credit and/or dependent-care flexible spending account might help offset some of the costs paid for a nanny, babysitter, day care, preschool, or day camp.

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.

• Most Grocery Shoppers Aren’t Fooled by Shrinkflation

  You may have noticed products shrinking in size while prices stay the same or increase. This article includes tips for spotting and reducing the impact of this tricky strategy.

• 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

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

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.

• 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

• 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.

• 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.

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.

• Taking Control of Your Retirement Savings

  Leaving a job? Discover four options that are often available for managing funds in an employer-sponsored retirement plan.