Newsletters

June

• HOT TOPIC: Moody’s Downgraded U.S. Debt — Does It Matter?

  On May 16, 2025, Moody’s Ratings downgraded U.S. government debt from its highest rating of Aaa to Aa1. This article looks at the reasons for the downgrade and its potential effects.

• Versatile 529 Plans Can Help with More than Just College

  529 plans were originally created to save for college, but Congress has expanded the ways these plans can be used, making them a more flexible and versatile savings vehicle.

• Life Insurance in Retirement

  Life insurance might not seem necessary for retirees or those close to retirement, but there are situations where coverage may make sense.

• Catch Up for a More Comfortable Retirement

  Only a third of U.S. workers age 50 and older feel they are on track to enjoy a comfortable retirement, but there are opportunities to build substantial savings late in a working career.

• Look Out for Observation Care

  The use of observation care, during which a patient may be in a hospital room with hospital services but is not officially admitted, has raised concerns for both patients and providers.

• Convertible Bonds Straddle the Line Between Fixed Income and Potential Growth

  A convertible bond is a regular corporate bond that comes with a special added feature: the investor has the right to convert it into shares of that company’s common stock.

May

• HOT TOPIC: Tariffs Drive Market Volatility

  This article explains why tariffs have shaken the markets and provides an overview of long-term trends that may help investors put the current volatility in perspective.

• ETFs Are Closing the Gap with Mutual Funds

  Investor demand for exchange-traded funds (ETFs) has increased rapidly over the last decade due to attractive features that set them apart from mutual funds.

• Debt After Death: What Happens to Debt When Someone Dies?

  This article provides an overview of how debts are settled after the death of a loved one.

• Playing Fair: New Consumer Protections for Airline Passengers

  Thanks to a new federal law and rules issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation, airline passengers could have extra consumer protections.

• QLACs: Your Retirement Accounts Can Act Like Pensions

  With a qualified longevity annuity contract, or QLAC, a retiring worker can use a portion of their tax-deferred savings to set up a lifetime income stream that begins at an older age.

• Concerned About Cyberattacks? The Threat Is Real

  Small businesses that handle potentially sensitive information about customers, employees, or competitors should be proactive about addressing this risk.

April

• HOT TOPIC: Tariff Turmoil: The Makings of a Stock Market Correction

  On March 13, 2025, the S&P 500 Index landed in correction territory after a swift drop. An escalating trade war and signs of a slowing economy have unsettled the financial markets.

• Are You Missing the Bull’s-Eye with a Target-Date Fund?

  Two out of three 401(k) participants have assets in a target-date fund, but many may not fully understand how these “all-in-one” funds work.

• Breaking Down the Numbers: The Soaring U.S. National Debt

  As of March 2025, the U.S. national debt was a record $36.21 trillion, while the 2024 deficit of $1.83 trillion was the third-highest on record.

• Cancer Happens: Insurance Can Help Fortify Your Finances

  Although it’s scary to consider the possibility of a cancer diagnosis, it might be helpful to prepare for the financial implications.

• Traditional or Roth Contributions? Think It Through for Future You

  When a workplace retirement plan offers both Traditional and Roth accounts, it may help to understand their key features and distinctions.

• The Four-Day Workweek: Is It Destiny or a Distant Dream?

  Wider use of artificial intelligence is one reason that the prospect of a four-day workweek (with no loss in pay) is now being taken seriously by companies around the world.

March

• HOT TOPIC: Tariffs: How They Work and Potential Economic Effects

  During the first two weeks of February, President Trump authorized two major tariff actions, with more likely to come. This Special Report explains tariffs and how they might affect the U.S. economy.

• Key Retirement and Tax Numbers for 2025

  This article outlines some important IRS cost-of-living adjustments for 2025.

• Accounts for Two: A Team Approach to Retirement Savings

  Even if most of a married couple’s retirement assets reside in different accounts, open communication and teamwork can help them craft a unified retirement strategy.

• Phased Retirement Can Help Smooth the Transition

  The article explains why a phased retirement program can be a positive experience for employees, employers, and customers.

• Could There Be a Shift from Growth to Value?

  While growth stocks have dominated the market for the last two decades, some analysts believe there could be a shift to value stocks, which have outperformed for much of the market’s history.

• Read a Good Beige Book Lately?

  The Federal Reserve’s Beige Book provides a concise narrative overview of the economy in each of the 12 Federal Reserve Bank Districts and is readily available to the public.

February

• HOT TOPIC: The Social Security Fairness Act Increases Benefits for Millions

  This article explains what will be changing and who can expect to receive higher Social Security benefits due to the Social Security Fairness Act.

• Three Market-Moving Economic Indicators to Watch

  Among all the economic indicators released each month, these three reports may have the strongest effect on the market.

• Financial Safety Nets: Exploring Available Sources of Emergency Funds

  Nearly 60% of U.S. adults are uncomfortable with their level of emergency savings. Here are some potential ways to access funds.

• What’s New for 2025?

  This article outlines changes that may affect retirement savings, health-care costs, air travel, and consumer credit.

• Indexed Annuities: Potential for Growth with Some Downside Protection

  This article provides an overview of indexed annuities.

• Is Tip Fatigue Wearing You Out?

  Tipping culture is changing, and consumers are feeling uneasy about where, when, and how much to tip.

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.

• Eight Ideas for Smarter Holiday Shopping

  Whether shopping online or hitting the mall this holiday season, these tips might help save time and money.

• An Umbrella Policy Offers Extra Liability Coverage

  An umbrella personal liability insurance policy can provide additional coverage in the event of a high-dollar liability claim or legal judgment.

• 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.

• Treasury Yields Off 17-Year Highs

  While yields are off highs not seen since before the Great Recession, investors might consider some of the Treasury security types and maturities outlined in this article.

• 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.

• Higher Rates Pressure Borrowers and Some Banks: Is Your Money Safe?

  In 2023, large bank failures brought renewed attention to the risks banks take to earn money, the role of the FDIC, and the insurance that covers customer deposits.

October

• Can You Put the Brakes on Rising Auto Insurance Premiums?

  Auto insurance premiums increased more than 18% between July 2023 and July 2024. This article outlines some steps that may help reduce premiums.

• 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.

• Making the Most of Your Credit Card

  Credit cards are being used more than ever. This article offers suggestions for choosing and using a credit card.

• 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

• HOT TOPIC: Should You Worry About Market Volatility?

  On August 5, 2024, the S&P 500 dropped 3% from its previous close but bounced back quickly. This article explains why investors would be wise to tune out the noise of market volatility.

• It’s Complicated: Inheriting IRAs and Retirement Plans

  The SECURE Act of 2019 dramatically changed the rules governing how IRA and retirement plan assets are distributed to beneficiaries.

• Retroactive Social Security Benefits: A Chance to Turn Back Time

  Beneficiaries who postpone claiming Social Security past full retirement age have the option of receiving a lump-sum payment for up to six months of benefits when they finally apply.

• 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

• HOT TOPIC: Real Estate Commission Changes Around the Corner

  The National Association of Realtors is implementing new policies related to how real estate brokers are compensated. Here are some implications for buyers, sellers, and their agents.

• 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.

• Consumer Sentiment: Do Americans See Brighter Days Ahead?

  Why do policymakers pay attention to how consumers are feeling, and what’s behind Americans’ lack of confidence?

• Equity REITs: Is There Room for Real Estate in Your Portfolio?

  This article discusses some unique characteristics of REITs, including how they can offer a consistent income stream and why changing interest rates can affect REIT performance.