Newsletters

July

• HOT TOPIC: Hostage Data: Ransomware and Protecting Your Digital Information

  This article provides an overview of high-profile ransomware attacks and offers tips to help consumers protect their own data.

• Considerations When Making Gifts to Children

  This article provides an overview of tax provisions and other issues to consider when making significant gifts to children or grandchildren.

• A Steady Strategy

  Discover how dollar-cost averaging may help alleviate some market concerns by making regular investments regardless of market movements.

• Pension or Lump Sum: Which Should You Choose?

  Do you know the key factors to consider if offered an option to take a lump sum in lieu of a pension? Read this article to find out.

• Stock Market Risks in the Spotlight

  Find out how inflation and interest-rate fears, regulatory or legislative action, and other factors could influence stock prices in 2021.

• Bankruptcy Changes Throw a Lifeline to Sinking Small Businesses

  Many requirements that made it difficult and expensive for small businesses to reorganize using Chapter 11 have been loosened. Learn more.

June

• HOT TOPIC: Shortages and Bottlenecks Expose Weak Links in U.S. Supply Chains

  As a consumer, have you noticed shortages? Here are some of the reasons behind supply-chain problems and how they might impact the economy.

• New Changes to College Financial Aid and Education Tax Benefits

  The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, included several provisions affecting financial aid and education. Learn more.

• How Well Do You Understand Retirement Plan Rules?

  From IRAs to 401(k)s, qualified retirement plans can be complex. This short quiz tests readers’ knowledge of a few of the finer points.

• Is the Medicare Donut Hole Really Closed?

  This article explains the four stages of Part D prescription drug coverage and how prices can vary in the coverage gap.

• Corporate Debt: Are Juicier Yields Worth the Extra Risk?

  This article discusses corporate credit ratings and some differences between investment-grade and speculative-grade bonds.

• Your Business: New Rules for Writing Off Restaurant Meals

  The December 2020 stimulus bill lets businesses deduct the full cost of restaurant meals in tax years 2021 and 2022. Get the details.

May

• HOT TOPIC: Rising Inflation: Where Will It Go from Here?

  Read about the causes of the recent inflationary trend. Does it represent a short-term phase or the start of a longer-term acceleration in prices?

• Real Estate for Income and Diversification

  Are you familiar with REITs and why they can help diversify a portfolio? Read this article to learn more.

• Five Tips to Follow When Applying for a Mortgage

  Historically low interest rates have driven record homebuying. This article provides some ideas to consider when applying for a mortgage.

• Social Security Spousal Benefits

  This article offers an overview of spousal benefits, which could make a big difference in funding retirement for a married couple.

• Portfolios Get Personal: Growing Interest in Socially Responsible Investing

  This article discusses socially responsible investments that may enable the pursuit of financial returns and make a positive global impact.

• Your Business: Minimum-Wage Laws in the Spotlight

  As more states increase the minimum wage, small businesses may start feeling the economic impact. Read this article for some coping tips.

April

• HOT TOPIC: High-Frequency Indicators: Where to Look for Signs of Recovery

  This article discusses various high-frequency indicators economists use to monitor the pandemic’s impact and the economic recovery’s progress.

• A Financial Wellness Plan Can Help Pave the Road to Retirement

  This article outlines four elements of financial well-being and offers suggestions to strengthen financial wellness.

• Four Things Investors Should Know About Stock Splits

  If you’ve wondered what stock splits are and what effect they might have on your investment portfolio, this article covers the basics.

• All-in-One Funds: Targeting Time or Risk?

  This article discusses target-date funds and lifestyle funds, with the more common of the two based on time horizon rather than risk.

• Working While Receiving Social Security Benefits

  Do you understand the Social Security retirement earnings test and how it may affect your current and future Social Security benefits?

• Your Business: Reasons to Keep Personal and Business Finances Separate

  Find out why it’s important to draw a line between business and personal finances, especially for credit, tax, and personal asset purposes.

March

• HOT TOPIC: GameStop, Reddit, and Market Mania: What Happened?

  Learn the story behind the extreme volatility of “meme” stocks promoted through social media, including the risk for individual investors.

• Key Retirement and Tax Numbers for 2021

  IRS cost-of-living adjustments affect retirement plan contribution limits and certain tax considerations. Explore these 2021 adjustments.

• Are Value Stocks Poised for a Comeback?

  Do you know the differences between growth and value stocks? Find out why value stocks may hold appeal during the economic recovery.

• Home Sweet Home Equity

  Owning a home or having substantial equity may offer financial benefits in retirement. Discover five ways to use or increase home equity.

• Asset Protection: Make Sure Your Umbrella Is Big Enough

  While standard home and auto insurance may cover personal liability, a personal umbrella policy can help add an extra layer of protection.

• Is Your Home Office Also a Tax Shelter?

  This article explains which taxpayers are eligible for the home office deduction and describes the two methods used to calculate it.

February

• HOT TOPIC: Pandemic Relief Measures and Your Tax Return

  This article discusses various tax issues stemming from the two tax relief bills passed in 2020 in response to the pandemic and how they may affect you.

• Sequence Risk: Preparing to Retire in a Down Market

  This article offers a strategy that may help address sequence risk — the danger of poor investment performance at the outset of retirement.

• Watch Out for These Financial Pitfalls in the New Year

  Financial opportunities and potential pitfalls can appear at any time. Here are common money mistakes to avoid at various stages of life.

• New Fed Policy Suggests Low Rates for the Long Term

  The Fed now seeks to control inflation through the benchmark federal funds rate. Find out what this means for investors and consumers.

• When You Can’t Speak for Yourself

  Discover how a living will and durable powers of attorney for health care and finances can help ensure your wishes are carried out.

• Big Data for Smaller Players

  Read how small businesses use software services to help streamline operations, understand customers, optimize websites, and find new markets.

January

• HOT TOPIC: Revisiting the 4% Rule

  For years, the “4% rule” helped retirees make their savings last, but now a more aggressive withdrawal strategy might be the new norm.

• Five Tips to Regain Your Retirement Savings Focus in 2021

  This article presents five steps that could help focus and enhance a retirement savings strategy in 2021.

• Money Market Funds in a Low Rate Environment

  Did you know there still may be reasons to hold money market mutual funds despite low yields? Read this article to find out more.

• Prepare Your Finances for the Next Emergency

  The pandemic has underscored the importance of a well-stocked emergency fund. This article offers tips for building up a cash reserve.

• Gift vs. Inheritance: Consider the Tax Difference

  When deciding whether to gift assets now or transfer them to heirs at death, you need to understand step-up in basis and tax consequences.

• Take Advantage of Deductions for Business Investments

  A look at bonus depreciation and Section 179, plus CARES Act changes that may benefit companies that reconfigured spaces for safety reasons.