Newsletters

November

• HOT TOPIC: What Does a Strong Dollar Mean for the U.S. Economy?

  This article looks at why the dollar is surging and how the strong dollar may affect U.S. consumers, businesses, and the broader economy.

• 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.

• Retirement Savings in a Volatile Market

  Emotional reactions can be an enemy of sound investing. This article offers perspective and strategies that may help investors stay the course.

• Virtual Health Care Is Here to Stay

  Telehealth skyrocketed during the COVID-19 pandemic and continues to be popular. This article looks at the potential benefits of virtual health care.

October

• HOT TOPIC: CHIPS and Science Act Aims to Preserve U.S. Technology Edge

  This article discusses the CHIPS and Science Act’s key provisions, as the U.S. strives to reduce its reliance on semiconductors produced overseas.

• 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.

• Building Financial Resilience

  Steps to be better positioned for turbulent events such as inflation, roller-coaster markets, and global events — and hopefully emerge even stronger.

• Donor-Advised Funds Combine Charitable Impact with Tax Benefits

  This article discusses how a donor-advised fund might be used to time charitable contributions for tax purposes or to gift appreciated assets.

• Small Businesses Are Short-Staffed and Overwhelmed

  The pandemic kicked off a severe labor shortage. What can small-business owners do if they are struggling to meet staffing needs?

September

• HOT TOPIC: Unpacking the Inflation Reduction Act: What’s in It?

  This article provides an overview of provisions that could affect consumers and businesses, including clean energy tax credits, Medicare changes, and new corporate taxes.

• Dividends for Income and Total Returns

  Dividend investing can be a dependable source of income for retirees and others. This article provides an overview.

• What the Red-Hot Job Market Means for Workers

  A discussion of the dynamics of the current job market — one that is quite possibly the most worker-friendly in many years.

• Preparing for a Natural Disaster

  Here are some tips to help homeowners protect their properties and evacuate safely in the event of a natural disaster.

August

• HOT TOPIC: Is the U.S. Economy in a Recession?

  This article looks at how a recession is officially determined and some current indicators that suggest strength or weakness in the U.S. economy.

• Uncle Sam Wants to Know About Your Gig Income

  Discover how a 2022 IRS tax reporting change could affect people who are self-employed or whose side job pays through an app or online platform.

• Sticker Shock Is No Joke for Car Buyers

  This article discusses recent trends affecting the automotive market and includes suggestions for those who want to purchase a vehicle.

• Six Steps to Starting a New Business

  Have you thought about starting your own business? Here’s an overview of some important first steps in the entrepreneurial process.

July

• Should You Consider Tapping the Equity in Your Home?

  Using home equity to fund other financial objectives has potential benefits and risks. This article looks at various ways to tap home equity.

• 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.

• WEP and GPO Can Reduce Social Security Benefits

  Explore how the windfall elimination provision and the government pension offset can affect Social Security benefits for people who earned a pension in noncovered employment.

• How Long Should You Keep Financial Records?

  The end of tax season might be a good time to organize financial records. Discover guidelines to help you decide what to keep and what to discard.

June

• HOT TOPIC: Rising Rates Join Long List of Housing Dilemmas

  This article explores how soaring housing costs, rising rates, and declining affordability could impact borrowers and the housing market.

• Are You Ready to Cancel Your Cable TV?

  Do streaming services make you contemplate cutting the cord? Read about some features, benefits, and limitations to consider before doing so.

• Where to Look for Lost and Forgotten Money

  States hold unclaimed property for about one in 10 Americans. Here are some online resources that may help you find out if you’re one of them.

May

• HOT TOPIC: High Inflation: How Long Will It Last?

  This article looks at some of the forces behind rising prices, the Fed’s plan to combat them, and early signs that inflation may be easing.

• Working While Receiving Social Security Benefits

  Do you understand how working in retirement can affect your Social Security benefits? Read this article to find out.

• Baseball Lessons That Might Help Change Up Your Finances

  Learn some lessons from America’s favorite pastime that may inspire you to take a fresh look at your finances.

• Planning to Quit Your Job? What to Know Before You Go

  Millions of U.S. workers voluntarily left their jobs in 2021. Here are some things to keep in mind if you’re considering quitting.

• Why Small Businesses Should Pay Attention to Accessibility

  Find out more about how Americans with Disabilities Act requirements and guidelines may apply to your premises and websites.

• Food Inflation: What’s Behind It and How to Cope

  U.S. food prices were hit hard in 2021. This article includes seven tips to help consumers control their family’s grocery bills.

April

• Flood Insurance: Be Prepared for Rising Waters and Changing Rates

  Read about a new flood risk-rating system that could help homeowners assess actual risk and set more appropriate insurance premiums.

March

• If You Don’t Have a Will, You Probably Should

  Do you have a will? If not, this article offers three key reasons why you should.

• When Buying Is Easy, Paying Later Can Be a Problem

  Spreading out payments for online purchases may be tempting, but shoppers should think twice before committing to installment purchases.

February

• Preparing for Libor to Leave the Building

  The London Interbank Offered Rate influences borrowing costs worldwide. Discover why the financial industry wants a more reliable benchmark.

• Did You Know Medicaid May Pay You as a Family Caregiver?

  Caregiving can exact physical, emotional, and financial tolls, but in some cases, Medicaid may provide financial relief to family caregivers.

January

• HOT TOPIC: The Fed Pivots to Fight Inflation

  This article looks at the strategy behind the Fed’s monetary policy shift and the potential consequences for consumers, investors, and the economy.

• Your Social Security Statement: What’s in It for You?

  This article explains some of the key information provided on a personalized Social Security Statement.

December

• Should You Speed Up Your Retirement Plans?

  The pandemic caused some Americans to file for Social Security earlier than planned. See four factors to consider before retiring early.

• Balancing Medicare and Work-Based Insurance

  Read about rules and other considerations faced by workers who are eligible for both Medicare and employer-based health insurance.

• Is Your Business Eligible for the Research and Development Tax Credit?

  U.S. business owners who spent money to develop new products or improve existing products or trade processes may qualify for the federal R&D tax credit.

• Catalytic Converter Thefts Are on the Rise: Here’s Why

  Find out why catalytic converters are targeted by thieves and how comprehensive auto insurance can help provide some financial protection.