Newsletters

Fourty-seven percent of American workers have saved less than $25,000 for retirement, and 24% have saved less than $1,000.¹
Source: Employee Benefit Research Institute, 2017

Will you outlive your retirement income? Are your financial expectations for the coming year realistic?

Our financial newsletters are designed to provide helpful information on a wide variety of financial topics. Simply click on one of the newsletter topics below to read the article in its entirety.

• July

  HOT TOPIC: The Shape of Economic Recovery
  This article looks at the potential shape of the COVID-19 economic recovery with some historical context and key factors that may affect the direction of the economy.

  Mid-Year Is a Great Time to Fine-Tune Your Finances
  The middle of the year is an ideal time to revisit financial resolutions and consider steps that may help develop a stronger financial position.

  Four Questions on the Roth Five-Year Rule
  This article provides an overview of two versions of the Roth five-year rule and how they apply to various situations.

  The Beige Book: A Timely Economic Read
  The Federal Reserve’s “Beige Book” provides a broad overview of the economy that is often essential for making economic policy decisions.

  Quarterly Taxes: Deadlines Keep Coming for the Self-Employed
  If you are self-employed, do you know how to calculate quarterly estimated tax payments in order to avoid underpayment penalties?

• June

  HOT TOPIC: Think Twice Before Speculating on a COVID-19 Cure
  This article discusses risks involved in developing treatments and vaccines for COVID-19, and why discoveries might not benefit investors.

  Managing Your Workplace Retirement Plan
  This article presents some steps employees can take to get the most out of their employer-sponsored retirement plans.

  Will vs. Trust: Know the Difference
  Wills and trusts can each help in the distribution of assets at death. This article points out important differences between the two.

  Why You Might Need Disability Income Insurance
  This article explains how an individual disability income insurance policy can help provide income if a disability leaves you unable to work.

  SECURE Act Changes That Matter to Small Employers
  The SECURE Act could make it easier and more affordable for business owners to provide retirement plans and help their employees save for retirement.

• May

  Keeping Cool: Investment Strategy vs. Reaction
  This article offers ideas to help investors focus on strategic decisions rather than react emotionally to the latest market news or movements.

  Social Security May Offer a Lifetime of Protection
  This article provides an overview of four times other than retirement when Social Security might affect you or your family.

  The Cost of Family Caregiving
  A look at the financial, emotional, and physical costs of family caregiving with some helpful suggestions for caregivers.

  Three Life Insurance Strategies for Small Businesses
  This article explores how life insurance might help small businesses attract and retain talent or fund buy-sell agreements.

  Telemedicine: The Virtual Doctor Will See You Now
  Many large employers offer telemedicine programs in their benefit packages. Do you know the potential advantages of telemedicine?

• April

  HOT TOPIC: Government Acts to Blunt Financial Impact of Global Pandemic
  A discussion of the measures being taken by the federal government to support workers, businesses, financial markets, and the economy in these trying times.

  Setting a Retirement Savings Goal
  This article features a worksheet to help you estimate the savings you might need to generate your desired retirement income.

  Early Retirement and Your Tax-Deferred Savings
  Find out how the rules for early-distribution penalty exceptions differ for withdrawals from traditional IRAs and employer-sponsored plans.

• March

  HOT TOPIC: The Coronavirus and the Global Economy
  An examination of how China’s coronavirus-driven slowdown has affected global business activity and a look at its potential economic impact.

  Stay-at-Home Spouse? Consider a Spousal IRA
  Stay-at-home spouses can fall behind in saving for retirement. This article explains how a spousal IRA can help keep retirement savings on track.

  Three Lessons from Retirees
  A survey of workers and retirees yielded three key findings that may prove helpful in planning for retirement. Find out more.

  Five Red Flags That Raise the Odds of an Audit
  Ever wonder why the IRS might take a closer look at a taxpayer’s return? This article discusses different types of audits and what might trigger one.

  Behavioral Biases That Can Lead to Costly Mistakes
  Learn about six blind spots that can lead to regrettable portfolio decisions (and how investors might avoid them).

  Classifying Workers: Know the Rules and Risks
  This article explores the complex web of federal and state tax and employment laws that determine how businesses must classify workers.

• February

  HOT TOPIC: The SECURE Act and Your Retirement Savings
  A discussion of the important provisions in the SECURE Act that could affect retirement, tax, and estate planning strategies.

  Three Generations of Retirement Strategies
  Millennials, Gen Xers, and baby boomers face different challenges in pursuing retirement goals. This article offers strategies to help address them.

  Do Target-Date Funds Hit the Bull’s-Eye for You?
  More than half of 401(k) participants invest in target-date funds, but are they right for everyone? This article provides an overview.

  Retirement Savings: Traditional, Roth, or Both?
  How does a traditional or Roth structure affect your IRA or employer-sponsored retirement plan? And what do their differences mean for older workers?

• January

  Give and Receive with a Charitable Remainder Trust
  Discover how to give a substantial gift to a favorite charity while receiving a flow of income during your lifetime.

  Business or Hobby? It’s All About Taxes
  The difference between a money-losing business and a hobby matters at tax time. This article presents IRS criteria for making the distinction.

  Is It Time to Step Up Your Digital Marketing?
  Now that 28% of Americans report being online “almost constantly,” could digital marketing be a cost-effective way to attract new customers?

• December

  Hot Topic: The Ag Economy: Tough Times for Farmers in 2019
  Farm bankruptcies rose in 2019, despite billions in federal support. This article discusses the effect on rural communities and regional economies.

  Online Shopping Tips
  As web-based retail sales continue to grow, these tips may help ensure a safer online shopping experience.

  What’s Required of the Executor of an Estate?
  Being named the executor of an estate can be an honor, but this overview shows why it can also be a difficult and time-consuming job.

  Prices and the Economy
  Low inflation may seem like good news, but it has a darker side. See which factors might be driving down inflation in the United States.

  Qualified Charitable Distributions
  Discover how qualified charitable distributions work and why they may now be more valuable than taking a tax deduction.

  A New Option for Providing Health Coverage in 2020
  Learn more about Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangements and how they may help small businesses offer employee health coverage.

• October

  HOT TOPIC: Could a Health Savings Account Help Strengthen Your Retirement Plan?
  In addition to setting aside pre-tax income to pay current and future medical expenses, an HSA could play an important role in your long-term retirement strategy.

  Protection to Help Your Family
  Explore the benefits of individual life insurance versus work-based coverage, and compare term and permanent policies.

  Five Money Issues to Talk About Before the Wedding
  Before saying “I do,” newly-engaged couples may want to discuss these five key financial topics.

  What Medicare Won’t Cover
  See potentially expensive services Original Medicare doesn’t cover and how Medicare Advantage, Medigap or private insurance might help.

  Index Update: Shifting Sectors Reflect Social Change
  How do recent classification changes reflect shifts in the telecommunications sector, and what does that mean to investors?

  Coping with a Labor Shortage
  As small businesses struggle to recruit and retain employees in a tight job market, these tips may help owners meet staffing needs.

• September

  Sticker Shock May Drive Consumers to Used Cars
  As new car prices skyrocket, these three trends could make 2019 a good year to buy a three-year-old vehicle.

  Risk Tolerance: Stress-Test Your Portfolio…and Yourself
  Do you know your personal tolerance for market risk? Here are three key questions that may help you find out.

  Steps to Help Lower Capital Gains Taxes
  Discover how the step-up in basis provision may help reduce capital gains taxes and preserve the value of assets left to heirs.

  Life Insurance Strategies: Reasons Empty Nesters May Want Permanent Coverage
  As policyholders age, life insurance could help supplement retirement income, support a surviving spouse, and/or leave a legacy.

• August

  Caught in the Middle: The Sandwich Generation
  Tips to help balance the competing demands of saving for retirement and providing financial support to adult children and aging parents.