Newsletters

January

• HOT TOPIC: Two Trade Agreements Offer Optimism, But Uncertainty Remains

  A look at the U.S.-China “skinny” trade deal and the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, and their potential impact on consumers and the U.S. economy.

• 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.

• Running with the Dogs

  See how the Dogs of the Dow, an investing strategy known for chasing dividends and value, can be implemented through a unit investment trust.

• Rain, Sleet, Snow — and Lawsuits?

  Icy winter walkways can lead to injuries and lawsuits. Find out how an umbrella policy can offer higher liability coverage.

• 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

• 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.

• 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.

November

• Three Regrets of Retirees

  More than half of retirees surveyed had retirement planning regrets. Explore the three most common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Medicare Open Enrollment

  This article explains the changes that Medicare beneficiaries can make during the annual open enrollment period from October 15 to December 7.

• Taming Investment Taxes

  Do you know how investments are taxed and which strategies can help improve a portfolio’s tax efficiency?

• Retirement Plans for the Self-Employed Dangle Tax Benefits

  Solo 401(k) plans and SEP IRAs may help small-business owners and the self-employed shelter more income from taxes and save for the future.

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.

• What Medicare Won’t Cover

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

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.

• 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.

• Could Employee Ownership Be Part of Your Succession Plan?

  An employee stock ownership plan may be a tax-friendly way for retiring small-business owners to pass the reins to employees.

August

• Life Insurance with Long-Term Care Benefits

  Concerned about the costs of long-term care? Discover two strategies that combine life insurance coverage with LTC benefits.

• A Quick and Dirty Guide to Credit

  Learn about four financing options that might help small businesses expand, pursue new opportunities, or cover operating expenses.

July

• What’s the Real Return on Your Investments?

  Tax rates, interest rates, and inflation can all cut into the value of investment dollars. This article looks at real return on investments.

• Indexed Annuities: Growth Potential with Downside Protection

  Discover how indexed annuities work, including the risks and potential benefits of purchasing an indexed annuity contract.

• New Study Finds Widespread Job Loss After 50

  A job loss after age 50 can carry serious consequences. These tips may help you prepare professionally and financially for a late-career challenge.

June

• A Steady Strategy in Turbulent Times

  Dollar-cost averaging can help investors focus on building their portfolios through regular investing rather than reacting to market swings.

• Interest Rates and the Economy

  Do you know which factors influence bond yields and why the gap between short- and long-term yields is often viewed as an economic indicator?

May

• Be Aware of Observation Care

  Covered by Medicare? Discover how observation status can impact your out-of-pocket costs and eligibility for post-hospital skilled nursing facility coverage.

• Retirement Planning: How Secure Is Social Security?

  View Social Security’s financial outlook, plus seven proposed fixes for a looming shortfall that may affect future benefits.

April

• Do You Need a Power of Attorney?

  Explore three types of powers of attorney and find out how a living will can supplement a durable POA for health care.

• Why Americans Are Eating Out Less Than Ever

  Dining out is on the decline. Discover why Americans prepared about 82% of their meals and snacks at home in 2018.

• Trusts Offer More Than Estate Tax Protection

  Find out whether a testamentary trust, living trust, or special-purpose trust can benefit your family.

• Clarifying Tax Deductions for Meals and Entertainment

  Wondering if you can still write off 50% of the cost of business meals? Find out what is and isn’t deductible.

March

• Taking a Team Approach to Retirement Savings

  Even if you and your spouse have separate retirement accounts, you may still be able to craft a unified savings and investment strategy.

• Succession Plans Often Hinge on Reliable Valuation

  Discover the role a reliable business valuation can play in succession, tax, and retirement planning.

February

• Need to Tap Your 401(k)? Proceed with Care

  Explore an overview of rules and tax consequences for 401(k) plan hardship distributions and other early withdrawals.

• Looking Back, Looking Ahead

  See the indicators economists rely on to understand the past, present, and potential future direction of the economy.

• Getting Real About Retirement

  This article features a worksheet and relevant information to help estimate retirement expenses and income.