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Newsletters
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.
January
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
December
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HOT TOPIC: How COVID-19 Has Changed Consumer Behavior and the Future of Retail
This article looks at the “new normal,” its effect on consumer behavior and the retail industry, and what that could mean for the economy.
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Should You Pay Off Student Loans Early or Save More for Retirement?
Wondering whether you should pay off student loan debt today or save for the future? Here are some considerations to help make the decision.
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Putting Your Nest Egg in Three Baskets
Find out how understanding sequence-of-returns risk could help you develop a three-prong distribution strategy for retirement.
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Full House: Adult Children Coming Home
If your adult children have returned to your once-empty nest, these tips might help promote a peaceful and productive living situation.
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Income Investors May Find Closed-End Funds on Sale
Do you know the differences between open-end and closed-end funds? This article compares the two.
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Your Business: Could You Benefit from a Roth Conversion in 2020?
This article focuses on the potential short- and long-term tax ramifications of a Roth IRA conversion.
November
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Your Estate: Have You Looked at These Legal Documents Lately?
This article looks at documents that should be kept up to date, including wills, trusts, advance medical directives, and beneficiary forms.
October
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HOT TOPIC: Election 2020: Uncertainty Creates Potential for Market Swings
A shift in the balance of power can strongly affect economic policies. View the presidential candidates’ tax proposals and other monetary policy positions.
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Return of Premium Life Insurance: Protection and Cash Back
This article provides an overview of the pros and cons of a type of term policy – return of premium life insurance.
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Insurance to Help Protect Your Business from Lawsuits
Some businesses are exposed to risks that may call for a specialized type of liability policy. Does your business have appropriate coverage?
September
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Could You Be Responsible for Your Parents’ Nursing Home Bills?
Filial responsibility laws can hold children responsible for certain parental debts. This potential liability is one reason to plan for long-term care needs.
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Survivor Benefits Provide a Financial Lifeline
Decisions made when claiming Social Security retirement benefits can make a big difference in spousal and other dependents’ survivor benefits.
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Why Family Businesses Should Have Succession Plans
Do you know the reasons why business owners might need to take the time to develop a thoughtful succession plan?
August
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Debit or Credit? Pick a Card
Do you know the differences between debit and credit cards? This article discusses both and when it might be better to use a credit card.
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Consider a Roth Conversion for Tax-Free Income
Lower tax rates and asset values may make now the time to consider a Roth conversion. This article outlines the rules and potential benefits.
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Indexed Annuities: A Strategy to Turn Savings into Retirement Income
Explore the unique features and risks of indexed annuities and their potential role in investors’ retirement income strategies.
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Crisis Relief: Financial Lifelines for Affected Workers
Temporary crisis relief legislation makes it easier to access retirement account funds and extends paid leave for workers at some small businesses.
July
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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.
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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.
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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
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Managing Your Workplace Retirement Plan
This article presents some steps employees can take to get the most out of their employer-sponsored retirement plans.
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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.
May
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The Cost of Family Caregiving
A look at the financial, emotional, and physical costs of family caregiving with some helpful suggestions for caregivers.
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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
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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.
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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.
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Living Benefits Can Help Counter Retirement Risks
Optional riders that add living benefits to annuities might help retirees address two financial risks: outliving their savings and paying for long-term care.
March
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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.
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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.
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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.
February
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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.
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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.
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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?
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What Is Cyber Insurance, and Do You Need It?
Cyber attacks and loss of data can be devastating, so businesses should be proactive about addressing this risk.