Newsletters

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.

• Playing Defense: Three Stock Strategies to Help Control Risk

  This article outlines three defensive strategies that may help during economic downturns: low-volatility, dividends, and defensive sectors.

• 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.

• Do ETFs Belong in Your Portfolio?

  Do you know the potential benefits and risks of exchange-traded funds and how they differ from mutual funds?

• 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

• HOT TOPIC: Too Much Oil with Nowhere to Go

  This article looks at the reasons behind crude oil’s price collapse and the larger issue of imbalance between supply and demand in the global oil industry.

• 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.

• Looking for Value with P/E Ratios

  Discover the basics of P/E ratios, with an emphasis on analyzing them in the appropriate context for making meaningful comparisons.

• 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.

• 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.

• Don’t Let a Disaster Keep the Lights Off Forever

  As a small-business owner, do you know the types of coverages that may or may not be included in a standard business owner policy?

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.