Newsletters

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.

November

• HOT TOPIC: Manufacturing Slowdown. . .What Does It Mean for the Economy?

  This article looks at some of the reasons behind the manufacturing slowdown and what it might mean for the broader U.S. economy.

• 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.

• Closed-End Funds May Offer Higher Income

  Discover why closed-end funds may offer potentially higher income streams than traditional mutual funds holding similar securities.

• 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.

• 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.

August

• HOT TOPIC: How Geopolitical Tensions May Affect Oil Prices and the Economy

  Explore the relationship between fuel prices and economic growth, factors that influence prices, and how U.S. production altered the global oil market.

• 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.

• Consider REITs for Income and Diversification

  Explore the basics of equity real estate investment trusts (REITs) including their potential benefits and risks.

• 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.

• Qualified Longevity Annuity Contracts (QLACs)

  Worried your retirement might outlast your savings? A qualified longevity annuity contract could provide an income stream later in life.

• 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

• HOT TOPIC: All Eyes on the U.S. Economy as It Caps Off Decade of Growth

  This article compares the current economic expansion with prior business cycles and examines developments that could affect future growth.

June

• College Savings: Roth or 529 Plan?

  Can a Roth IRA double as a college savings tool? Find out how a Roth IRA compares with state-based 529 college savings plans.

May

• 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

• 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.

March

• Bridging the Gap Between Retirement and Medicare Eligibility

  See three options that may help you bridge the health insurance coverage gap between retirement and Medicare eligibility.

February

• 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.

January

• ABLE Accounts for Disability Expenses

  Explore ABLE account requirements and potential benefits, including new saving opportunities under the 2017 tax law.