Newsletters

• Accumulating Funds for Short-Term Goals

  Saving for short-term goals can require a conservative approach. This article explores some guidelines and potential investment vehicles.

• Business Cycle Basics: Recessions Begin and End Before We Know It

  This article discusses how economists identify and measure economic contractions and compares some characteristics of past recessions.

• 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.

• Consider Market Caps for Diversification

  2020’s market volatility combined with holding stock in different-sized companies might help you diversify your equity portfolio at a discount.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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?

• 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.

• HOT TOPIC: College Disrupted: Students Face High Costs and Pandemic Impact

  Paying for college can mean borrowing money or risking savings. This article focuses on financial aid and the importance of informed academic choices.

• 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.

• HOT TOPIC: The Bull Is Back... Will It Keep Charging?

  The S&P 500 index recently saw the fastest recovery in its history following the COVID-19 bear market, but will the surge continue?

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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?

• Investing in UITs

  A Unit Investment Trust is structured differently than a mutual fund or ETF. Could its unique features help you ladder your investments?

• 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.

• Managing Your Workplace Retirement Plan

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

• 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.

• 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.

• 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?

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Student Loan Stress? These Plans Might Help

  This article outlines the basic provisions of income-driven repayment plans that can help reduce the burden of federal student loans.

• 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.

• 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?

• 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.

• The Cost of Family Caregiving

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

• Turbulent Times: Bear Markets Come and Go

  A look at the economic conditions that triggered the 2020 bear market and why investors may benefit from having a longer-term perspective.

• 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?

• 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.

• 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.