Newsletters

May

• HOT TOPIC: High Inflation: How Long Will It Last?

  This article looks at some of the forces behind rising prices, the Fed’s plan to combat them, and early signs that inflation may be easing.

• Working While Receiving Social Security Benefits

  Do you understand how working in retirement can affect your Social Security benefits? Read this article to find out.

• Baseball Lessons That Might Help Change Up Your Finances

  Learn some lessons from America’s favorite pastime that may inspire you to take a fresh look at your finances.

• Planning to Quit Your Job? What to Know Before You Go

  Millions of U.S. workers voluntarily left their jobs in 2021. Here are some things to keep in mind if you’re considering quitting.

• Why Small Businesses Should Pay Attention to Accessibility

  Find out more about how Americans with Disabilities Act requirements and guidelines may apply to your premises and websites.

• Food Inflation: What’s Behind It and How to Cope

  U.S. food prices were hit hard in 2021. This article includes seven tips to help consumers control their family’s grocery bills.

April

• HOT TOPIC: Is the Russia-Ukraine War a Threat to the Global Economy?

  Explore the potential impact of the Russia-Ukraine conflict across global markets, including supply disruptions, higher prices, and slower growth.

• ETFs Are Gaining on Mutual Funds: Here’s Why

  Are you familiar with the differences between mutual funds and exchange-traded funds? This article compares and contrasts the two.

• Key Retirement and Tax Numbers for 2022

  Explore some key retirement plan contribution limits and various tax deduction, exclusion, exemption, and threshold amounts for 2022.

• Splurge or Save? Making the Most of Your Income-Tax Refund

  Did you receive an income-tax refund this year? This article looks at some ways to use it.

• Flood Insurance: Be Prepared for Rising Waters and Changing Rates

  Read about a new flood risk-rating system that could help homeowners assess actual risk and set more appropriate insurance premiums.

March

• HOT TOPIC: Colliding Forces: Russia, Oil, Inflation, and Market Volatility

  Find out more about rising oil prices related to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and the potential effects on U.S. consumers and investors.

• When Two Goals Collide: Balancing College and Retirement Preparations

  This article discusses college financial aid and some ideas that might help fund college while maintaining a solid retirement savings strategy.

• Mutual Funds: Do You Know What’s in Your Portfolio?

  It’s important for investors to understand the funds in their portfolios. This article provides an overview of different types of funds.

• If You Don’t Have a Will, You Probably Should

  Do you have a will? If not, this article offers three key reasons why you should.

• Going Green: A Fast-Growing Corner of the Global Bond Market

  This article looks at the types of projects funded by green bonds, some current trends, and the potential benefits and risks for investors.

• When Buying Is Easy, Paying Later Can Be a Problem

  Spreading out payments for online purchases may be tempting, but shoppers should think twice before committing to installment purchases.

February

• HOT TOPIC: Help Wanted: Why Can’t Businesses Find Enough Workers?

  This article discusses the U.S. workforce and what the shifting labor market could mean for workers, employers, inflation, and economic growth.

• Preparing for Libor to Leave the Building

  The London Interbank Offered Rate influences borrowing costs worldwide. Discover why the financial industry wants a more reliable benchmark.

• Are You a HENRY? Consider These Wealth-Building Strategies

  High earner, not rich yet (HENRY) refers to young professionals with big incomes and little savings. Find out how HENRYs might grow wealth.

• Did You Know Medicaid May Pay You as a Family Caregiver?

  Caregiving can exact physical, emotional, and financial tolls, but in some cases, Medicaid may provide financial relief to family caregivers.

January

• HOT TOPIC: The Fed Pivots to Fight Inflation

  This article looks at the strategy behind the Fed’s monetary policy shift and the potential consequences for consumers, investors, and the economy.

• 401(k) and IRA: A Combined Savings Strategy

  Do you know the differences between a 401(k) and an IRA? Find out how they might work together to boost your retirement assets.

• Your Social Security Statement: What’s in It for You?

  This article explains some of the key information provided on a personalized Social Security Statement.

• Looking Back, Looking Forward

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

• Going Public: How Are Direct Listings Different from IPOs?

  Do you know the difference between an IPO and a direct listing? This article explores the two paths companies can take to go public.

December

• HOT TOPIC: Supply-Chain Chaos: Holiday Edition

  Explore current economic conditions and retail trends, including sharply higher prices and the potential for sporadic product delays and shortages.

• Should You Speed Up Your Retirement Plans?

  The pandemic caused some Americans to file for Social Security earlier than planned. See four factors to consider before retiring early.

• Year-End 2021 Tax Tips

  This article outlines various tax-related financial moves to consider before the end of the calendar year.

• Balancing Medicare and Work-Based Insurance

  Read about rules and other considerations faced by workers who are eligible for both Medicare and employer-based health insurance.

• Is Your Business Eligible for the Research and Development Tax Credit?

  U.S. business owners who spent money to develop new products or improve existing products or trade processes may qualify for the federal R&D tax credit.

• Catalytic Converter Thefts Are on the Rise: Here’s Why

  Find out why catalytic converters are targeted by thieves and how comprehensive auto insurance can help provide some financial protection.

October

• HOT TOPIC: Social Security’s Uncertain Future: What You Should Know

  This article explores demographic trends that are dimming Social Security’s financial outlook and proposals to address the looming shortfall.

• Four Reasons to Review Your Life Insurance Needs

  This article looks at major life events and the need to review your life insurance coverage in light of changing circumstances.

• Grandparent 529 Plans Get a Boost Under New FAFSA Rules

  Read how the FAFSA Simplification Act helps grandparents assist with college costs without impacting their grandchildren’s financial aid.

• Credit Scores Reach Record High

  This article discusses the components that determine your credit score and provides tips for maintaining a high score or raising a low one.

• Fund Retirement and Reward Workers with a Cash Balance Plan

  Do you know how cash balance retirement plans can help small business owners reduce taxable income and catch up on their savings? Find out.

September

• Signs of a Scam…and How to Resist It

  Discover four common practices that might help you identify and avoid scams.

• Child Tax Credit for 2021: Will You Get More?

  This article discusses substantial, temporary improvements to the child tax credit due to The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.

• Following the Inflation Debate

  See how measures economists and Fed policymakers use to monitor inflation fuel the debate over how long 2021’s price increases will last.

• What a Relief! Congress Acts Against Surprise Medical Bills

  Have you heard of the No Surprises Act? Taking effect in 2022, it helps protect consumers from large, unexpected medical bills. Learn more.

August

• HOT TOPIC: Antitrust Crackdown Aims to Increase Competition

  See how an executive order to curb excessive consolidation of industry might affect consumers, small businesses, investors, and the economy.

• Don’t Let Debt Derail Your Retirement

  This article looks at high debt levels among older Americans and why it’s important to analyze and address debt before retirement.

• Company Stock and Your Retirement Strategy

  This article addresses specific risks and tax implications when acquiring company stock inside or outside of a workplace retirement plan.

• Crisis Averted? Financial Help for Struggling Renters and Landlords

  Read about programs that help both landlords and tenants by providing direct housing assistance for eligible renters.

July

• HOT TOPIC: Hostage Data: Ransomware and Protecting Your Digital Information

  This article provides an overview of high-profile ransomware attacks and offers tips to help consumers protect their own data.

• Considerations When Making Gifts to Children

  This article provides an overview of tax provisions and other issues to consider when making significant gifts to children or grandchildren.

• A Steady Strategy

  Discover how dollar-cost averaging may help alleviate some market concerns by making regular investments regardless of market movements.

• Pension or Lump Sum: Which Should You Choose?

  Do you know the key factors to consider if offered an option to take a lump sum in lieu of a pension? Read this article to find out.

• Bankruptcy Changes Throw a Lifeline to Sinking Small Businesses

  Many requirements that made it difficult and expensive for small businesses to reorganize using Chapter 11 have been loosened. Learn more.

June

• HOT TOPIC: Shortages and Bottlenecks Expose Weak Links in U.S. Supply Chains

  As a consumer, have you noticed shortages? Here are some of the reasons behind supply-chain problems and how they might impact the economy.

• New Changes to College Financial Aid and Education Tax Benefits

  The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, included several provisions affecting financial aid and education. Learn more.

• How Well Do You Understand Retirement Plan Rules?

  From IRAs to 401(k)s, qualified retirement plans can be complex. This short quiz tests readers’ knowledge of a few of the finer points.

• Is the Medicare Donut Hole Really Closed?

  This article explains the four stages of Part D prescription drug coverage and how prices can vary in the coverage gap.

• Your Business: New Rules for Writing Off Restaurant Meals

  The December 2020 stimulus bill lets businesses deduct the full cost of restaurant meals in tax years 2021 and 2022. Get the details.