Newsletters
Fourty-seven percent of American workers have saved less than $25,000 for retirement, and 24% have saved less than $1,000.1
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.
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August
HOT TOPIC: 530A Trump Accounts Officially Open
A new tax-advantaged investment account officially launched on July 4th: the 530A account, also known as a Trump Account, which is designed to help children get a head start on their financial future.
Is It Time to Declare Your Financial Independence?
Here are some ideas to help pursue a life of financial freedom.
The Employment Situation: A Closely Watched Report
Among all the economic indicators released each month, the Employment Situation is one of the most highly anticipated and can move financial markets.
Understanding the “No Tax on Tips” Deduction
In 2025, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act established a temporary federal tax deduction to help reduce the tax liability of certain tipped workers.
Strategies for Taking RMDs
This article provides an overview of rules, options, and strategies for taking required minimum distributions (RMDs).
Media Trends: Where Have All the Readers Gone?
The majority of Americans read few books over the last year, while the number of weekly podcast listeners has been rising.
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July
HOT TOPIC: Social Security and Medicare: The Clock Is Ticking
According to this year’s Trustees report, Social Security recipients might face a benefit cut in 2034 unless Congress acts soon to strengthen the program.
Locked Out? How to Break Into Today’s Housing Market
Homeownership can still be an attainable goal, but it may take more planning, flexibility, and creativity than it did in the past.
What Is Value Investing?
At the heart of a value investing strategy is viewing the purchase of stock shares as becoming a part owner of a company.
Midyear Checkup: Can You Contribute More to Your Retirement Plan?
With traditional pensions in decline, it’s up to the individual employee to build retirement savings in a work-based account.
Taxing Social Security Benefits: Clearing the Confusion
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act did not change the rules for taxing Social Security benefits, but it did create a new deduction for seniors that could help reduce their tax burden.
Teens Say Social Media Takes a Toll on Mental Health
Many parents are concerned about the well-being of their children as they navigate the digital landscape.
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June
HOT TOPIC: Pressure at the Pump: Will High Gas Prices Shake the U.S. Economy?
This article looks at why gas is so expensive, what it might take to stop the upward trend, and the potential effect of high gas prices on consumers and the broader economy.
REITs Offer Income and Diversification
Most broad stock funds contain real estate investment trusts (REITs), but for a more strategic approach, investors can choose from a variety of REIT funds and individual REITs.
What Is Asset-Based LTCI?
Hybrid long-term care insurance policies, also known as asset-based plans, combine the benefit of a life insurance policy or an annuity with the availability of long-term care benefits.
What Can You Learn from Your Tax Return?
Tax season may be over, but a completed tax return offers information that can help with financial strategy for the rest of the year.
Variable Annuities: Strategies to Help Counter Retirement Risks
Unlike retirement accounts, there are no federal contribution limits for variable annuities, and the investment gains won’t be taxed until they are withdrawn.
Goodbye Passwords, Hello Passkeys
As major tech companies, apps, and websites make passkeys their default security option, it’s likely you’ll be prompted to set them up to help secure your accounts.
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May
HOT TOPIC: Trade Update: The Supreme Court Stepped In, but Many Tariffs Stand
This article explains the types of tariffs that are still in play and their potential impact on U.S. consumers and businesses.
Be Storm Smart: How to Prepare for Extreme Weather
More than a quarter of U.S. homes are exposed to severe or extreme weather risk. While homeowners can’t control the forecast, they can take proactive steps to prepare.
The Evolution of Retirement Savings
The retirement savings landscape has changed dramatically over the past 50 years. How might these developments affect tomorrow’s retirees?
Don’t Overlook the Value of Social Security Survivor Benefits
While life insurance might play a central role after the death of a financial provider, Social Security could also offer another important source of income for survivors.
The Corporate World Is All-In on AI
As the race among large tech companies to monetize AI hits full throttle, it’s worth considering how adoption of AI-enabled technologies might affect the economic prospects of businesses and workers.
Online Shopping in the Tariff Era
Even small online purchases that are shipped from outside the United States must now pass through customs — and are likely to incur duties.
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April
HOT TOPIC: The Iran War, the Economy, and Your Portfolio
This article looks at the economic impact of the war with Iran, including rising oil and gas prices and the potential effects on inflation, investments, and the broader economy.
Foreign Stocks Outperformed in 2025
Although U.S. stocks have provided a higher return over the past 20 years, foreign stocks outperformed in seven of those years, including 2025.
Medicare or Medicaid?
It’s easy to confuse Medicare and Medicaid, but there are important differences between the programs.
New Auto Loan Interest Deduction Explained
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) provides an annual deduction of up to $10,000 for interest paid on qualifying new auto loans, effective for tax years 2025 through 2028.
Small Business: Coping with the End of De Minimis Imports
Small businesses must now pay duties on low-value goods they could previously source inexpensively from China and elsewhere.
Is Your Dream Kitchen a Good Investment?
Considering the potential return on investment before taking on home improvement projects can help homeowners make cost-effective decisions.
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March
HOT TOPIC: What Does a Weaker U.S. Dollar Mean for Your Money?
Consumers and investors might want to consider how the depreciating dollar could impact the economy and their own finances.
No More Groundhog Day for Your Finances: Time for a Financial Wellness Checkup
Financial habits can repeat themselves, month after month and year after year, until we consciously break the pattern.
Key Retirement and Tax Numbers for 2026
This article provides 2026 contribution limits for retirement plans and various tax deduction, exclusion, exemption, and threshold amounts.
Wealthy Colleges Face Expanded Endowment Tax
A new tiered tax rate on the endowments of wealthy colleges and universities could affect spending on financial aid, research, and other college programs.
A Roadmap for Your Family
A letter of instruction could be just as important as a will in helping loved ones settle an estate and move forward with their lives.
Could an HSA Strengthen Your Retirement Strategy?
After age 65, retirees can use HSA funds for any purpose without incurring a penalty.
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December
HOT TOPIC: The Shutdown is Over: What Now?
The longest government shutdown in U.S. history ended on November 12, 2025. This article looks at the bill that ended the shutdown, issues that are unresolved, and estimates of the economic impact.
Balancing Life in the Sandwich Generation
The day-to-day demands of supporting multiple generations can take a toll, but planning and support might help achieve a workable balance.
Beneficiary Designations: Who Gets the Money?
It’s a good idea to regularly review beneficiary designations to be sure they are complete and reflect current wishes.
Closed-End Funds May Offer Higher Income
Closed-end funds are considered to carry higher risk but may provide a higher income stream than traditional mutual funds holding similar securities.
Life Insurance for Two
Survivorship life insurance may be a cost-effective coverage solution for older couples or business partners.
Unpacking the Real Limitations on Unlimited PTO
The prospect of unlimited paid time off may be appealing, but there are also some potential pitfalls to consider.
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November
HOT TOPIC: Will Tax Law Changes Impact Your Giving Strategy?
New tax rules will determine the deductibility of donations in 2026 for better or worse, which means taxpayers may want to rethink the timing and amount of their donations for 2025 and beyond.
Are You Prepared for the High Cost of Dying?
End-of-life care and the death of a loved one not only carry an emotional price tag, but they often impose a substantial financial strain on families.
What Happens to Your Time Horizon at Retirement?
When entering retirement, investment strategy typically shifts from a single, goal-based fixed time horizon to a multilayered, interrelated series of time periods.
Navigating Medicare Open Enrollment
The Medicare Open Enrollment period runs from October 15 to December 7 and allows various changes related to Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, and Medicare Prescription Drug plans.
Consider Roth for Tax-Free Income
Roth accounts offer no current-year tax benefit, but they can provide tax-free retirement income.
Avoiding Probate with a TOD Deed and TOD Account
In many states, a transfer-on-death (TOD) deed and/or account can help avoid probate without the cost and complexity of a trust.
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