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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November
HOT TOPIC: High Foreign Investment in the U.S. – Will It Last?
The United States received almost one-third of all global foreign investment from 2021 to 2023. This article looks at how different types of foreign investment may impact the U.S. economy.
Treasury Yields Off 17-Year Highs
While yields are off highs not seen since before the Great Recession, investors might consider some of the Treasury security types and maturities outlined in this article.
If You Don’t Have a Will Yet, Why Not?
Although 64% of Americans think having a will is important, only 32% have one. This article looks at reasons people don’t have a will and why they need one regardless of the reason.
FAFSA for 2025-2026 School Year Opens December 1
Following a disastrous rollout last year, this article provides tips for submitting the redesigned Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the 2025–2026 school year.
Do You Know Your Medicare Coverage Options?
There are two ways to obtain Medicare coverage: Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage. Here’s how they work.
Higher Rates Pressure Borrowers and Some Banks: Is Your Money Safe?
In 2023, large bank failures brought renewed attention to the risks banks take to earn money, the role of the FDIC, and the insurance that covers customer deposits.
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October
HOT TOPIC: The Fed Finally Cut Interest Rates
The Fed’s first rate cut of one-half percentage point in four years marks a critical juncture for the economy, with significant implications for consumers, businesses, and investors.
Can You Put the Brakes on Rising Auto Insurance Premiums?
Auto insurance premiums increased more than 18% between July 2023 and July 2024. This article outlines some steps that may help reduce premiums.
Do You Have Enough Life Insurance?
Life insurance needs change over time. This article presents five guidelines to help determine an appropriate amount of life insurance coverage.
Making the Most of Your Credit Card
Credit cards are being used more than ever. This article offers suggestions for choosing and using a credit card.
A Pension Strategy That May Boost Your Income
A strategy called pension maximization may enable a married pensioner to elect the higher payments of a single-life annuity while also providing for the spouse’s financial future.
What’s Your Real Return?
While investors typically look at the nominal return on their investments, it’s important to understand the real return in order to target financial goals.
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September
HOT TOPIC: Should You Worry About Market Volatility?
On August 5, 2024, the S&P 500 dropped 3% from its previous close but bounced back quickly. This article explains why investors would be wise to tune out the noise of market volatility.
It’s Complicated: Inheriting IRAs and Retirement Plans
The SECURE Act of 2019 dramatically changed the rules governing how IRA and retirement plan assets are distributed to beneficiaries.
Retroactive Social Security Benefits: A Chance to Turn Back Time
Beneficiaries who postpone claiming Social Security past full retirement age have the option of receiving a lump-sum payment for up to six months of benefits when they finally apply.
Eight Great Investing Quotes
This article offers eight quotes from successful investors, economists, and other insightful thinkers that may help provide perspective and focus for an investing strategy.
Thinking of Selling Your Home? Don’t Be Surprised by Capital Gains Taxes
This article explains the basics of capital gains taxes when selling a home.
Just Your Average Millionaire
The average net worth of U.S. families surpassed $1 million for the first time in 2022, but wealth levels vary greatly by age, housing status, education, and income.
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August
HOT TOPIC: Real Estate Commission Changes Around the Corner
The National Association of Realtors is implementing new policies related to how real estate brokers are compensated. Here are some implications for buyers, sellers, and their agents.
Watch for These Hazards on the Road to Retirement
The road to retirement is typically not a smooth ride. This article looks at five potential risks that can slow progress along the way.
Mixing It Up: Asset Allocation and Diversification
This article explains how asset allocation and diversification can work together to help mitigate portfolio risk.
After the Loss of a Loved One, Watch Out for Scams
Scammers often prey on those who are most vulnerable. This article outlines common scams that target people who have lost a loved one.
Consumer Sentiment: Do Americans See Brighter Days Ahead?
Why do policymakers pay attention to how consumers are feeling, and what’s behind Americans’ lack of confidence?
Equity REITs: Is There Room for Real Estate in Your Portfolio?
This article discusses some unique characteristics of REITs, including how they can offer a consistent income stream and why changing interest rates can affect REIT performance.
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April
HOT TOPIC: International Investing: The Diverging Fortunes of China and Japan
Investing Internationally can help increase portfolio diversification and provide access to opportunities that may differ from those in the United States.
Beware of These Life Insurance Beneficiary Mistakes
Naming a life insurance policy’s beneficiaries should be a relatively simple task, but there are some situations that can lead to unintended and adverse consequences.
Individual Bonds vs. Bond Funds: What’s the Difference?
Individual bonds and bond funds can both provide an income stream, but there are important differences. This article provides an overview of these two types of investments.
What’s Required of the Executor of an Estate?
Being named as the executor of an estate is generally an honor but settling an estate can be a difficult and time-consuming job. This article provides an overview of typical executor responsibilities.
How a Family Limited Partnership Can Power an Estate Plan
A family limited partnership is a legal agreement that enables business owners and their heirs to address succession, estate, and tax planning needs, all at once.
Fixed Annuities: Retirement Income for Now or Later
Purchasing a fixed annuity shifts the risk for future investment returns to the insurance company and could help create a pension-like income stream for retirement.
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March
HOT TOPIC: Can Productivity Keep Driving the U.S. Economy?
This article looks at the importance of productivity to the U.S. economy, possible contributing factors to the recent surge, and the prospects for an extended period of strong productivity growth.
Key Retirement and Tax Numbers for 2024
This article presents the IRS’ cost-of-living adjustments for 2024 that affect contribution limits for retirement plans and various tax deduction, exclusion, exemption, and threshold amounts.
How Savers and Spenders Can Meet in the Middle
Couples who have opposite philosophies regarding saving and spending often have trouble finding common ground. This article offers some tips to learn to work with financial differences.
The Federal Reserve’s Key Meeting Dates in 2024
This article outlines the Federal Reserve’s three main objectives and provides the meeting schedule of the Federal Open Market Committee.
Roth 401(k) News: Is It Time to Rethink How You Save for Retirement?
High-income participants will not be allowed to make pre-tax catch-up contributions to a traditional 401(k) or similar plan starting in 2026, but they will be able to contribute to a workplace Roth.
Can Your Personality Influence Your Portfolio? New Research Points to Yes
The findings of two recent academic studies may offer insight into how investors can make more fruitful financial decisions.
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