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.

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.

September

• HOT TOPIC: Upside Down: What Does the Yield Curve Suggest About Growth?

  An inverted yield curve can be an economic indicator along with other factors that contribute to an uncertain outlook for future growth.

• Sticker Shock May Drive Consumers to Used Cars

  As new car prices skyrocket, these three trends could make 2019 a good year to buy a three-year-old vehicle.

• Risk Tolerance: Stress-Test Your Portfolio…and Yourself

  Do you know your personal tolerance for market risk? Here are three key questions that may help you find out.

• Steps to Help Lower Capital Gains Taxes

  Discover how the step-up in basis provision may help reduce capital gains taxes and preserve the value of assets left to heirs.

• Life Insurance Strategies: Reasons Empty Nesters May Want Permanent Coverage

  As policyholders age, life insurance could help supplement retirement income, support a surviving spouse, and/or leave a legacy.

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.

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.

• Seeking Balance in a Mutual Fund

  Balancing stocks and bonds can be a central part of building an investment portfolio. Find out how balanced funds follow a similar strategy.

• What’s the Real Return on Your Investments?

  Tax rates, interest rates, and inflation can all cut into the value of investment dollars. This article looks at real return on investments.

June

• HOT TOPIC: U.S.-China Trade War: Who Pays the Price?

  A look at the issues behind the trade war with China, as well as who will carry the costs of the tariffs and the potential effect on the U.S. economy.

• A Steady Strategy in Turbulent Times

  Dollar-cost averaging can help investors focus on building their portfolios through regular investing rather than reacting to market swings.

• 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.

• Avoiding Probate with a Transfer-on-Death Deed

  Many U.S. states offer a way to avoid probate when leaving the family home to your heirs. Learn more about transfer-on-death deeds.

• Interest Rates and the Economy

  Do you know which factors influence bond yields and why the gap between short- and long-term yields is often viewed as an economic indicator?

• Steps to Executing an Exit Strategy

  Monetizing a closely held business can be a difficult process, so owners may want to plan an exit strategy before they really need one.

May

• SRI Investing: Not Just for Stocks

  Find out how individual impact bonds may allow investors to preserve principal and generate income while supporting activities that are important to them.

April

• HOT TOPIC: The Fed Hits the Brakes: No Rate Hikes Projected in 2019

  The Fed signaled a pause in raising interest rates. How markets reacted and what the change says about the direction of the U.S. economy.

March

• HOT TOPIC: Keeping an Eye on Corporate Debt

  This article looks at credit quality in the corporate bond market and the potential impact on fixed-income portfolios.

• Taking a Team Approach to Retirement Savings

  Even if you and your spouse have separate retirement accounts, you may still be able to craft a unified savings and investment strategy.

February

• Need to Tap Your 401(k)? Proceed with Care

  Explore an overview of rules and tax consequences for 401(k) plan hardship distributions and other early withdrawals.

• 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.

• Seeking Synergy: Why Mergers and Acquisitions Matter to Investors

  Find out how and why mergers and acquisitions take place (and why they matter to investors).