Newsletters

Fourty-seven percent of American workers have saved less than $25,000 for retirement, and 24% have saved less than $1,000.¹
Source: Employee Benefit Research Institute, 2017

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: Is the U.S. Economy in a Recession?
  This article looks at how a recession is officially determined and some current indicators that suggest strength or weakness in the U.S. economy.

  Inflation Protection for Investment Dollars
  Did you know that Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS) can help hedge a bond portfolio against inflation? This article explains how.

  Life Insurance Living Benefits
  In addition to the death benefit, life insurance policies can provide other benefits while the policyholder is still alive. Find out more.

  Uncle Sam Wants to Know About Your Gig Income
  Discover how a 2022 IRS tax reporting change could affect people who are self-employed or whose side job pays through an app or online platform.

  Sticker Shock Is No Joke for Car Buyers
  This article discusses recent trends affecting the automotive market and includes suggestions for those who want to purchase a vehicle.

  Six Steps to Starting a New Business
  Have you thought about starting your own business? Here’s an overview of some important first steps in the entrepreneurial process.

• July

  HOT TOPIC: Tech Sector Turmoil and the Bear Market
  This article discusses factors that have been driving market volatility and provides perspective to help investors make sound portfolio decisions.

  A Wealth of Information: How to Read a Mutual Fund Prospectus
  Did you know that a mutual fund prospectus provides key details about the fund? This article offers an overview of information in a prospectus.

  Should You Consider Tapping the Equity in Your Home?
  Using home equity to fund other financial objectives has potential benefits and risks. This article looks at various ways to tap home equity.

  Adjusting Your Tax Withholding
  Consider adjustments to income tax withholding after viewing the prior year’s tax results. See which situations might require special attention.

  WEP and GPO Can Reduce Social Security Benefits
  Explore how the windfall elimination provision and the government pension offset can affect Social Security benefits for people who earned a pension in noncovered employment.

  How Long Should You Keep Financial Records?
  The end of tax season might be a good time to organize financial records. Discover guidelines to help you decide what to keep and what to discard.

• June

  HOT TOPIC: Rising Rates Join Long List of Housing Dilemmas
  This article explores how soaring housing costs, rising rates, and declining affordability could impact borrowers and the housing market.

  Avoiding Probate
  Probate can result in added expenses and delays when settling an estate. Read about four ways to avoid the probate process.

  What’s Your Retirement Dream Elevator Pitch?
  How do you see your retirement? This article provides some guidelines to help you develop a well-defined retirement vision.

  Are You Ready to Cancel Your Cable TV?
  Do streaming services make you contemplate cutting the cord? Read about some features, benefits, and limitations to consider before doing so.

  Where to Look for Lost and Forgotten Money
  States hold unclaimed property for about one in 10 Americans. Here are some online resources that may help you find out if you’re one of them.

  Consider a Bond Ladder for Rising Interest Rates
  A bond ladder can help mitigate the effect of rising rates, generate income, and dampen the effects of stock market volatility. Learn more.

• 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.

  What’s the Difference Between Medicare and Medicaid?
  Medicare and Medicaid may seem similar, but what each program pays for and for whom can be very different.

  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.

  Building Blocks for Financing College with Less Debt
  Financing a college education with minimal debt requires planning, saving, financial aid knowledge, research, and sound decision-making.

  How to Correct an Error on Your Credit Report
  Did you know credit report errors more than doubled during the pandemic? Find out how to get your free credit report and correct any errors.

  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.

  Charitable Giving Can Be a Family Affair
  Discover four ways to incorporate charitable giving into an overall financial plan that fulfills a family’s wish to “give back.”

  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

  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.

  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.

• November

  Net Price Calculators Help Gauge College Affordability
  Did you know a net price calculator can help measure a college’s true cost? Discover how it provides an estimate of how much grant aid a student might expect.

  Is a High-Deductible Health Plan Right for You?
  What distinguishes HDHPs from preferred provider organizations (PPOs)? Learn about some key differences between the plans.

  Women Face Challenges in a Post-Pandemic World
  As the COVID-19 crisis eases its grip on the economy, here are some ideas to help women reexamine their retirement planning strategies.

  Do You Have a Tax-Smart Withdrawal Strategy?
  Explore the tax treatment of different types of retirement accounts and the tax consequences of withdrawals, especially from multiple accounts.

  NFTs and Blockchain: What You Should Know About the Digital Collectibles Craze
  A nonfungible token is a unique digital asset authenticated by blockchain. This article discusses its potential and potentially high risks.

• 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.

  A Map for Your Family
  A letter of instruction could be just as important as a will to help loved ones settle an estate. Do you know what information to include?

  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.

  A More Affordable Life Insurance Solution
  Thinking of letting your life insurance policy expire? Learn about survivorship life, which may be more affordable for older consumers.

  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.