Newsletters
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.
July
HOT TOPIC: The British Are Leaving! Why the Brexit Matters to Investors
A discussion of the economic issues surrounding the British exit from the EU, and the impact on financial markets.Market Slices: Investing in Sector Funds
How sector funds can help diversify a portfolio and the risks associated with sector investing.Teaching Children About Finance
Tips to help parents teach their children about personal finance.Home-Sweet-Home Equity
Several ways in which homeowners might use home equity to help strengthen their financial positions in retirement.The Second Time Around
Estate planning strategies for blended families, including various methods for dividing assets among heirs.Putting Your Kids on the Payroll
There are a number of good reasons to involve children in the operation of a family business.June
HOT TOPIC: Is 70 the New 65? Why Americans Are Working Longer
Why more Americans have been delaying retirement past age 65 and how it might affect their health and finances.Working for Yourself — and Your Future
Three retirement plan options available to self-employed individuals and small businesses.Men, Women, and Investment Partnership
Many studies have shown that men and women tend to have different approaches to investing.Investors Are Human, Too
Understanding the influence of human nature might help investors overcome five common psychological traps.Life Policies Plus Long-Term-Care Benefits
Two insurance strategies that may help prevent savings from being depleted by the escalating cost of long-term care.Using Data to Drive Critical Decisions
Ways in which small businesses are using data to improve efficiency and customer interaction.
May
HOT TOPIC: The World Experiments with Negative Interest Rates
How negative interest rates work, what the central banks hope to accomplish, and the potential implications.Managing Your 401(k)
Make the most of participating in employer-sponsored defined contribution plans, such as 401(k), 403(b), and 457 plans.Expressing Your Wishes in Advance
Why it’s better to prepare now before you are unable to make your own medical or financial decisions.TIPS for Inflation Protection
How Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS) can help protect the purchasing power of your investment dollars.Evaluating a Pension Plan Offer
How lump-sum offers are calculated plus factors and trade-offs to consider when a lump-sum offer is on the table.Don’t Miss These Key Tax Deductions
Tax compliance can be a struggle for small businesses, but there are deductible costs that may help lower tax bills.April
HOT TOPIC: Full Employment: Are We There Yet?
The current jobs picture and the meaning of full employment in the post-recession economy.Does Your Risk Tolerance Follow the Market?
Risk tolerance should be a fundamental component of an investment strategy and based on an investor’s specific situation.Protecting Your Assets Under an Umbrella
An umbrella insurance policy can help protect assets in the event of an expensive lawsuit.Community Property Laws: Yours, Mine, and Ours
An outline of community property laws and “equitable distribution” laws applicable in non–community property states.Rates on the Rise
Bonds are a mainstay for conservative investors and retirees who may need to manage interest-rate risk.Don’t Let the Weather Put Your Company Underwater
It’s important for small-business owners to identify potential risks to their businesses, form disaster plans, and have adequate insurance.
March
HOT TOPIC: Is Cheap Oil Causing Trouble for the U.S. Economy?
Global oil price instability may have consequences for corporate profits and national economies.Predicting Economic Performance
The most commonly used leading, coincident, and lagging indicators that can reveal the condition of the economy.A Gift That Gives Back
The basics of gift annuities and why they could be an appropriate choice for charitable giving.The Spousal IRA Opportunity
Spousal IRA contributions offer a way for stay-at-home parents and nonworking spouses to save for retirement.The Rise of Socially Conscious Investing Strategies
Socially conscious investing strategies can help investors build a portfolio that aligns with their personal values.The Tax Treatment of Travel Expenses
Guidelines for business owners and self-employed individuals for writing off travel expenses when business and vacation time overlap.February
The Appeal of ETFs
The total trading value of exchange-traded funds on world stock exchanges increased 35% over the previous year.A Guide on the Road to Retirement
A recent industry study found that 17% of retirement plan participants did not seek any retirement advice at all.Writing a Letter of Instruction
A letter of instruction has no formal legal status, but it could be just as important as a will to help loved ones settle an estate.Assessing Portfolio Performance
The purpose of asset allocation and why it’s important for investors to have realistic performance expectations.The Status of Women-Owned Businesses
Women-owned businesses employed almost 9 million people and added more than $1.6 trillion annually to the U.S. economy at last count.
January
Mistakes People Make at Different Ages
People tend to face certain financial challenges during different periods in their lives. Here are some pitfalls to guard against.Donor-Advised Funds
Individuals who want to maximize the positive impact of their donations might consider using donor-advised funds.Family Limited Partnerships for the Next Generation
A family limited partnership could help business owners and their heirs address business succession and other issues.Student Debt? These Programs Could Spell Relief
More student loan borrowers are expected to gain access to new federal programs designed to reduce monthly payments.December
The Talk You Need to Have
Tips for a successful financial conversation even if you may have a difficult time talking about personal finances.The Unpaid Army: Family Caregivers Face Challenges
About 1 in 4 U.S. workers age 25 and older provide unpaid care for a loved one who has health problems or is disabled.
November
Dividends as a Growth Strategy
A study by S&P found that dividend income represented 34% of the monthly total return of the S&P 500 index from 1927 through 2012.Controlling Health Insurance Costs
An HDHP paired with a health savings account may offer tax advantages and could help save money on medical costs.Understanding RMDs
The rules for taking required minimum distributions are explained. Plus: an illustration of how RMDs work.Going Solo
Strategies to help freelancers in covering health-care costs, meeting tax requirements, and saving for retirement.October
Coverage You Can Keep
Differences between term and permanent life insurance and how consumers should consider what coverage they need.
September
Inheriting an IRA
If you’ve inherited an IRA or might inherit one in the future, it’s important to understand your options.Investing in Your Values
More investors are considering their values, social as well as environmental, when making investment decisions.Do You Need Disability Insurance?
In 2013, 59% of new disability claims were for people 50 and older and it often takes more time for them to recover.Financing Options for Small Businesses
Some common types of financing that a small biz may need in order to upgrade its operations or finance expansion.Women May Need More Life Insurance
While women make up more than half of the U.S. labor force, about 43% of women don’t have life insurance.