Newsletters

October

• HOT TOPIC: Bear in the Woods: Emerging Markets Credit Crisis

  Looks at some of the reasons behind the big declines in emerging markets, and how these developing economies might affect U.S. investors.

• Seven Classic Investing Quotes

  Seven classic quotes about investing from successful investors, economists, and other insightful thinkers.

• Social Security 101

  An overview of basic Social Security rules and options that are often misunderstood, whether workers are looking forward to claiming benefits in 1 or 30 years.

• Choosing and Using a College Checking Account

  Some tips for parents and college students to consider, whether opening a new checking account or using an old one.

• Dealing with Divorce

  Some considerations for a divorcing couple who are dividing marital assets, such as retirement accounts, and filing for Social Security.

• Key Tax Breaks for Business Owners

  Small-business owners will want to take full advantage of every legal tax break available, such as deductions for a home office and automobile expenses.

September

• HOT TOPIC: Blockchain Buzz: Emerging Tech Offers Potential, Not Promises

  A glimpse into how blockchain might impact businesses, and a warning for investors to heed the risks associated with blockchain investments.

• Risk Tolerance Is About You, Not the Market

  An investor’s personal situation should be considered when assessing his or her risk tolerance.

• Insurance with Potential Cash Value

  Universal life and variable universal life insurance have risks and potential benefits, including a death benefit with a tax-advantaged savings element.

• Inflation Protection for Investment Dollars

  Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS) can help hedge a bond portfolio against a potential spike in inflation.

• A Map to Guide Your Family

  A letter of instruction could be just as important as a will to help heirs settle an estate and move forward with their lives.

• Family Limited Partnerships for Estate Planning Purposes

  A family limited partnership is a legal agreement that enables business owners and their heirs to address tax issues, business succession, and estate planning needs.

May

• HOT TOPIC — Changing Market: Municipal Bonds After Tax Reform

  The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 changed the playing field for municipal bonds that could affect the supply and demand of these securities.

• A New Look at Old Retirement Savings Guidelines

  Need help understanding complicated retirement savings guidelines? Here are four ideas to help simplify some savings strategies.

• Where There's a Will…

  A 2017 survey found that only 42% of U.S. adults had a will or living trust. Here are three basic reasons why everyone should have a will.

• The Cost of Caregiving

  About 40 million family caregivers in the U.S. provide unpaid care to another adult. Understand the associated financial, physical, and emotional costs.

• A Steady Strategy

  Dollar-cost averaging can be an effective way to accumulate shares without focusing on market movements.

• Time to Hire? Consider the Pros and Costs

  Some indicators that it might be time to hire additional employees, and how to weigh the potential benefits in light of the costs.

April

• HOT TOPIC — Trade Tactics: New Metal Tariffs Reflect Policy Shift

  An overview of recent changes in U.S. trade policies, and how they might affect international relations and the U.S. and global economies.

• Dividend Investing: Small Payments Can Boost Returns

  Focusing on dividends can be appropriate for almost any investor, especially if they are reinvested to purchase additional shares.

• Pick Your Plastic: Debit or Credit?

  Some pros and cons for the use of credit cards versus debit cards for purchases.

• Income for the Long Run

  A longevity annuity can bring some stability to a retirement strategy by providing a steady income late in life.

• Monetary Policy Update

  How the Federal Reserve's monetary policies influence interest rates, economic growth, and inflation.

• Guard Against Growing Cybersecurity Threats

  A discussion of some specific cybersecurity threats and tips to help small businesses protect their interests from hackers.

March

• Four Financial Numbers You Should Know

  Four financial numbers that you should understand (and that could potentially improve your financial situation).

• Phasing Out…or Practice Makes Perfect

  Here are some ideas for arranging a phased retirement program, as well as tips for trying a practice run.

• Do You Need an Umbrella?

  American society remains litigious — an umbrella insurance policy can provide additional coverage for personal liability.

• Going Public

  A discussion on the initial public offering (IPO) process, recent trends, and investment risks.

• Preparing to Withstand the Loss of Key Players

  How key-person insurance policies can benefit small businesses.

February

• HOT TOPIC — Business Tax Breaks: Impact on Earnings and the Economy

  An overview of the tax changes affecting corporations and pass-through businesses and the potential implications for GDP growth.

• Options for Inherited IRAs

  Here is an overview of IRA distribution rules and options for surviving spouses and nonspouse beneficiaries.

• How Long Should You Keep Financial Records?

  The beginning of the year is a great time to organize records and discard old documents to make room for new ones.

• Why Hold Money Market Mutual Funds?

  Why investors still hold money market mutual funds despite low returns.

• Settling an Estate

  Settling an estate can be a difficult and time-consuming job as there are some specific duties that often fall on an executor.

• Disaster Insurance Can Help Your Company Stay Afloat

  It's important to identify the potential risks that threaten your business, create a disaster plan, and obtain adequate insurance.

January

• HOT TOPIC — Tax Reform: How Will You Be Affected?

  In December 2017, Congress passed a sweeping tax-cut package that fundamentally changes the individual and business tax landscape.

• International Investing: Opportunities Overseas?

  Investing in emerging markets and developing economies has both risks and opportunities.

• An Introduction to Trusts

  A properly constructed trust can serve many purposes for families — and not just for the wealthy.

• Keeping Savings on Track with a Spousal IRA

  IRS rules allow a working spouse to contribute to an IRA for a spouse who earns little or no income.

• Illinois Highlights Credit Risk

  A look at the tax advantages and credit risks associated with municipal bond investments.

• No Shortage of Liability Risks

  Liability insurance can help offset unforeseen legal costs that could consume a business's profits.

December

• Consider a Roth for Tax-Free Retirement Income

  Roth IRA withdrawal and conversion rules and how they differ from other retirement plans.

• Market Measures: Beyond the Dow

  A description of the 5 market indexes that are often used as benchmarks to track various categories of investments.

• How a Pension Could Affect Social Security Benefits

  The potential impact on Social Security benefits by the Windfall Elimination Provision and the Government Pension Offset.

• Better Late Than Never

  Understand the rules and deadlines for the estates of recently deceased taxpayers when seeking portability relief.

• Two Tax-Friendly Retirement Plans for the Self-Employed

  Solo 401(k)s and SEP IRAs are relatively simple for small-business owners and self-employed individuals to set up.

November

• PPO or HDHP? Making Health Insurance Choices

  The similarities and differences between an HDHP and a PPO plan and contribution limits for health savings accounts.

• FAFSA in the Fall for Lower Stress

  New rules enable families to begin the FAFSA earlier using tax returns from two years prior to the academic year.

• Medicare Open Enrollment

  The changes Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage plan beneficiaries can make during the annual enrollment periods.

• Required Minimum Distribution Rules

  When calculating RMDs for multiple accounts, it's important to understand which amounts can be combined and which accounts must distribute separate RMDs.

• Stacking Up Tax Breaks for Business Investments

  Tax code provisions may allow for larger, immediate deductions for businesses: bonus depreciation and IRC Section 179 expensing.