Newsletters

May

• 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.

• 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.

April

• 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.

March

• 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.

• 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.

January

• 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.”

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.

November

• 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.

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?

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.

• 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.

August

• HOT TOPIC: Antitrust Crackdown Aims to Increase Competition

  See how an executive order to curb excessive consolidation of industry might affect consumers, small businesses, investors, and the economy.

• Don’t Let Debt Derail Your Retirement

  This article looks at high debt levels among older Americans and why it’s important to analyze and address debt before retirement.

• Company Stock and Your Retirement Strategy

  This article addresses specific risks and tax implications when acquiring company stock inside or outside of a workplace retirement plan.

• Crisis Averted? Financial Help for Struggling Renters and Landlords

  Read about programs that help both landlords and tenants by providing direct housing assistance for eligible renters.

July

• HOT TOPIC: Hostage Data: Ransomware and Protecting Your Digital Information

  This article provides an overview of high-profile ransomware attacks and offers tips to help consumers protect their own data.

• Considerations When Making Gifts to Children

  This article provides an overview of tax provisions and other issues to consider when making significant gifts to children or grandchildren.

• A Steady Strategy

  Discover how dollar-cost averaging may help alleviate some market concerns by making regular investments regardless of market movements.

• Pension or Lump Sum: Which Should You Choose?

  Do you know the key factors to consider if offered an option to take a lump sum in lieu of a pension? Read this article to find out.

• Bankruptcy Changes Throw a Lifeline to Sinking Small Businesses

  Many requirements that made it difficult and expensive for small businesses to reorganize using Chapter 11 have been loosened. Learn more.

June

• HOT TOPIC: Shortages and Bottlenecks Expose Weak Links in U.S. Supply Chains

  As a consumer, have you noticed shortages? Here are some of the reasons behind supply-chain problems and how they might impact the economy.

• New Changes to College Financial Aid and Education Tax Benefits

  The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, included several provisions affecting financial aid and education. Learn more.

• How Well Do You Understand Retirement Plan Rules?

  From IRAs to 401(k)s, qualified retirement plans can be complex. This short quiz tests readers’ knowledge of a few of the finer points.

• Is the Medicare Donut Hole Really Closed?

  This article explains the four stages of Part D prescription drug coverage and how prices can vary in the coverage gap.

• Your Business: New Rules for Writing Off Restaurant Meals

  The December 2020 stimulus bill lets businesses deduct the full cost of restaurant meals in tax years 2021 and 2022. Get the details.