Newsletters

• A Business Plan Can Be Your Guide to Growth

  A business plan can be an important step toward success. Here are some key components to consider.

• 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.

• 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.

• Be Aware of Observation Care

  Covered by Medicare? Discover how observation status can impact your out-of-pocket costs and eligibility for post-hospital skilled nursing facility coverage.

• Bonds Can Offer Stability Even with Rising Rates

  Explore three major categories of bonds, plus ideas for navigating the bond market amid climbing interest rates.

• Bridging the Gap Between Retirement and Medicare Eligibility

  See three options that may help you bridge the health insurance coverage gap between retirement and Medicare eligibility.

• Calculating Key Financial Ratios

  The financial ratios that help measure an organization’s performance may also be used by potential lenders and investors. Learn more.

• Clarifying Tax Deductions for Meals and Entertainment

  Wondering if you can still write off 50% of the cost of business meals? Find out what is and isn’t deductible.

• 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.

• Considering Preferreds? Proceed with Caution

  Considering investing in preferred stocks? This overview examines the risks and potential benefits.

• Do You Need a Power of Attorney?

  Explore three types of powers of attorney and find out how a living will can supplement a durable POA for health care.

• Estate Taxes: Should a Trust Own Your Life Insurance?

  An irrevocable life insurance trust can help pay estate taxes, but recent exemption level increases may warrant a new insurance strategy.

• Getting Real About Retirement

  This article features a worksheet and relevant information to help estimate retirement expenses and income.

• HOT TOPIC: 1040 Postmortem: Making Sense of Your Taxes and Withholding

  Surprised by the final numbers on your 2018 tax return? Here are some tips for adjusting withholding to help avoid surprises next tax season.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• HOT TOPIC: What Are the Costs of the Government Shutdown?

  Explore the cost of the longest government shutdown in recent history, from its economic impact to its effect on public safety and services.

• Indexed Annuities: Growth Potential with Downside Protection

  Discover how indexed annuities work, including the risks and potential benefits of purchasing an indexed annuity contract.

• 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?

• IPOs: Consider the Risks Behind the Hype

  Discover why it might be worth waiting for a record of financial results before investing in an initial public offering.

• Looking Back, Looking Ahead

  See the indicators economists rely on to understand the past, present, and potential future direction of the economy.

• 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.

• New Study Finds Widespread Job Loss After 50

  A job loss after age 50 can carry serious consequences. These tips may help you prepare professionally and financially for a late-career challenge.

• Retirement Planning: How Secure Is Social Security?

  View Social Security’s financial outlook, plus seven proposed fixes for a looming shortfall that may affect future benefits.

• 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.

• 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).

• 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.

• 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.

• Succession Plans Often Hinge on Reliable Valuation

  Discover the role a reliable business valuation can play in succession, tax, and retirement planning.

• 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.

• Trusts Offer More Than Estate Tax Protection

  Find out whether a testamentary trust, living trust, or special-purpose trust can benefit your family.

• Watch Out for Scams That Target Businesses

  Financial scams aimed at businesses are on the rise. See which potentially costly schemes owners and employees need to look out for.

• 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.

• Why Americans Are Eating Out Less Than Ever

  Dining out is on the decline. Discover why Americans prepared about 82% of their meals and snacks at home in 2018.