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.
May
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
February
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.”
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Looking Back, Looking Forward
See the indicators economists rely on to understand the past, present, and potential future direction of the economy.
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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
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HOT TOPIC: Supply-Chain Chaos: Holiday Edition
Explore current economic conditions and retail trends, including sharply higher prices and the potential for sporadic product delays and shortages.
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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.
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Year-End 2021 Tax Tips
This article outlines various tax-related financial moves to consider before the end of the calendar year.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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?
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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.
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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
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Signs of a Scam…and How to Resist It
Discover four common practices that might help you identify and avoid scams.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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International Investing: Opportunity Overseas?
Some analysts believe foreign stocks may be poised for a comeback. Read about opportunities and risks involved with international stocks.
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Concerned About Inflation? Consider TIPS
Do you understand how Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities can help mitigate inflation risk? This article provides an overview.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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A Steady Strategy
Discover how dollar-cost averaging may help alleviate some market concerns by making regular investments regardless of market movements.
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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.
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Stock Market Risks in the Spotlight
Find out how inflation and interest-rate fears, regulatory or legislative action, and other factors could influence stock prices in 2021.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Corporate Debt: Are Juicier Yields Worth the Extra Risk?
This article discusses corporate credit ratings and some differences between investment-grade and speculative-grade bonds.
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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.