Newsletters

June

• HOT TOPIC: Pressure at the Pump: Will High Gas Prices Shake the U.S. Economy?

  This article looks at why gas is so expensive, what it might take to stop the upward trend, and the potential effect of high gas prices on consumers and the broader economy.

• REITs Offer Income and Diversification

  Most broad stock funds contain real estate investment trusts (REITs), but for a more strategic approach, investors can choose from a variety of REIT funds and individual REITs.

• What Is Asset-Based LTCI?

  Hybrid long-term care insurance policies, also known as asset-based plans, combine the benefit of a life insurance policy or an annuity with the availability of long-term care benefits.

• What Can You Learn from Your Tax Return?

  Tax season may be over, but a completed tax return offers information that can help with financial strategy for the rest of the year.

• Variable Annuities: Strategies to Help Counter Retirement Risks

  Unlike retirement accounts, there are no federal contribution limits for variable annuities, and the investment gains won’t be taxed until they are withdrawn.

• Goodbye Passwords, Hello Passkeys

  As major tech companies, apps, and websites make passkeys their default security option, it’s likely you’ll be prompted to set them up to help secure your accounts.

May

• Be Storm Smart: How to Prepare for Extreme Weather

  More than a quarter of U.S. homes are exposed to severe or extreme weather risk. While homeowners can’t control the forecast, they can take proactive steps to prepare.

• The Evolution of Retirement Savings

  The retirement savings landscape has changed dramatically over the past 50 years. How might these developments affect tomorrow’s retirees?

• Don’t Overlook the Value of Social Security Survivor Benefits

  While life insurance might play a central role after the death of a financial provider, Social Security could also offer another important source of income for survivors.

• The Corporate World Is All-In on AI

  As the race among large tech companies to monetize AI hits full throttle, it’s worth considering how adoption of AI-enabled technologies might affect the economic prospects of businesses and workers.

April

• HOT TOPIC: The Iran War, the Economy, and Your Portfolio

  This article looks at the economic impact of the war with Iran, including rising oil and gas prices and the potential effects on inflation, investments, and the broader economy.

March

• HOT TOPIC: What Does a Weaker U.S. Dollar Mean for Your Money?

  Consumers and investors might want to consider how the depreciating dollar could impact the economy and their own finances.

• No More Groundhog Day for Your Finances: Time for a Financial Wellness Checkup

  Financial habits can repeat themselves, month after month and year after year, until we consciously break the pattern.

• Key Retirement and Tax Numbers for 2026

  This article provides 2026 contribution limits for retirement plans and various tax deduction, exclusion, exemption, and threshold amounts.

• A Roadmap for Your Family

  A letter of instruction could be just as important as a will in helping loved ones settle an estate and move forward with their lives.

January

• HOT TOPIC: AI Expectations Underpin the Economic Outlook for 2026

  This article discusses economic forecasts for 2026 and the trends that are influencing them, including surging AI investment.

• Key Tax Law Changes to Higher Education Coming Soon

  The One Big Beautiful Bill Act includes many provisions that affect higher education.

• Strategies for Smarter Giving

  In addition to advancing philanthropic goals, strategic charitable donations may offer tax advantages.

• Surprise! It’s Retirement Time

  Considering some important issues now could provide more options in the event of early retirement.

• Tips to Help Preserve Your Inheritance

  It’s important for heirs to consider how a windfall might be used to strengthen their finances now and over the long term.

December

• HOT TOPIC: The Shutdown is Over: What Now?

  The longest government shutdown in U.S. history ended on November 12, 2025. This article looks at the bill that ended the shutdown, issues that are unresolved, and estimates of the economic impact.

• Beneficiary Designations: Who Gets the Money?

  It’s a good idea to regularly review beneficiary designations to be sure they are complete and reflect current wishes.

• Life Insurance for Two

  Survivorship life insurance may be a cost-effective coverage solution for older couples or business partners.

November

• HOT TOPIC: Will Tax Law Changes Impact Your Giving Strategy?

  New tax rules will determine the deductibility of donations in 2026 for better or worse, which means taxpayers may want to rethink the timing and amount of their donations for 2025 and beyond.

• What Happens to Your Time Horizon at Retirement?

  When entering retirement, investment strategy typically shifts from a single, goal-based fixed time horizon to a multilayered, interrelated series of time periods.

• Navigating Medicare Open Enrollment

  The Medicare Open Enrollment period runs from October 15 to December 7 and allows various changes related to Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, and Medicare Prescription Drug plans.

• Consider Roth for Tax-Free Income

  Roth accounts offer no current-year tax benefit, but they can provide tax-free retirement income.

• Avoiding Probate with a TOD Deed and TOD Account

  In many states, a transfer-on-death (TOD) deed and/or account can help avoid probate without the cost and complexity of a trust.

October

• HOT TOPIC: The Fed Lowers Rates in an Economic Balancing Act

  This article looks at the Fed’s dilemma in setting monetary policy to address slowing employment with rising inflation, and the potential effects of lower rates on businesses and consumers.

• How Has SECURE 2.0 Affected 401(k) Plans?

  The SECURE 2.0 Act introduced new features designed to make 401(k)s even more appealing to workers.

September

• HOT TOPIC: Mining Maelstrom: Why Rare Earths Are Making Headlines

  Outside scientific and national security arenas, many people may not understand the importance of rare- earth minerals. This article helps demystify these critical natural resources.

• Navigating Financial Conversations with Aging Parents

  Having a conversation with parents about their finances is an essential step in helping to ensure their financial well-being as they get older.

• Mega Backdoor Roth: A Tax-Friendly Retirement Strategy for Serious Savers

  High earners may not be eligible to contribute to a Roth IRA, but some people can use a workplace plan to save more and create a source of tax-free retirement income.

August

• HOT TOPIC: What’s in the New Tax Legislation?

  This article provides an overview of some key provisions in the new tax law, commonly called the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

• Have You Set a Retirement Savings Goal?

  Completing this simple worksheet can help establish a realistic retirement savings target.

• Buying a Condo? Focus on the Financials

  Condominiums are generally priced lower than single-family homes, but condo ownership comes with some special costs and financial implications.

• Investing with Market Cap in Mind

  Holding stocks in companies of varied sizes through mutual funds or exchange-traded funds could help increase portfolio diversification.

• Home Appliance Economics

  The prices of new home appliances have declined over the last decade, but repair costs have gone through the roof. Here’s what to consider when facing appliance-buying decisions.

July

• HOT TOPIC: Buffett Takes a Bow: 7 Lessons from an Iconic Investor

  At age 94, Warren Buffett recently announced his retirement as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway. This article focuses on investment fundamentals as well as tips and quotes from the famous investor.

• Individual Bonds vs. Bond Funds: What’s the Difference?

  Individual bonds and bond funds can both provide an income stream, but there are important differences.