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are no federal contribution limits for variable annuities, and the investment gains won’t be taxed until they are withdrawn.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

• HOT TOPIC: Trade Update: The Supreme Court Stepped In, but Many Tariffs Stand

  This article explains the types of tariffs that are still in play and their potential impact on U.S. consumers and businesses.

• 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.

• Online Shopping in the Tariff Era

  Even small online purchases that are shipped from outside the United States must now pass through customs — and are likely to incur duties.

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.

• Small Business: Coping with the End of De Minimis Imports

  Small businesses must now pay duties on low-value goods they could previously source inexpensively from China and elsewhere.

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.

• Could an HSA Strengthen Your Retirement Strategy?

  After age 65, retirees can use HSA funds for any purpose without incurring a penalty.

February

• HOT TOPIC: Geopolitics and the U.S. Financial Markets

  This article looks at market reactions to previous global conflicts and emphasizes that long-term market movements are generally driven by corporate earnings, interest rates, and the broader economy.

• Keeping Cool in Volatile Markets

  Overreacting to market movements or trying to “time the market” by guessing its future direction can create additional risk that could negatively affect long-term portfolio performance.

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.

• Strategies for Smarter Giving

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

• 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.

• Cash Balance Plans Help Some Business Owners Supersize Retirement Savings

  These plans have generous contribution limits that increase with age, which may allow high-income business owners to catch up on retirement savings and significantly reduce their taxable incomes.

December

• 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.

• 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

• 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.

• Three Ways to Help Build Financial Resilience

  Here are some steps to help handle challenging times and potentially emerge even stronger.

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.

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.

• Will You Pay a Medicare Surcharge?

  The standard monthly Part B premium is $185 in 2025, but premiums for both Part B and Part D can vary based on income levels.

• Important Tax Breaks for Pass-Through Businesses

  Some owners of pass-through businesses may be able to deduct up to 20% of their qualified business income and/or take generous deductions for investing in qualified property.