Newsletters

April

• 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.

• 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.

• Splurge or Save? Making the Most of Your Income-Tax Refund

  Did you receive an income-tax refund this year? This article looks at some ways to use it.

March

• 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.

• 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.

• 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

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

January

• 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.

• 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.”

• Your Social Security Statement: What’s in It for You?

  This article explains some of the key information provided on a personalized Social Security Statement.

• Looking Back, Looking Forward

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

• 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

• 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.

• 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

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• NFTs and Blockchain: What You Should Know About the Digital Collectibles Craze

  A nonfungible token is a unique digital asset authenticated by blockchain. This article discusses its potential and potentially high risks.

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.

• 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?

• 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.

• 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

• 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

• 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.

• International Investing: Opportunity Overseas?

  Some analysts believe foreign stocks may be poised for a comeback. Read about opportunities and risks involved with international stocks.

• 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.

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.

• 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.

June

• 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.

• 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.