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.
October
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HOT TOPIC: The Fed Finally Cut Interest Rates
The Fed’s first rate cut of one-half percentage point in four years marks a critical juncture for the economy, with significant implications for consumers, businesses, and investors.
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Do You Have Enough Life Insurance?
Life insurance needs change over time. This article presents five guidelines to help determine an appropriate amount of life insurance coverage.
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Making the Most of Your Credit Card
Credit cards are being used more than ever. This article offers suggestions for choosing and using a credit card.
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A Pension Strategy That May Boost Your Income
A strategy called pension maximization may enable a married pensioner to elect the higher payments of a single-life annuity while also providing for the spouse’s financial future.
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What’s Your Real Return?
While investors typically look at the nominal return on their investments, it’s important to understand the real return in order to target financial goals.
September
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HOT TOPIC: Should You Worry About Market Volatility?
On August 5, 2024, the S&P 500 dropped 3% from its previous close but bounced back quickly. This article explains why investors would be wise to tune out the noise of market volatility.
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It’s Complicated: Inheriting IRAs and Retirement Plans
The SECURE Act of 2019 dramatically changed the rules governing how IRA and retirement plan assets are distributed to beneficiaries.
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Eight Great Investing Quotes
This article offers eight quotes from successful investors, economists, and other insightful thinkers that may help provide perspective and focus for an investing strategy.
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Thinking of Selling Your Home? Don’t Be Surprised by Capital Gains Taxes
This article explains the basics of capital gains taxes when selling a home.
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Just Your Average Millionaire
The average net worth of U.S. families surpassed $1 million for the first time in 2022, but wealth levels vary greatly by age, housing status, education, and income.
August
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HOT TOPIC: Real Estate Commission Changes Around the Corner
The National Association of Realtors is implementing new policies related to how real estate brokers are compensated. Here are some implications for buyers, sellers, and their agents.
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Watch for These Hazards on the Road to Retirement
The road to retirement is typically not a smooth ride. This article looks at five potential risks that can slow progress along the way.
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Mixing It Up: Asset Allocation and Diversification
This article explains how asset allocation and diversification can work together to help mitigate portfolio risk.
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After the Loss of a Loved One, Watch Out for Scams
Scammers often prey on those who are most vulnerable. This article outlines common scams that target people who have lost a loved one.
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Consumer Sentiment: Do Americans See Brighter Days Ahead?
Why do policymakers pay attention to how consumers are feeling, and what’s behind Americans’ lack of confidence?
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Equity REITs: Is There Room for Real Estate in Your Portfolio?
This article discusses some unique characteristics of REITs, including how they can offer a consistent income stream and why changing interest rates can affect REIT performance.
July
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HOT TOPIC: The Economic Impact of an Aging World
This article looks at some of the demographic trends and economic challenges related to global aging.
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Birthday Benefits Quiz
This quiz allows readers to test their knowledge of the ages related to key federal benefits and tax responsibilities.
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The IRS Wants More Info About Your Gig Income
If you earn money through a payment app or online marketplace, you may be affected by a new tax reporting requirement.
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Can Home Improvements Lower Your Tax Bill? It Depends
Most home improvements are not tax deductible, but certain types of projects might help reduce your tax burden in other ways.
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Saving for College: 529 Plan vs. Roth IRA
529 plans and Roth IRAs can both be used to save for college. This article compares the features of these two saving options.
June
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HOT TOPIC: Real Estate Roundup: Feeling the Impact of Higher Rates
This article discusses why the values of U.S. commercial property and homes have performed differently and how lingering weakness in the real estate sector could affect the economy.
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Investor, Know Thyself: How Your Biases Can Affect Investment Decisions
While traditional economic models assume that people make rational decisions, most humans don’t think like robots. This article summarizes some common biases that can influence financial decisions.
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Do You Need to Adjust Your Tax Withholding?
After filing last year’s tax return, it may be a good time to adjust income tax withholding. This article explains how to estimate and adjust withholding.
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Insurance Gaps May Pose Risks for High-Net-Worth Households
It’s important for affluent families to reassess their liability coverage periodically, to make sure it’s sufficient based on their finances, lifestyles, and the related risks.
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The United States Is Older Than Ever Before
The median age of the U.S. population rose to a record high in 2022, a demographic trend that has implications for the economy and government programs like Social Security and Medicare.
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Are You Spending Money to Keep Stuff You Don’t Need?
One in 10 Americans leases a storage unit. But for many, it may be worthwhile to let go of unneeded belongings instead.
May
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HOT TOPIC: What Stubborn Inflation Could Mean for the U.S. Economy
This article looks at some of the reasons behind the inflation numbers, the likely effect on Fed decisions, and the potential economic impact.
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Market Measures: Beyond the Dow
In addition to the better-known Dow Jones Industrial Average and S&P 500 stock indexes, this article provides an overview of some stock indexes that are commonly used as benchmarks.
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New SAVE Repayment Plan Offers Key Benefits
In July 2023, the Department of Education launched a new income-driven repayment plan for federal student loans called the Saving on a Valuable Education Plan.
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ESG Investing in the Spotlight
This article explains environmental, social, and governance (ESG) investing and its potential effect on portfolio performance.
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Housing Market Trends: Are They Helping or Hurting the Economy?
U.S. home values held steady in 2023, even as mortgage rates rose to the highest levels in a generation. What could the current state of the housing market mean for the broader U.S. economy?
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Where Will You Live as You Grow Older?
Many people would rather not think about the consequences of aging in general, much less that they might eventually need to rethink their living situation.