Newsletters

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.

• Balancing Life in the Sandwich Generation

  The day-to-day demands of supporting multiple generations can take a toll, but planning and support might help achieve a workable balance.

• 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.

• Closed-End Funds May Offer Higher Income

  Closed-end funds are considered to carry higher risk but may provide a higher income stream than traditional mutual funds holding similar securities.

• Life Insurance for Two

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

• Unpacking the Real Limitations on Unlimited PTO

  The prospect of unlimited paid time off may be appealing, but there are also some potential pitfalls to consider.

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.

• Voluntourism: A Vacation That Makes a Difference

  A volunteer vacation offers an opportunity to give back, meet new people who share common interests, and become immersed in a different culture.

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.

• 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.

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.

• Peer-to-Peer Payments Are Popular, but Be Careful

  Making a peer-to-peer (P2P) payment is a convenient way to transfer money to family, friends, or businesses — these precautions can help avoid costly mistakes.

• 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.

June

• HOT TOPIC: Moody’s Downgraded U.S. Debt — Does It Matter?

  On May 16, 2025, Moody’s Ratings downgraded U.S. government debt from its highest rating of Aaa to Aa1. This article looks at the reasons for the downgrade and its potential effects.

• Catch Up for a More Comfortable Retirement

  Only a third of U.S. workers age 50 and older feel they are on track to enjoy a comfortable retirement, but there are opportunities to build substantial savings late in a working career.

May

• HOT TOPIC: Tariffs Drive Market Volatility

  This article explains why tariffs have shaken the markets and provides an overview of long-term trends that may help investors put the current volatility in perspective.

• Debt After Death: What Happens to Debt When Someone Dies?

  This article provides an overview of how debts are settled after the death of a loved one.

• Concerned About Cyberattacks? The Threat Is Real

  Small businesses that handle potentially sensitive information about customers, employees, or competitors should be proactive about addressing this risk.

April

• HOT TOPIC: Tariff Turmoil: The Makings of a Stock Market Correction

  On March 13, 2025, the S&P 500 Index landed in correction territory after a swift drop. An escalating trade war and signs of a slowing economy have unsettled the financial markets.

• Breaking Down the Numbers: The Soaring U.S. National Debt

  As of March 2025, the U.S. national debt was a record $36.21 trillion, while the 2024 deficit of $1.83 trillion was the third-highest on record.

• Traditional or Roth Contributions? Think It Through for Future You

  When a workplace retirement plan offers both Traditional and Roth accounts, it may help to understand their key features and distinctions.

March

• HOT TOPIC: Tariffs: How They Work and Potential Economic Effects

  During the first two weeks of February, President Trump authorized two major tariff actions, with more likely to come. This Special Report explains tariffs and how they might affect the U.S. economy.

• Key Retirement and Tax Numbers for 2025

  This article outlines some important IRS cost-of-living adjustments for 2025.

• Could There Be a Shift from Growth to Value?

  While growth stocks have dominated the market for the last two decades, some analysts believe there could be a shift to value stocks, which have outperformed for much of the market’s history.