Newsletters

September

• HOT TOPIC: Soft Landing or Delayed Recession?

  This article looks at the current state of U.S. economic activity and the prospects for continued growth as higher interest rates work their way through the economy.

• Coming in 2024: New 529 Plan-to-Roth IRA Rollover Option

  The SECURE 2.0 Act includes two new provisions related to college savings and funding. Learn more in this article.

• Leave a Lasting Gift with an Ethical Will

  An ethical will, also called a legacy letter, can tell a personal story and communicate beliefs and life lessons to family, friends, or community.

• New RMD Rules Give Retirement Savings More Time to Grow

  This article explains the rules for required minimum distribution from tax-deferred retirement accounts with an emphasis on the new provisions of the SECURE 2.0 Act.

• All Eyes on the Earnings Picture

  Earnings season can be a volatile period for stocks. As investors digest and respond to new data, the marketplace rewards some companies and punishes others.

• Social Security 101

  Social Security is complicated, and the details are often misunderstood even by those who are already receiving benefits.

August

• SECURE 2.0: Big Impact for Small Businesses

  This article discusses provisions in the SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022 that may be of particular interest to small business owners.

• It’s Your Money: Why Not Get Your Withholding Right?

  Did you owe money at tax time or receive a large refund? This article discusses the types of situations in which taxpayers should consider adjusting their withholding.

July

• HOT TOPIC: Is This Bull Timid or Ready to Charge?

  On June 8, 2023, the S&P 500 closed 20% higher than its lowest recent closing value, beginning a new bull market. This article looks at some factors that may shed light on the current market.

• SECURE 2.0 Act Expands Early Withdrawal Exceptions

  Discover exceptions to the federal income penalty for early withdrawals from tax-advantaged retirement accounts, including new exceptions added by the SECURE 2.0 Act.

• Tracking the Fed’s Progress on Disinflation

  This article compares the key inflation measures that economists and investors are watching for signs of easing price pressures.

June

• HOT TOPIC: Will Artificial Intelligence Upend the American Workforce?

  This article discusses the race between tech companies to monetize AI and how widespread adoption might affect workers, the economy, and society in general.

• How Taxes Impact Your Retirement-Income Strategy

  Retirees face unique challenges when managing their income, particularly when it comes to taxes. This article provides an overview of tax-related issues, from taxing Social Security to the new RMD rules and determining when to tap taxable and tax-advantaged accounts.

May

• Keep an Eye Out for IRS-Related Scams

  Although IRS scams are especially prevalent during tax season, they also take place throughout the year. This article identifies some common tax scams and offers tips to help avoid becoming a victim.

• Bear Market Emotions: Strategy vs. Reaction

  Staying disciplined in building a well-constructed portfolio over time can help carry investors through the market’s rough spots.

April

• Time for a Spring Cleanup: Organizing Your Financial Records

  Spring is a good time to clean out and organize financial records. This article offers guidelines on how long different types of records need to be retained.

• Retiring in a Down Market? Don’t Panic

  Market volatility makes most investors nervous, but a big downturn can be especially disturbing to those who are approaching retirement or newly retired. This article presents three fundamental concepts that may help investors keep market movements in perspective and maintain their focus on long-term goals.

• Trusts — Not Just for Estate Taxes

  In the past, trusts were often used to avoid estate taxes, but that purpose has become less important for most people with current high exemption amounts. However, a properly constructed trust can serve many other purposes for families of more modest means.

March

• Key Retirement and Tax Numbers for 2023

  Find out about cost-of-living adjustments that affect retirement plan contribution limits and other deductions and threshold amounts.

• The Inflation Experience is Painful – and Personal

  This article discusses consumer price index categories, how they’re weighted, and the top drivers of inflation over the past year.

February

• IRA Strategies: After-Tax Money and the Pro-Rata Rule

  The pro-rata rule determines how much of a traditional IRA distribution is taxable. Read this article to learn how the rule is applied.

January

• Stretch IRA Alternatives

  The 2019 SECURE Act effectively eliminated the stretch IRA. Explore three alternatives to help preserve wealth and pass it to beneficiaries.

• Taking Control of Your Retirement Savings

  Leaving a job? Discover four options that are often available for managing funds in an employer-sponsored retirement plan.

• Naming a Trusted Contact

  It may be wise to designate a trusted contact when opening or updating an account at a brokerage or other financial firm. Learn why.

December

• Sectors: Overweight, Underweight, or Just Right?

  Did you know varying performance can change the balance of sectors in a portfolio? Learn how sector funds can be used to shift sector weighting.

• IRA Distributions Can Benefit Your Favorite Cause … and Your Tax Bill

  IRA owners who are 70½ or older can give to charity without itemizing and still get a tax break. Find out how.

November

• Retirement Savings in a Volatile Market

  Emotional reactions can be an enemy of sound investing. This article offers perspective and strategies that may help investors stay the course.