Newsletters

August

• HOT TOPIC: 530A Trump Accounts Officially Open

  A new tax-advantaged investment account officially launched on July 4th: the 530A account, also known as a Trump Account, which is designed to help children get a head start on their financial future.

July

• HOT TOPIC: Social Security and Medicare: The Clock Is Ticking

  According to this year’s Trustees report, Social Security recipients might face a benefit cut in 2034 unless Congress acts soon to strengthen the program.

• Locked Out? How to Break Into Today’s Housing Market

  Homeownership can still be an attainable goal, but it may take more planning, flexibility, and creativity than it did in the past.

• What Is Value Investing?

  At the heart of a value investing strategy is viewing the purchase of stock shares as becoming a part owner of a company.

• Midyear Checkup: Can You Contribute More to Your Retirement Plan?

  With traditional pensions in decline, it’s up to the individual employee to build retirement savings in a work-based account.

• Taxing Social Security Benefits: Clearing the Confusion

  The One Big Beautiful Bill Act did not change the rules for taxing Social Security benefits, but it did create a new deduction for seniors that could help reduce their tax burden.

• Teens Say Social Media Takes a Toll on Mental Health

  Many parents are concerned about the well-being of their children as they navigate the digital landscape.

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.

• Foreign Stocks Outperformed in 2025

  Although U.S. stocks have provided a higher return over the past 20 years, foreign stocks outperformed in seven of those years, including 2025.

• Medicare or Medicaid?

  It’s easy to confuse Medicare and Medicaid, but there are important differences between the programs.

• New Auto Loan Interest Deduction Explained

  The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) provides an annual deduction of up to $10,000 for interest paid on qualifying new auto loans, effective for tax years 2025 through 2028.

• 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.

• Is Your Dream Kitchen a Good Investment?

  Considering the potential return on investment before taking on home improvement projects can help homeowners make cost-effective decisions.

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.

• No More Groundhog Day for Your Finances: Time for a Financial Wellness Checkup

  Financial habits can repeat themselves, month after month and year after year, until we consciously break the pattern.

• Key Retirement and Tax Numbers for 2026

  This article provides 2026 contribution limits for retirement plans and various tax deduction, exclusion, exemption, and threshold amounts.

• Wealthy Colleges Face Expanded Endowment Tax

  A new tiered tax rate on the endowments of wealthy colleges and universities could affect spending on financial aid, research, and other college programs.

• A Roadmap for Your Family

  A letter of instruction could be just as important as a will in helping loved ones settle an estate and move forward with their lives.

• 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.

• Q&A on RMDs

  Here are answers to some key questions about required minimum distributions.

• Don’t Take the Bait: Top Tax Scams in 2025

  As tax filing season approaches, the IRS warns taxpayers to watch for scams that can cause identity theft, financial loss, or criminal penalties.

• Retroactive Social Security Benefits: A Chance to Turn Back Time

  Beneficiaries who postpone claiming Social Security past full retirement age have the option of receiving a lump-sum payment for up to six months of benefits when they finally apply.

• Location, Location, Location: The Premium Parents Pay for Top Schools

  Homes in neighborhoods with access to top schools tend to cost significantly more than a typical home in the surrounding area.

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.

• Key Tax Law Changes to Higher Education Coming Soon

  The One Big Beautiful Bill Act includes many provisions that affect higher education.

• Strategies for Smarter Giving

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

• Surprise! It’s Retirement Time

  Considering some important issues now could provide more options in the event of early retirement.

• 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

• 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.

• Are You Prepared for the High Cost of Dying?

  End-of-life care and the death of a loved one not only carry an emotional price tag, but they often impose a substantial financial strain on families.

• 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.

• Life Insurance Might Help During Turbulent Economic Times

  During periods of economic uncertainty and stock market volatility, life insurance may be a useful tool to consider.

• 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.

• Could Employee Ownership Be Part of Your Succession Plan?

  An employee stock ownership plan is a qualified retirement plan that enables a business owner to gradually transfer ownership shares to employees, setting up opportunities to cash out in the future.

• Grocery Games: Strategies to Help Stretch Your Food Budget

  Food prices have risen more than 22% since the beginning of 2020, but shopping strategically might help households spend less on groceries.