Newsletters
Fourty-seven percent of American workers have saved less than $25,000 for retirement, and 24% have saved less than $1,000.1
Source: Employee Benefit Research Institute, 2017
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.
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January
Prepare Your Finances for the Next Emergency
The pandemic has underscored the importance of a well-stocked emergency fund. This article offers tips for building up a cash reserve.Gift vs. Inheritance: Consider the Tax Difference
When deciding whether to gift assets now or transfer them to heirs at death, you need to understand step-up in basis and tax consequences.Take Advantage of Deductions for Business Investments
A look at bonus depreciation and Section 179, plus CARES Act changes that may benefit companies that reconfigured spaces for safety reasons. -
November
Three Questions to Consider During Open Enrollment
Making benefit elections for next year? This article covers three key areas that require careful consideration during open enrollment.Your Estate: Have You Looked at These Legal Documents Lately?
This article looks at documents that should be kept up to date, including wills, trusts, advance medical directives, and beneficiary forms.Four Steps to Rebuilding Your Business
Small-business owners may need to think on their feet and visualize what a recovery might look like for their operations post COVID-19.
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October
Business Cycle Basics: Recessions Begin and End Before We Know It
This article discusses how economists identify and measure economic contractions and compares some characteristics of past recessions. -
September
Could You Be Responsible for Your Parents’ Nursing Home Bills?
Filial responsibility laws can hold children responsible for certain parental debts. This potential liability is one reason to plan for long-term care needs.Survivor Benefits Provide a Financial Lifeline
Decisions made when claiming Social Security retirement benefits can make a big difference in spousal and other dependents’ survivor benefits.Student Loan Stress? These Plans Might Help
This article outlines the basic provisions of income-driven repayment plans that can help reduce the burden of federal student loans.
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August
HOT TOPIC: College Disrupted: Students Face High Costs and Pandemic Impact
Paying for college can mean borrowing money or risking savings. This article focuses on financial aid and the importance of informed academic choices.Debit or Credit? Pick a Card
Do you know the differences between debit and credit cards? This article discusses both and when it might be better to use a credit card.Crisis Relief: Financial Lifelines for Affected Workers
Temporary crisis relief legislation makes it easier to access retirement account funds and extends paid leave for workers at some small businesses. -
July
HOT TOPIC: The Shape of Economic Recovery
This article looks at the potential shape of the COVID-19 economic recovery with some historical context and key factors that may affect the direction of the economy.The Beige Book: A Timely Economic Read
The Federal Reserve’s “Beige Book” provides a broad overview of the economy that is often essential for making economic policy decisions.Quarterly Taxes: Deadlines Keep Coming for the Self-Employed
If you are self-employed, do you know how to calculate quarterly estimated tax payments in order to avoid underpayment penalties?
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June
Will vs. Trust: Know the Difference
Wills and trusts can each help in the distribution of assets at death. This article points out important differences between the two.Why You Might Need Disability Income Insurance
This article explains how an individual disability income insurance policy can help provide income if a disability leaves you unable to work.SECURE Act Changes That Matter to Small Employers
The SECURE Act could make it easier and more affordable for business owners to provide retirement plans and help their employees save for retirement. -
May
Social Security May Offer a Lifetime of Protection
This article provides an overview of four times other than retirement when Social Security might affect you or your family.The Cost of Family Caregiving
A look at the financial, emotional, and physical costs of family caregiving with some helpful suggestions for caregivers.Three Life Insurance Strategies for Small Businesses
This article explores how life insurance might help small businesses attract and retain talent or fund buy-sell agreements.Telemedicine: The Virtual Doctor Will See You Now
Many large employers offer telemedicine programs in their benefit packages. Do you know the potential advantages of telemedicine?
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April
Early Retirement and Your Tax-Deferred Savings
Find out how the rules for early-distribution penalty exceptions differ for withdrawals from traditional IRAs and employer-sponsored plans. -
March
Stay-at-Home Spouse? Consider a Spousal IRA
Stay-at-home spouses can fall behind in saving for retirement. This article explains how a spousal IRA can help keep retirement savings on track.Three Lessons from Retirees
A survey of workers and retirees yielded three key findings that may prove helpful in planning for retirement. Find out more.Five Red Flags That Raise the Odds of an Audit
Ever wonder why the IRS might take a closer look at a taxpayer’s return? This article discusses different types of audits and what might trigger one.Classifying Workers: Know the Rules and Risks
This article explores the complex web of federal and state tax and employment laws that determine how businesses must classify workers.
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February
HOT TOPIC: The SECURE Act and Your Retirement Savings
A discussion of the important provisions in the SECURE Act that could affect retirement, tax, and estate planning strategies.Three Generations of Retirement Strategies
Millennials, Gen Xers, and baby boomers face different challenges in pursuing retirement goals. This article offers strategies to help address them.
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