Newsletters

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.

• 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.

June

• 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there are no federal contribution limits for variable annuities, and the investment gains won’t be taxed until they are withdrawn.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

• 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.

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.

• 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

• 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.

• 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.

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.

December

• 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.

November

• 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.

• 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.

September

• Consider Munis for Tax-Free Income

  Higher yields have led to record new issues of municipal bonds in 2024 and early 2025.

• Mega Backdoor Roth: A Tax-Friendly Retirement Strategy for Serious Savers

  High earners may not be eligible to contribute to a Roth IRA, but some people can use a workplace plan to save more and create a source of tax-free retirement income.

• Why Renters Should Have Their Own Insurance

  Young renters who are just striking out on their own may not realize that a landlord’s insurance policy typically will not cover the destruction or loss of the tenant’s possessions.

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.

• Home Appliance Economics

  The prices of new home appliances have declined over the last decade, but repair costs have gone through the roof. Here’s what to consider when facing appliance-buying decisions.