Newsletters

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.

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.

• ETFs Are Closing the Gap with Mutual Funds

  Investor demand for exchange-traded funds (ETFs) has increased rapidly over the last decade due to attractive features that set them apart from mutual funds.

• 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.

• Playing Fair: New Consumer Protections for Airline Passengers

  Thanks to a new federal law and rules issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation, airline passengers could have extra consumer protections.

• QLACs: Your Retirement Accounts Can Act Like Pensions

  With a qualified longevity annuity contract, or QLAC, a retiring worker can use a portion of their tax-deferred savings to set up a lifetime income stream that begins at an older age.

• 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.

• Are You Missing the Bull’s-Eye with a Target-Date Fund?

  Two out of three 401(k) participants have assets in a target-date fund, but many may not fully understand how these “all-in-one” funds work.

• 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.

• Cancer Happens: Insurance Can Help Fortify Your Finances

  Although it’s scary to consider the possibility of a cancer diagnosis, it might be helpful to prepare for the financial implications.

• 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.

• The Four-Day Workweek: Is It Destiny or a Distant Dream?

  Wider use of artificial intelligence is one reason that the prospect of a four-day workweek (with no loss in pay) is now being taken seriously by companies around the world.

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.

• Accounts for Two: A Team Approach to Retirement Savings

  Even if most of a married couple’s retirement assets reside in different accounts, open communication and teamwork can help them craft a unified retirement strategy.

• Phased Retirement Can Help Smooth the Transition

  The article explains why a phased retirement program can be a positive experience for employees, employers, and customers.

• 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.

• Read a Good Beige Book Lately?

  The Federal Reserve’s Beige Book provides a concise narrative overview of the economy in each of the 12 Federal Reserve Bank Districts and is readily available to the public.

February

• HOT TOPIC: The Social Security Fairness Act Increases Benefits for Millions

  This article explains what will be changing and who can expect to receive higher Social Security benefits due to the Social Security Fairness Act.

• Three Market-Moving Economic Indicators to Watch

  Among all the economic indicators released each month, these three reports may have the strongest effect on the market.

• Financial Safety Nets: Exploring Available Sources of Emergency Funds

  Nearly 60% of U.S. adults are uncomfortable with their level of emergency savings. Here are some potential ways to access funds.

• What’s New for 2025?

  This article outlines changes that may affect retirement savings, health-care costs, air travel, and consumer credit.

• Indexed Annuities: Potential for Growth with Some Downside Protection

  This article provides an overview of indexed annuities.

• Is Tip Fatigue Wearing You Out?

  Tipping culture is changing, and consumers are feeling uneasy about where, when, and how much to tip.