Newsletters
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.
May
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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Key Retirement and Tax Numbers for 2025
This article outlines some important IRS cost-of-living adjustments for 2025.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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What’s New for 2025?
This article outlines changes that may affect retirement savings, health-care costs, air travel, and consumer credit.
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Indexed Annuities: Potential for Growth with Some Downside Protection
This article provides an overview of indexed annuities.
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Is Tip Fatigue Wearing You Out?
Tipping culture is changing, and consumers are feeling uneasy about where, when, and how much to tip.
January
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HOT TOPIC: Data for Sale: Tips to Help Protect Your Private Information
Recent action by the Federal Trade Commission highlights the potential for abuse by online data brokers. This article offers some tips that might help consumers keep their private data private.
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Home Energy Rebates Could Save You Money
The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 included two provisions allowing rebates for home energy efficiency retrofit projects and home electrification and appliance projects.
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Would You Be Prepared for an Unplanned Early Retirement?
Nearly half of current retirees retired earlier than planned. Here are some steps to help prepare for the unexpected.
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A Critical Combo: Life Insurance with Long-Term Care Benefits
Although long-term care insurance is typically a “use-it-or-lose-it” proposition, these alternatives can help pay for care if it’s needed or provide a death benefit for beneficiaries if it’s not.
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Extreme Weather and Your Home Insurance: How to Navigate the Financial Storm
Many insurance companies have begun to raise rates, restrict coverage, or stop selling policies in high-risk areas.
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A Mortgage Recast Is an Alternative to Refinancing
When a mortgage is recast, the borrower puts money toward the principal balance of a home loan, reducing the monthly payment.
December
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HOT TOPIC: Dreaming of Retirement? Consider Maxing Out Your 401(k) in 2025
This article covers the contribution and catch-up limits for workplace retirement plans, including the less-common opportunity to make larger after-tax contributions.
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Charitable Gifts of Life Insurance
Life insurance offers a way to make a substantial gift to charity while also benefiting from favorable tax rules.
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Year-End 2024 Tax Tips
Here are some things to consider when weighing potential tax moves before the end of the year.
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Eight Ideas for Smarter Holiday Shopping
Whether shopping online or hitting the mall this holiday season, these tips might help save time and money.
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An Umbrella Policy Offers Extra Liability Coverage
An umbrella personal liability insurance policy can provide additional coverage in the event of a high-dollar liability claim or legal judgment.
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Two Tax-Friendly Retirement Plans for the Self-Employed
Setting up a retirement plan provides a way to help shelter more income from taxes and save money for the future.