Newsletters

December

• 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.

• Charitable Gifts of Life Insurance

  Life insurance offers a way to make a substantial gift to charity while also benefiting from favorable tax rules.

• Year-End 2024 Tax Tips

  Here are some things to consider when weighing potential tax moves before the end of the year.

• Eight Ideas for Smarter Holiday Shopping

  Whether shopping online or hitting the mall this holiday season, these tips might help save time and money.

• 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.

• 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.

November

• HOT TOPIC: High Foreign Investment in the U.S. – Will It Last?

  The United States received almost one-third of all global foreign investment from 2021 to 2023. This article looks at how different types of foreign investment may impact the U.S. economy.

• Treasury Yields Off 17-Year Highs

  While yields are off highs not seen since before the Great Recession, investors might consider some of the Treasury security types and maturities outlined in this article.

• If You Don’t Have a Will Yet, Why Not?

  Although 64% of Americans think having a will is important, only 32% have one. This article looks at reasons people don’t have a will and why they need one regardless of the reason.

• FAFSA for 2025-2026 School Year Opens December 1

  Following a disastrous rollout last year, this article provides tips for submitting the redesigned Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the 2025–2026 school year.

• Do You Know Your Medicare Coverage Options?

  There are two ways to obtain Medicare coverage: Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage. Here’s how they work.

• Higher Rates Pressure Borrowers and Some Banks: Is Your Money Safe?

  In 2023, large bank failures brought renewed attention to the risks banks take to earn money, the role of the FDIC, and the insurance that covers customer deposits.

October

• Can You Put the Brakes on Rising Auto Insurance Premiums?

  Auto insurance premiums increased more than 18% between July 2023 and July 2024. This article outlines some steps that may help reduce premiums.

• Making the Most of Your Credit Card

  Credit cards are being used more than ever. This article offers suggestions for choosing and using a credit card.

September

• It’s Complicated: Inheriting IRAs and Retirement Plans

  The SECURE Act of 2019 dramatically changed the rules governing how IRA and retirement plan assets are distributed to beneficiaries.

• 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.

• Eight Great Investing Quotes

  This article offers eight quotes from successful investors, economists, and other insightful thinkers that may help provide perspective and focus for an investing strategy.

August

• Watch for These Hazards on the Road to Retirement

  The road to retirement is typically not a smooth ride. This article looks at five potential risks that can slow progress along the way.

• After the Loss of a Loved One, Watch Out for Scams

  Scammers often prey on those who are most vulnerable. This article outlines common scams that target people who have lost a loved one.

July

• Should You Buy or Lease Your Next Vehicle?

  Skyrocketing new vehicle costs and high interest rates could make leasing a cost-saving option. This article looks at the advantages and disadvantages of owning vs. leasing.

• Birthday Benefits Quiz

  This quiz allows readers to test their knowledge of the ages related to key federal benefits and tax responsibilities.

• Saving for College: 529 Plan vs. Roth IRA

  529 plans and Roth IRAs can both be used to save for college. This article compares the features of these two saving options.

June

• The United States Is Older Than Ever Before

  The median age of the U.S. population rose to a record high in 2022, a demographic trend that has implications for the economy and government programs like Social Security and Medicare.

• Are You Spending Money to Keep Stuff You Don’t Need?

  One in 10 Americans leases a storage unit. But for many, it may be worthwhile to let go of unneeded belongings instead.

April

• Beware of These Life Insurance Beneficiary Mistakes

  Naming a life insurance policy’s beneficiaries should be a relatively simple task, but there are some situations that can lead to unintended and adverse consequences.

March

• Key Retirement and Tax Numbers for 2024

  This article presents the IRS’ cost-of-living adjustments for 2024 that affect contribution limits for retirement plans and various tax deduction, exclusion, exemption, and threshold amounts.

• How Savers and Spenders Can Meet in the Middle

  Couples who have opposite philosophies regarding saving and spending often have trouble finding common ground. This article offers some tips to learn to work with financial differences.

• Roth 401(k) News: Is It Time to Rethink How You Save for Retirement?

  High-income participants will not be allowed to make pre-tax catch-up contributions to a traditional 401(k) or similar plan starting in 2026, but they will be able to contribute to a workplace Roth.

February

• A New Year, A New Opportunity to Save with a 529 Plan

  This article explains how a 529 plan can help a family save for college, including recent changes that have made these plans more flexible.

• Don’t Forget About Credit When Planning for Retirement

  Credit may not be at the top of the list when it comes to retirement, but good credit can make a big difference for retirees. This article looks at some key factors that lenders consider.

• Do You Have These Key Estate Planning Documents?

  This article provides an overview of four estate planning documents that almost everyone should have: a durable power of attorney, a medical directive, a will, and a letter of instruction.