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.

• What Is Value Investing?

  At the heart of a value investing strategy is viewing the purchase of stock shares as becoming a part owner of a company.

• Midyear Checkup: Can You Contribute More to Your Retirement Plan?

  With traditional pensions in decline, it’s up to the individual employee to build retirement savings in a work-based account.

• 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.

• Teens Say Social Media Takes a Toll on Mental Health

  Many parents are concerned about the well-being of their children as they navigate the digital landscape.

June

• HOT TOPIC: Pressure at the Pump: Will High Gas Prices Shake the U.S. Economy?

  This article looks at why gas is so expensive, what it might take to stop the upward trend, and the potential effect of high gas prices on consumers and the broader economy.

• REITs Offer Income and Diversification

  Most broad stock funds contain real estate investment trusts (REITs), but for a more strategic approach, investors can choose from a variety of REIT funds and individual REITs.

• What Is Asset-Based LTCI?

  Hybrid long-term care insurance policies, also known as asset-based plans, combine the benefit of a life insurance policy or an annuity with the availability of long-term care benefits.

• What Can You Learn from Your Tax Return?

  Tax season may be over, but a completed tax return offers information that can help with financial strategy for the rest of the year.

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are no federal contribution limits for variable annuities, and the investment gains won’t be taxed until they are withdrawn.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

• HOT TOPIC: Trade Update: The Supreme Court Stepped In, but Many Tariffs Stand

  This article explains the types of tariffs that are still in play and their potential impact on U.S. consumers and businesses.

• 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.

• The Evolution of Retirement Savings

  The retirement savings landscape has changed dramatically over the past 50 years. How might these developments affect tomorrow’s retirees?

• Don’t Overlook the Value of Social Security Survivor Benefits

  While life insurance might play a central role after the death of a financial provider, Social Security could also offer another important source of income for survivors.

• The Corporate World Is All-In on AI

  As the race among large tech companies to monetize AI hits full throttle, it’s worth considering how adoption of AI-enabled technologies might affect the economic prospects of businesses and workers.

• Online Shopping in the Tariff Era

  Even small online purchases that are shipped from outside the United States must now pass through customs — and are likely to incur duties.

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.

• Foreign Stocks Outperformed in 2025

  Although U.S. stocks have provided a higher return over the past 20 years, foreign stocks outperformed in seven of those years, including 2025.

• Medicare or Medicaid?

  It’s easy to confuse Medicare and Medicaid, but there are important differences between the programs.

• New Auto Loan Interest Deduction Explained

  The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) provides an annual deduction of up to $10,000 for interest paid on qualifying new auto loans, effective for tax years 2025 through 2028.

• Small Business: Coping with the End of De Minimis Imports

  Small businesses must now pay duties on low-value goods they could previously source inexpensively from China and elsewhere.

• 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

• HOT TOPIC: What Does a Weaker U.S. Dollar Mean for Your Money?

  Consumers and investors might want to consider how the depreciating dollar could impact the economy and their own finances.

• No More Groundhog Day for Your Finances: Time for a Financial Wellness Checkup

  Financial habits can repeat themselves, month after month and year after year, until we consciously break the pattern.

• Key Retirement and Tax Numbers for 2026

  This article provides 2026 contribution limits for retirement plans and various tax deduction, exclusion, exemption, and threshold amounts.

• Wealthy Colleges Face Expanded Endowment Tax

  A new tiered tax rate on the endowments of wealthy colleges and universities could affect spending on financial aid, research, and other college programs.

• 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.

December

• Life Insurance for Two

  Survivorship life insurance may be a cost-effective coverage solution for older couples or business partners.

November

• Consider Roth for Tax-Free Income

  Roth accounts offer no current-year tax benefit, but they can provide tax-free retirement income.

August

• Have You Set a Retirement Savings Goal?

  Completing this simple worksheet can help establish a realistic retirement savings target.