Newsletters

September

• Steps to Help Lower Capital Gains Taxes

  Discover how the step-up in basis provision may help reduce capital gains taxes and preserve the value of assets left to heirs.

• Life Insurance Strategies: Reasons Empty Nesters May Want Permanent Coverage

  As policyholders age, life insurance could help supplement retirement income, support a surviving spouse, and/or leave a legacy.

• Could Employee Ownership Be Part of Your Succession Plan?

  An employee stock ownership plan may be a tax-friendly way for retiring small-business owners to pass the reins to employees.

August

• HOT TOPIC: How Geopolitical Tensions May Affect Oil Prices and the Economy

  Explore the relationship between fuel prices and economic growth, factors that influence prices, and how U.S. production altered the global oil market.

• Caught in the Middle: The Sandwich Generation

  Tips to help balance the competing demands of saving for retirement and providing financial support to adult children and aging parents.

• A Quick and Dirty Guide to Credit

  Learn about four financing options that might help small businesses expand, pursue new opportunities, or cover operating expenses.

July

• HOT TOPIC: All Eyes on the U.S. Economy as It Caps Off Decade of Growth

  This article compares the current economic expansion with prior business cycles and examines developments that could affect future growth.

• What’s the Real Return on Your Investments?

  Tax rates, interest rates, and inflation can all cut into the value of investment dollars. This article looks at real return on investments.

June

• HOT TOPIC: U.S.-China Trade War: Who Pays the Price?

  A look at the issues behind the trade war with China, as well as who will carry the costs of the tariffs and the potential effect on the U.S. economy.

• College Savings: Roth or 529 Plan?

  Can a Roth IRA double as a college savings tool? Find out how a Roth IRA compares with state-based 529 college savings plans.

• Interest Rates and the Economy

  Do you know which factors influence bond yields and why the gap between short- and long-term yields is often viewed as an economic indicator?

May

• HOT TOPIC: 1040 Postmortem: Making Sense of Your Taxes and Withholding

  Surprised by the final numbers on your 2018 tax return? Here are some tips for adjusting withholding to help avoid surprises next tax season.

• Bonds Can Offer Stability Even with Rising Rates

  Explore three major categories of bonds, plus ideas for navigating the bond market amid climbing interest rates.

• SRI Investing: Not Just for Stocks

  Find out how individual impact bonds may allow investors to preserve principal and generate income while supporting activities that are important to them.

• Retirement Planning: How Secure Is Social Security?

  View Social Security’s financial outlook, plus seven proposed fixes for a looming shortfall that may affect future benefits.

April

• Do You Need a Power of Attorney?

  Explore three types of powers of attorney and find out how a living will can supplement a durable POA for health care.

• Trusts Offer More Than Estate Tax Protection

  Find out whether a testamentary trust, living trust, or special-purpose trust can benefit your family.

• Considering Preferreds? Proceed with Caution

  Considering investing in preferred stocks? This overview examines the risks and potential benefits.

March

• Taking a Team Approach to Retirement Savings

  Even if you and your spouse have separate retirement accounts, you may still be able to craft a unified savings and investment strategy.

• Bridging the Gap Between Retirement and Medicare Eligibility

  See three options that may help you bridge the health insurance coverage gap between retirement and Medicare eligibility.

• Estate Taxes: Should a Trust Own Your Life Insurance?

  An irrevocable life insurance trust can help pay estate taxes, but recent exemption level increases may warrant a new insurance strategy.

• Succession Plans Often Hinge on Reliable Valuation

  Discover the role a reliable business valuation can play in succession, tax, and retirement planning.

February

• Looking Back, Looking Ahead

  See the indicators economists rely on to understand the past, present, and potential future direction of the economy.

• Getting Real About Retirement

  This article features a worksheet and relevant information to help estimate retirement expenses and income.

December

• Weighing a Wider Range of Health Plan Options

  Association health plans may enable small businesses to save money, but how do AHPs compare to small-group health insurance?