May

• HOT TOPIC: Rising Inflation: Where Will It Go from Here?

  Read about the causes of the recent inflationary trend. Does it represent a short-term phase or the start of a longer-term acceleration in prices?

• Real Estate for Income and Diversification

  Are you familiar with REITs and why they can help diversify a portfolio? Read this article to learn more.

• Five Tips to Follow When Applying for a Mortgage

  Historically low interest rates have driven record homebuying. This article provides some ideas to consider when applying for a mortgage.

• Social Security Spousal Benefits

  This article offers an overview of spousal benefits, which could make a big difference in funding retirement for a married couple.

• Portfolios Get Personal: Growing Interest in Socially Responsible Investing

  This article discusses socially responsible investments that may enable the pursuit of financial returns and make a positive global impact.

• Your Business: Minimum-Wage Laws in the Spotlight

  As more states increase the minimum wage, small businesses may start feeling the economic impact. Read this article for some coping tips.

April

• HOT TOPIC: High-Frequency Indicators: Where to Look for Signs of Recovery

  This article discusses various high-frequency indicators economists use to monitor the pandemic’s impact and the economic recovery’s progress.

• A Financial Wellness Plan Can Help Pave the Road to Retirement

  This article outlines four elements of financial well-being and offers suggestions to strengthen financial wellness.

• Four Things Investors Should Know About Stock Splits

  If you’ve wondered what stock splits are and what effect they might have on your investment portfolio, this article covers the basics.

• All-in-One Funds: Targeting Time or Risk?

  This article discusses target-date funds and lifestyle funds, with the more common of the two based on time horizon rather than risk.

• Working While Receiving Social Security Benefits

  Do you understand the Social Security retirement earnings test and how it may affect your current and future Social Security benefits?

• Your Business: Reasons to Keep Personal and Business Finances Separate

  Find out why it’s important to draw a line between business and personal finances, especially for credit, tax, and personal asset purposes.

March

• HOT TOPIC: GameStop, Reddit, and Market Mania: What Happened?

  Learn the story behind the extreme volatility of “meme” stocks promoted through social media, including the risk for individual investors.

• Key Retirement and Tax Numbers for 2021

  IRS cost-of-living adjustments affect retirement plan contribution limits and certain tax considerations. Explore these 2021 adjustments.

• Are Value Stocks Poised for a Comeback?

  Do you know the differences between growth and value stocks? Find out why value stocks may hold appeal during the economic recovery.

• Home Sweet Home Equity

  Owning a home or having substantial equity may offer financial benefits in retirement. Discover five ways to use or increase home equity.

• Asset Protection: Make Sure Your Umbrella Is Big Enough

  While standard home and auto insurance may cover personal liability, a personal umbrella policy can help add an extra layer of protection.

• Is Your Home Office Also a Tax Shelter?

  This article explains which taxpayers are eligible for the home office deduction and describes the two methods used to calculate it.

February

• HOT TOPIC: Pandemic Relief Measures and Your Tax Return

  This article discusses various tax issues stemming from the two tax relief bills passed in 2020 in response to the pandemic and how they may affect you.

• When You Can’t Speak for Yourself

  Discover how a living will and durable powers of attorney for health care and finances can help ensure your wishes are carried out.

January

• HOT TOPIC: Revisiting the 4% Rule

  For years, the “4% rule” helped retirees make their savings last, but now a more aggressive withdrawal strategy might be the new norm.

• Five Tips to Regain Your Retirement Savings Focus in 2021

  This article presents five steps that could help focus and enhance a retirement savings strategy in 2021.

• Take Advantage of Deductions for Business Investments

  A look at bonus depreciation and Section 179, plus CARES Act changes that may benefit companies that reconfigured spaces for safety reasons.

December

• HOT TOPIC: How COVID-19 Has Changed Consumer Behavior and the Future of Retail

  This article looks at the “new normal,” its effect on consumer behavior and the retail industry, and what that could mean for the economy.

• Putting Your Nest Egg in Three Baskets

  Find out how understanding sequence-of-returns risk could help you develop a three-prong distribution strategy for retirement.

• Your Business: Could You Benefit from a Roth Conversion in 2020?

  This article focuses on the potential short- and long-term tax ramifications of a Roth IRA conversion.

November

• Your Estate: Have You Looked at These Legal Documents Lately?

  This article looks at documents that should be kept up to date, including wills, trusts, advance medical directives, and beneficiary forms.

October

• Return of Premium Life Insurance: Protection and Cash Back

  This article provides an overview of the pros and cons of a type of term policy – return of premium life insurance.

• Accumulating Funds for Short-Term Goals

  Saving for short-term goals can require a conservative approach. This article explores some guidelines and potential investment vehicles.

September

• Could You Be Responsible for Your Parents’ Nursing Home Bills?

  Filial responsibility laws can hold children responsible for certain parental debts. This potential liability is one reason to plan for long-term care needs.

August

• HOT TOPIC: College Disrupted: Students Face High Costs and Pandemic Impact

  Paying for college can mean borrowing money or risking savings. This article focuses on financial aid and the importance of informed academic choices.

• Crisis Relief: Financial Lifelines for Affected Workers

  Temporary crisis relief legislation makes it easier to access retirement account funds and extends paid leave for workers at some small businesses.

July

• Four Questions on the Roth Five-Year Rule

  This article provides an overview of two versions of the Roth five-year rule and how they apply to various situations.

June

• Do ETFs Belong in Your Portfolio?

  Do you know the potential benefits and risks of exchange-traded funds and how they differ from mutual funds?

• SECURE Act Changes That Matter to Small Employers

  The SECURE Act could make it easier and more affordable for business owners to provide retirement plans and help their employees save for retirement.