December

• HOT TOPIC: Supply-Chain Chaos: Holiday Edition

  Explore current economic conditions and retail trends, including sharply higher prices and the potential for sporadic product delays and shortages.

• Should You Speed Up Your Retirement Plans?

  The pandemic caused some Americans to file for Social Security earlier than planned. See four factors to consider before retiring early.

• Year-End 2021 Tax Tips

  This article outlines various tax-related financial moves to consider before the end of the calendar year.

• Balancing Medicare and Work-Based Insurance

  Read about rules and other considerations faced by workers who are eligible for both Medicare and employer-based health insurance.

• Is Your Business Eligible for the Research and Development Tax Credit?

  U.S. business owners who spent money to develop new products or improve existing products or trade processes may qualify for the federal R&D tax credit.

• Catalytic Converter Thefts Are on the Rise: Here’s Why

  Find out why catalytic converters are targeted by thieves and how comprehensive auto insurance can help provide some financial protection.

November

• HOT TOPIC: The Budget and the Debt Ceiling: Round 2

  Read an overview of the budget, the debt ceiling, and the potential consequences if Congress doesn’t take timely action to fund federal government operations.

• Net Price Calculators Help Gauge College Affordability

  Did you know a net price calculator can help measure a college’s true cost? Discover how it provides an estimate of how much grant aid a student might expect.

• Is a High-Deductible Health Plan Right for You?

  What distinguishes HDHPs from preferred provider organizations (PPOs)? Learn about some key differences between the plans.

• Women Face Challenges in a Post-Pandemic World

  As the COVID-19 crisis eases its grip on the economy, here are some ideas to help women reexamine their retirement planning strategies.

• Do You Have a Tax-Smart Withdrawal Strategy?

  Explore the tax treatment of different types of retirement accounts and the tax consequences of withdrawals, especially from multiple accounts.

• NFTs and Blockchain: What You Should Know About the Digital Collectibles Craze

  A nonfungible token is a unique digital asset authenticated by blockchain. This article discusses its potential and potentially high risks.

October

• HOT TOPIC: Social Security’s Uncertain Future: What You Should Know

  This article explores demographic trends that are dimming Social Security’s financial outlook and proposals to address the looming shortfall.

• Four Reasons to Review Your Life Insurance Needs

  This article looks at major life events and the need to review your life insurance coverage in light of changing circumstances.

• Grandparent 529 Plans Get a Boost Under New FAFSA Rules

  Read how the FAFSA Simplification Act helps grandparents assist with college costs without impacting their grandchildren’s financial aid.

• A Map for Your Family

  A letter of instruction could be just as important as a will to help loved ones settle an estate. Do you know what information to include?

• Credit Scores Reach Record High

  This article discusses the components that determine your credit score and provides tips for maintaining a high score or raising a low one.

• Fund Retirement and Reward Workers with a Cash Balance Plan

  Do you know how cash balance retirement plans can help small business owners reduce taxable income and catch up on their savings? Find out.

September

• HOT TOPIC: Too Hot to Handle: What’s Ahead for the U.S. Housing Market?

  Explore some key factors between the housing squeeze and recent signs that suggest it may be easing.

• Signs of a Scam…and How to Resist It

  Discover four common practices that might help you identify and avoid scams.

• Child Tax Credit for 2021: Will You Get More?

  This article discusses substantial, temporary improvements to the child tax credit due to The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.

• A More Affordable Life Insurance Solution

  Thinking of letting your life insurance policy expire? Learn about survivorship life, which may be more affordable for older consumers.

• Following the Inflation Debate

  See how measures economists and Fed policymakers use to monitor inflation fuel the debate over how long 2021’s price increases will last.

• What a Relief! Congress Acts Against Surprise Medical Bills

  Have you heard of the No Surprises Act? Taking effect in 2022, it helps protect consumers from large, unexpected medical bills. Learn more.

August

• Don’t Let Debt Derail Your Retirement

  This article looks at high debt levels among older Americans and why it’s important to analyze and address debt before retirement.

• Company Stock and Your Retirement Strategy

  This article addresses specific risks and tax implications when acquiring company stock inside or outside of a workplace retirement plan.

July

• A Steady Strategy

  Discover how dollar-cost averaging may help alleviate some market concerns by making regular investments regardless of market movements.

• Pension or Lump Sum: Which Should You Choose?

  Do you know the key factors to consider if offered an option to take a lump sum in lieu of a pension? Read this article to find out.

June

• New Changes to College Financial Aid and Education Tax Benefits

  The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, included several provisions affecting financial aid and education. Learn more.

• How Well Do You Understand Retirement Plan Rules?

  From IRAs to 401(k)s, qualified retirement plans can be complex. This short quiz tests readers’ knowledge of a few of the finer points.

• Is the Medicare Donut Hole Really Closed?

  This article explains the four stages of Part D prescription drug coverage and how prices can vary in the coverage gap.

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?

• 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.

April

• 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.

• 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?

March

• 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.

February

• 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.