May

• HOT TOPIC: Rescuing America’s Safety Net

  This article looks at the current fiscal outlook for the Social Security and Medicare programs and presents some potential changes that might help to strengthen them.

• Diversifying with Market Caps

  The S&P 500 Index ended 2022 down 19.4%. Midsize and smaller companies also lost ground but generally held their value better than large companies. This article explains why holding stocks in companies of different sizes can help diversify a portfolio.

• Keep an Eye Out for IRS-Related Scams

  Although IRS scams are especially prevalent during tax season, they also take place throughout the year. This article identifies some common tax scams and offers tips to help avoid becoming a victim.

• Social Security Offers Benefits from Birth Through Old Age

  The bulk of Social Security benefits go to retirees, but Social Security is much more than a retirement program. This article outlines other types of Social Security benefits.

• Municipal Bonds: A Tax-Advantaged Way to Put Capital to Work

  Muni bonds and tax-exempt funds have long been a mainstay in the portfolios of income-focused investors who want to manage their tax burdens.

• Bear Market Emotions: Strategy vs. Reaction

  Staying disciplined in building a well-constructed portfolio over time can help carry investors through the market’s rough spots.

April

• HOT TOPIC: Bank Failures Shine Light on Interest Rate Risks

  Read about the reasons some banks are coming under pressure, including the rapid rise of interest rates, financial market effects, and the role of the FDIC.

• Are You Eligible for Any of These College-Related Federal Tax Benefits?

  College students and their parents need all the help they can get when paying for college or repaying student loans. This article explains three federal tax benefits that could take some of the sting out of expensive college costs.

• Time for a Spring Cleanup: Organizing Your Financial Records

  Spring is a good time to clean out and organize financial records. This article offers guidelines on how long different types of records need to be retained.

• Retiring in a Down Market? Don’t Panic

  Market volatility makes most investors nervous, but a big downturn can be especially disturbing to those who are approaching retirement or newly retired. This article presents three fundamental concepts that may help investors keep market movements in perspective and maintain their focus on long-term goals.

• Trusts — Not Just for Estate Taxes

  In the past, trusts were often used to avoid estate taxes, but that purpose has become less important for most people with current high exemption amounts. However, a properly constructed trust can serve many other purposes for families of more modest means.

• Business Owners: Should You Organize as an LLC?

  Establishing an LLC creates a separate legal entity to help shield a business owner’s personal assets from lawsuits brought against the firm by customers or employees.

March

• Key Retirement and Tax Numbers for 2023

  Find out about cost-of-living adjustments that affect retirement plan contribution limits and other deductions and threshold amounts.

• When Should Young Adults Start Investing for Retirement?

  Now is the best time to start retirement investing for two key reasons: compounding and tax management. Read this article to learn more.

• The Inflation Experience is Painful – and Personal

  This article discusses consumer price index categories, how they’re weighted, and the top drivers of inflation over the past year.

February

• Three Ways to Help Simplify Your Finances

  Over time, finances can become complicated. Here are three ideas that might make them simpler and less stressful.

• Small Businesses Should Prepare for Stronger Tax Enforcement

  The IRS is receiving $80 billion to upgrade its technology and workforce. This article offers tips for business owners to help avoid a tax audit.

January

• Taking Control of Your Retirement Savings

  Leaving a job? Discover four options that are often available for managing funds in an employer-sponsored retirement plan.

• Naming a Trusted Contact

  It may be wise to designate a trusted contact when opening or updating an account at a brokerage or other financial firm. Learn why.

December

• Sectors: Overweight, Underweight, or Just Right?

  Did you know varying performance can change the balance of sectors in a portfolio? Learn how sector funds can be used to shift sector weighting.

• Is It Time to Buy an Electric Vehicle?

  The electric-vehicle market is evolving quickly. This article offers some ideas to consider before purchasing an electric vehicle.

• IRA Distributions Can Benefit Your Favorite Cause … and Your Tax Bill

  IRA owners who are 70½ or older can give to charity without itemizing and still get a tax break. Find out how.

November

• Retirement Savings in a Volatile Market

  Emotional reactions can be an enemy of sound investing. This article offers perspective and strategies that may help investors stay the course.

• New Life for Your Old Insurance Policy

  Did you know that there are alternatives to abandoning or surrendering current life insurance coverage? Learn more in this article.

October

• How Much Life Insurance Do You Need?

  Three approaches to help determine an appropriate amount of life insurance coverage that can help meet changing financial needs.

• Small Businesses Are Short-Staffed and Overwhelmed

  The pandemic kicked off a severe labor shortage. What can small-business owners do if they are struggling to meet staffing needs?

September

• HOT TOPIC: Unpacking the Inflation Reduction Act: What’s in It?

  This article provides an overview of provisions that could affect consumers and businesses, including clean energy tax credits, Medicare changes, and new corporate taxes.

• How Life Insurance Could Help Mitigate Taxes in Retirement

  A permanent life policy can be used to help supplement retirement income, pay for long-term care services, or leave a tax-free legacy.

August

• Sticker Shock Is No Joke for Car Buyers

  This article discusses recent trends affecting the automotive market and includes suggestions for those who want to purchase a vehicle.

July

• Should You Consider Tapping the Equity in Your Home?

  Using home equity to fund other financial objectives has potential benefits and risks. This article looks at various ways to tap home equity.

June

• Avoiding Probate

  Probate can result in added expenses and delays when settling an estate. Read about four ways to avoid the probate process.