December

• HOT TOPIC: A Cautiously Optimistic Economic Outlook for 2024

  The U.S. economy grew in the third quarter of 2023, despite high interest rates and unsettling geopolitical conflict. This article discusses market conditions and economic forecasts for 2024.

• Much Ado About RMDs

  This article provides an overview of the changes the SECURE 2.0 Act made and a brief explanation of how to calculate required minimum distributions from tax-advantaged retirement accounts.

• Medical Debt and Your Credit Report

  This article looks at changes in the way medical debt is handled on credit reports and offers tips to avoid having unpaid medical bills impact credit.

• ISM Indexes Watch for Trouble on Both Sides of the Economy

  Two different Purchasing Managers Indexes are generally considered to be leading economic indicators that can help businesses and investors make more informed decisions.

• Why the EPA is Focusing on “Forever” Chemicals

  In March 2023, the Environmental Protection Agency proposed the first federal limits for six types of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, in public drinking water.

• New Medicare Rules Tackle Prescription Drug Prices

  The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 included provisions intended to lower prescription drug costs for Medicare enrollees and slow drug spending by the federal government.

November

• HOT TOPIC: Can Consumers Keep Carrying the Economy?

  Consumer spending has bolstered the economy amid inflation, higher interest rates, and a cooling job market. This article looks at what may be driving spending and what might derail its momentum.

• You’ve Received an Inheritance, Now What?

  Receiving an inheritance might promote spending without planning, but it’s not wise to make hasty decisions. This article provides suggestions that could help manage an inheritance.

• Tax-Loss Harvesting Offers Chance at Silver Lining

  Stock market downturns can be rough on a portfolio’s bottom line, but selling losing investments may offer the potential to reduce an investor’s tax liability.

October

• Time to Bulk Up Your Emergency Fund

  A financial crisis can strike when least expected, so it’s important to have a sufficient emergency fund. This article offers some suggestions to help increase a fund before it’s needed.

• Four Key Objectives of a Sound Retirement Plan

  A sound retirement plan should be based on personal circumstances, and no one strategy is suitable for everyone. This article looks at four goals that a retirement strategy should address.

• Enriching a Teen with a Roth IRA

  A teen with a part-time job can contribute to a Roth IRA, which is a flexible way to accumulate funds for college, retirement, and other long-term needs.

September

• Coming in 2024: New 529 Plan-to-Roth IRA Rollover Option

  The SECURE 2.0 Act includes two new provisions related to college savings and funding. Learn more in this article.

• New RMD Rules Give Retirement Savings More Time to Grow

  This article explains the rules for required minimum distribution from tax-deferred retirement accounts with an emphasis on the new provisions of the SECURE 2.0 Act.

• Social Security 101

  Social Security is complicated, and the details are often misunderstood even by those who are already receiving benefits.

August

• Mutual Funds: What’s in Your Portfolio?

  Mutual funds offer a convenient way to invest across a wide range of market activity. This article provides an overview of different types of mutual funds in order of typical risk.

• It’s Your Money: Why Not Get Your Withholding Right?

  Did you owe money at tax time or receive a large refund? This article discusses the types of situations in which taxpayers should consider adjusting their withholding.

July

• SECURE 2.0 Act Expands Early Withdrawal Exceptions

  Discover exceptions to the federal income penalty for early withdrawals from tax-advantaged retirement accounts, including new exceptions added by the SECURE 2.0 Act.

• Child Care Is a Budget Buster: Take Advantage of These Tax Breaks

  A tax credit and/or dependent-care flexible spending account might help offset some of the costs paid for a nanny, babysitter, day care, preschool, or day camp.

June

• How Taxes Impact Your Retirement-Income Strategy

  Retirees face unique challenges when managing their income, particularly when it comes to taxes. This article provides an overview of tax-related issues, from taxing Social Security to the new RMD rules and determining when to tap taxable and tax-advantaged accounts.

• Does the Social Security COLA Help If You’re Not Receiving Benefits?

  This article explains how the COLA not only helps current beneficiaries, but also may increase future benefits for those who are not yet receiving Social Security payments.

May

• 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

• 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.

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.