Newsletters

March

• HOT TOPIC: Correction Time: The Market Takes a Hit

  A look at some of the factors behind the recent market volatility and why investors should focus on long-term goals.

• Four Financial Numbers You Should Know

  Four financial numbers that you should understand (and that could potentially improve your financial situation).

• Phasing Out…or Practice Makes Perfect

  Here are some ideas for arranging a phased retirement program, as well as tips for trying a practice run.

• Do You Need an Umbrella?

  American society remains litigious — an umbrella insurance policy can provide additional coverage for personal liability.

• Going Public

  A discussion on the initial public offering (IPO) process, recent trends, and investment risks.

• Preparing to Withstand the Loss of Key Players

  How key-person insurance policies can benefit small businesses.

February

• HOT TOPIC: Business Tax Breaks: Impact on Earnings and the Economy

  An overview of the tax changes affecting corporations and pass-through businesses and the potential implications for GDP growth.

• Options for Inherited IRAs

  Here is an overview of IRA distribution rules and options for surviving spouses and nonspouse beneficiaries.

• How Long Should You Keep Financial Records?

  The beginning of the year is a great time to organize records and discard old documents to make room for new ones.

• Why Hold Money Market Mutual Funds?

  Why investors still hold money market mutual funds despite low returns.

• Settling an Estate

  Settling an estate can be a difficult and time-consuming job as there are some specific duties that often fall on an executor.

• Disaster Insurance Can Help Your Company Stay Afloat

  It's important to identify the potential risks that threaten your business, create a disaster plan, and obtain adequate insurance.

January

• HOT TOPIC: Tax Reform: How Will You Be Affected?

  In December 2017, Congress passed a sweeping tax-cut package that fundamentally changes the individual and business tax landscape.

• International Investing: Opportunities Overseas?

  Investing in emerging markets and developing economies has both risks and opportunities.

• An Introduction to Trusts

  A properly constructed trust can serve many purposes for families — and not just for the wealthy.

• Keeping Savings on Track with a Spousal IRA

  IRS rules allow a working spouse to contribute to an IRA for a spouse who earns little or no income.

• Illinois Highlights Credit Risk

  A look at the tax advantages and credit risks associated with municipal bond investments.

• No Shortage of Liability Risks

  Liability insurance can help offset unforeseen legal costs that could consume a business's profits.

December

• Consider a Roth for Tax-Free Retirement Income

  Roth IRA withdrawal and conversion rules and how they differ from other retirement plans.

• Market Measures: Beyond the Dow

  A description of the 5 market indexes that are often used as benchmarks to track various categories of investments.

• How a Pension Could Affect Social Security Benefits

  The potential impact on Social Security benefits by the Windfall Elimination Provision and the Government Pension Offset.

• Better Late Than Never

  Understand the rules and deadlines for the estates of recently deceased taxpayers when seeking portability relief.

• Two Tax-Friendly Retirement Plans for the Self-Employed

  Solo 401(k)s and SEP IRAs are relatively simple for small-business owners and self-employed individuals to set up.

November

• PPO or HDHP? Making Health Insurance Choices

  The similarities and differences between an HDHP and a PPO plan and contribution limits for health savings accounts.

• FAFSA in the Fall for Lower Stress

  New rules enable families to begin the FAFSA earlier using tax returns from two years prior to the academic year.

• Medicare Open Enrollment

  The changes Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage plan beneficiaries can make during the annual enrollment periods.

• Required Minimum Distribution Rules

  When calculating RMDs for multiple accounts, it's important to understand which amounts can be combined and which accounts must distribute separate RMDs.

• Stacking Up Tax Breaks for Business Investments

  Tax code provisions may allow for larger, immediate deductions for businesses: bonus depreciation and IRC Section 179 expensing.

October

• HOT TOPIC: After the Storms: The Economic Impact of Harvey and Irma

  The potential economic impact of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma on a local and national level.

• Birthday Opportunities

  Test your knowledge of the financial benefits and responsibilities related to certain age milestones between 50 and 70½.

• New Life for Your Old Insurance Policy

  Consider options that could be more beneficial than surrendering a life insurance policy or letting it lapse.

• The State of State Pensions

  A look at some of the challenges facing state pension funds and steps that might help improve the long-term outlook.

• Bracing for Higher Rates

  Bond laddering is a time-tested strategy that can help manage interest rate risk.

• Insuring a Home-Based Business

  Operate a business out of your residence? Consider an in-home business insurance policy as homeowners insurance coverage may not be sufficient.

September

• HOT TOPIC: Brick-and-Mortar: The Precarious Fate of Traditional Retail

  How current trends in the retail industry could affect consumers, workers, and the broader economy.

• Buying and Selling: Trading Basics

  Investors should understand basic terms and types of trades, like bid and ask prices, market order and limit order.

• Insuring Your College Student

  Before leaving for college, be sure your student has his/her insurance needs (medical, auto, personal property) addressed.

• New Math for Social Security

  In 2017, Americans born in 1955 become eligible to claim Social Security benefits at the earliest claiming age of 62.

• Estate Planning: Life Insurance Options for Leaving a Legacy

  A whole life or survivorship life insurance policy can play an important role in a family’s estate plan.

• Keeping Up with Quarterly Taxes

  Making accurate quarterly payments on schedule can help taxpayers avoid interest penalties for underpayment to the IRS.

August

• HOT TOPIC: Low Volatility: Calm Before the Storm?

  Several key factors have helped calm the U.S. stock markets, but consider the potential for future volatility.

• Do You Have Enough Life Insurance?

  The differences between term life insurance and permanent life insurance and the advantages of an individual policy.

• Deficit Trading: The Import/Export Imbalance

  Some facts to help understand the issues behind the trade deficit headlines, and how China factors into the story.

• ETFs or Mutual Funds: What's the Difference?

  The differences between ETFs and mutual funds, with an emphasis on the potential cost and risk factors of ETFs.

• Demographic Dilemma

  Some economists believe shifting demographics may be the primary reason GDP growth has been weak versus past recoveries.

• Social Media Marketing Strategies

  Social media is a convenient way for a small business to build customer relationships and gain market exposure.

July

• HOT TOPIC: Volatility Puts Tech Sector in the Spotlight

  What can go wrong when investors chase performance and/or have a portfolio overly concentrated in one sector.

• When a Saver Marries a Spender, Every Penny Counts

  Guidelines to help facilitate financial discussions between spouses who have different points of view on spending.

• Surprise! It’s Retirement Time

  Consider these tips to prepare for the possibility that you might retire earlier than planned.

• Interested in Interest Rates?

  With interest rates expected to keep rising here is a short quiz to test one’s interest rate knowledge.

• Anticipating Inflation?

  One way to help protect a bond portfolio from a potential spike in inflation is by investing in Treasury inflation-protected securities.

• Offering Life Insurance as an Employee Benefit

  Making life insurance part of an employee benefit program could be a cost-effective way to recruit and retain valuable employees.

June

• HOT TOPIC: Full Employment: What Happens Now?

  The current employment picture and why the labor force may continue to hold back the U.S. economy.

• Investing in Your Values

  Investing based on principles of sustainable, responsible, and impact could have a positive social outcome.

• Do You Need Disability Insurance

  An individual disability income policy could provide much-needed income in the event of an accident or illness.

• Student Loans Meet Retirement

  Considering a higher-education loan for yourself or others? Here are some factors older adults should keep in mind.

• Indexed Annuities

  The benefits and risks of indexed annuities, including ways in which return rates are calculated.

• The Pros and Cons of Financing Options

  Common types of financing that might be available to help small businesses expand or cover operating expenses.

May

• HOT TOPIC: Robos Have Arrived, But Life Often Calls for a Human Touch

  Understanding what robo advisors do, how they do it, and their limitations versus what a human advisor can offer.

• Mutual Benefits: Funds to Pursue Your Goals

  An overview of nine different types of mutual funds, ranging from lower risk to higher risk.

• The State of Social Security

  The current state of the Social Security program and possible solutions to address the program's projected shortfall.

• Use Sense with Student Loans

  Some guidelines before taking on student loan debt including steps students have taken to make college more affordable.

• Advance Medical and Legal Directives

  Expressing your wishes in advance could help loved ones feel more confident making medical or legal decisions.

• Consider Taxation When Setting Compensation

  The tax considerations involved in setting a small-business owner’s compensation.