Newsletters
Fourty-seven percent of American workers have saved less than $25,000 for retirement, and 24% have saved less than $1,000.1
Will you outlive your retirement income? Are your financial expectations for the coming year realistic?
Our financial newsletters are designed to provide helpful information on a wide variety of financial topics. Simply click on one of the newsletter topics below to read the article in its entirety.
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July
HOT TOPIC: Buffett Takes a Bow: 7 Lessons from an Iconic Investor
At age 94, Warren Buffett recently announced his retirement as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway. This article focuses on investment fundamentals as well as tips and quotes from the famous investor.
Will You Pay a Medicare Surcharge?
The standard monthly Part B premium is $185 in 2025, but premiums for both Part B and Part D can vary based on income levels.
Fine-Tuning with Sector Funds
The stocks in the S&P 500 are classified by 11 sectors, each of which responds differently to market conditions.
Peer-to-Peer Payments Are Popular, but Be Careful
Making a peer-to-peer (P2P) payment is a convenient way to transfer money to family, friends, or businesses — these precautions can help avoid costly mistakes.
Individual Bonds vs. Bond Funds: What’s the Difference?
Individual bonds and bond funds can both provide an income stream, but there are important differences.
Important Tax Breaks for Pass-Through Businesses
Some owners of pass-through businesses may be able to deduct up to 20% of their qualified business income and/or take generous deductions for investing in qualified property.
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June
HOT TOPIC: Moody’s Downgraded U.S. Debt — Does It Matter?
On May 16, 2025, Moody’s Ratings downgraded U.S. government debt from its highest rating of Aaa to Aa1. This article looks at the reasons for the downgrade and its potential effects.
Versatile 529 Plans Can Help with More than Just College
529 plans were originally created to save for college, but Congress has expanded the ways these plans can be used, making them a more flexible and versatile savings vehicle.
Life Insurance in Retirement
Life insurance might not seem necessary for retirees or those close to retirement, but there are situations where coverage may make sense.
Catch Up for a More Comfortable Retirement
Only a third of U.S. workers age 50 and older feel they are on track to enjoy a comfortable retirement, but there are opportunities to build substantial savings late in a working career.
Look Out for Observation Care
The use of observation care, during which a patient may be in a hospital room with hospital services but is not officially admitted, has raised concerns for both patients and providers.
Convertible Bonds Straddle the Line Between Fixed Income and Potential Growth
A convertible bond is a regular corporate bond that comes with a special added feature: the investor has the right to convert it into shares of that company’s common stock.
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May
HOT TOPIC: Tariffs Drive Market Volatility
This article explains why tariffs have shaken the markets and provides an overview of long-term trends that may help investors put the current volatility in perspective.
ETFs Are Closing the Gap with Mutual Funds
Investor demand for exchange-traded funds (ETFs) has increased rapidly over the last decade due to attractive features that set them apart from mutual funds.
Debt After Death: What Happens to Debt When Someone Dies?
This article provides an overview of how debts are settled after the death of a loved one.
Playing Fair: New Consumer Protections for Airline Passengers
Thanks to a new federal law and rules issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation, airline passengers could have extra consumer protections.
QLACs: Your Retirement Accounts Can Act Like Pensions
With a qualified longevity annuity contract, or QLAC, a retiring worker can use a portion of their tax-deferred savings to set up a lifetime income stream that begins at an older age.
Concerned About Cyberattacks? The Threat Is Real
Small businesses that handle potentially sensitive information about customers, employees, or competitors should be proactive about addressing this risk.
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April
HOT TOPIC: Tariff Turmoil: The Makings of a Stock Market Correction
On March 13, 2025, the S&P 500 Index landed in correction territory after a swift drop. An escalating trade war and signs of a slowing economy have unsettled the financial markets.
Are You Missing the Bull’s-Eye with a Target-Date Fund?
Two out of three 401(k) participants have assets in a target-date fund, but many may not fully understand how these “all-in-one” funds work.
Breaking Down the Numbers: The Soaring U.S. National Debt
As of March 2025, the U.S. national debt was a record $36.21 trillion, while the 2024 deficit of $1.83 trillion was the third-highest on record.
Cancer Happens: Insurance Can Help Fortify Your Finances
Although it’s scary to consider the possibility of a cancer diagnosis, it might be helpful to prepare for the financial implications.
Traditional or Roth Contributions? Think It Through for Future You
When a workplace retirement plan offers both Traditional and Roth accounts, it may help to understand their key features and distinctions.
The Four-Day Workweek: Is It Destiny or a Distant Dream?
Wider use of artificial intelligence is one reason that the prospect of a four-day workweek (with no loss in pay) is now being taken seriously by companies around the world.
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March
HOT TOPIC: Tariffs: How They Work and Potential Economic Effects
During the first two weeks of February, President Trump authorized two major tariff actions, with more likely to come. This Special Report explains tariffs and how they might affect the U.S. economy.
Key Retirement and Tax Numbers for 2025
This article outlines some important IRS cost-of-living adjustments for 2025.
Accounts for Two: A Team Approach to Retirement Savings
Even if most of a married couple’s retirement assets reside in different accounts, open communication and teamwork can help them craft a unified retirement strategy.
Phased Retirement Can Help Smooth the Transition
The article explains why a phased retirement program can be a positive experience for employees, employers, and customers.
Could There Be a Shift from Growth to Value?
While growth stocks have dominated the market for the last two decades, some analysts believe there could be a shift to value stocks, which have outperformed for much of the market’s history.
Read a Good Beige Book Lately?
The Federal Reserve’s Beige Book provides a concise narrative overview of the economy in each of the 12 Federal Reserve Bank Districts and is readily available to the public.
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February
HOT TOPIC: The Social Security Fairness Act Increases Benefits for Millions
This article explains what will be changing and who can expect to receive higher Social Security benefits due to the Social Security Fairness Act.
Three Market-Moving Economic Indicators to Watch
Among all the economic indicators released each month, these three reports may have the strongest effect on the market.
Financial Safety Nets: Exploring Available Sources of Emergency Funds
Nearly 60% of U.S. adults are uncomfortable with their level of emergency savings. Here are some potential ways to access funds.
What’s New for 2025?
This article outlines changes that may affect retirement savings, health-care costs, air travel, and consumer credit.
Indexed Annuities: Potential for Growth with Some Downside Protection
This article provides an overview of indexed annuities.
Is Tip Fatigue Wearing You Out?
Tipping culture is changing, and consumers are feeling uneasy about where, when, and how much to tip.
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September
HOT TOPIC: Should You Worry About Market Volatility?
On August 5, 2024, the S&P 500 dropped 3% from its previous close but bounced back quickly. This article explains why investors would be wise to tune out the noise of market volatility.
It’s Complicated: Inheriting IRAs and Retirement Plans
The SECURE Act of 2019 dramatically changed the rules governing how IRA and retirement plan assets are distributed to beneficiaries.
Retroactive Social Security Benefits: A Chance to Turn Back Time
Beneficiaries who postpone claiming Social Security past full retirement age have the option of receiving a lump-sum payment for up to six months of benefits when they finally apply.
Eight Great Investing Quotes
This article offers eight quotes from successful investors, economists, and other insightful thinkers that may help provide perspective and focus for an investing strategy.
Thinking of Selling Your Home? Don’t Be Surprised by Capital Gains Taxes
This article explains the basics of capital gains taxes when selling a home.
Just Your Average Millionaire
The average net worth of U.S. families surpassed $1 million for the first time in 2022, but wealth levels vary greatly by age, housing status, education, and income.
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August
HOT TOPIC: Real Estate Commission Changes Around the Corner
The National Association of Realtors is implementing new policies related to how real estate brokers are compensated. Here are some implications for buyers, sellers, and their agents.
Watch for These Hazards on the Road to Retirement
The road to retirement is typically not a smooth ride. This article looks at five potential risks that can slow progress along the way.
Mixing It Up: Asset Allocation and Diversification
This article explains how asset allocation and diversification can work together to help mitigate portfolio risk.
After the Loss of a Loved One, Watch Out for Scams
Scammers often prey on those who are most vulnerable. This article outlines common scams that target people who have lost a loved one.
Consumer Sentiment: Do Americans See Brighter Days Ahead?
Why do policymakers pay attention to how consumers are feeling, and what’s behind Americans’ lack of confidence?
Equity REITs: Is There Room for Real Estate in Your Portfolio?
This article discusses some unique characteristics of REITs, including how they can offer a consistent income stream and why changing interest rates can affect REIT performance.
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