Newsletters

November

• HOT TOPIC: Monetary Policy: Should Investors Fear the Fed?

  How the Federal Reserve Board’s actions influence interest rates, economic growth, and inflation.

• Is a Roth 401(k) Right for You?

  An overview of the potential benefits, limitations, and rules of Roth 401(k) accounts.

• Community Property Laws: Yours, Mine, and Ours

  Community property laws that apply in nine states and “equitable distribution” laws that apply in other states.

• Help with College: A Gift for Your Grandkids

  Helping a grandchild obtain a college degree could be life-changing for the student. Still, it’s important to consider how a gift could affect student aid and taxes.

• Health Savings Account: Funding an HSA Could Help You Prepare for Retirement

  In addition to setting aside pre-tax income to pay current and future medical expenses, an HSA could play an important role in your long-term retirement strategy.

• Reviewing Business Structure in Light of Tax Changes

  A flat 21% tax rate may seem like a good reason for a pass-through entity to convert to a C corporation, but there are other factors to consider.

September

• HOT TOPIC: Blockchain Buzz: Emerging Tech Offers Potential, Not Promises

  A glimpse into how blockchain might impact businesses, and a warning for investors to heed the risks associated with blockchain investments.

• Risk Tolerance Is About You, Not the Market

  An investor’s personal situation should be considered when assessing his or her risk tolerance.

• Insurance with Potential Cash Value

  Universal life and variable universal life insurance have risks and potential benefits, including a death benefit with a tax-advantaged savings element.

• Inflation Protection for Investment Dollars

  Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS) can help hedge a bond portfolio against a potential spike in inflation.

• A Map to Guide Your Family

  A letter of instruction could be just as important as a will to help heirs settle an estate and move forward with their lives.

• Family Limited Partnerships for Estate Planning Purposes

  A family limited partnership is a legal agreement that enables business owners and their heirs to address tax issues, business succession, and estate planning needs.

August

• HOT TOPIC — U.S. Fiscal Issues: Larger Deficits Are Driving Up Debt

  Why federal budget deficits are rising, and what the current fiscal situation could mean for the future of the U.S. economy.

• ETFs on the Rise

  ETFs have some attractive features that set them apart from mutual funds, but there are also cost and risk factors to consider.

• An Affordable Insurance Solution

  A new term life insurance policy can be quite expensive as people age. Survivorship life insurance may be a more cost-effective solution.

• Oil Prices and the Economy

  The relationship between oil prices and GDP growth has become more complicated in recent years due to the expanded U.S. presence in the global oil market.

• Equity REITs and Rising Rates

  Fundamental factors that can affect the short- and longer-term performance of equity REITs, including taxation of REIT shares.

• Reward Workers and Fund Retirement with a Cash Balance Plan

  Cash balance plans can be a powerful tool for employee recruitment and retention, plus they have generous contribution limits that increase with age.

July

• HOT TOPIC — Pain at the Pump: Why Does It Cost More to Fill Your Tank?

  A look at the relationship between oil and gas prices, and how global factors have driven up prices at U.S. fuel pumps.

• Indexed Annuities: Potential Gain with Some Downside Protection

  Indexed annuities offer potential for gain when the market is rising while helping to protect principal during a downturn. But they are not appropriate for every investor.

• New Tax Law Expands 529 Savings Plans

  An overview of Section 529 savings plans, including their traditional use for college saving and the new rules for K-12 tuition.

• Good News, Bad News for Boomer Retirement

  Younger baby boomers may be facing a more challenging retirement landscape than older members of the generation, according a recent survey.

• Making Sense of Bond Behavior

  Some strategies to help fixed-income portfolios weather a period of interest rate uncertainty.

• Two Technology Trends to Help Power Growth

  Cloud computing functions could help small companies increase productivity with smaller up-front costs.

April

• Dividend Investing: Small Payments Can Boost Returns

  Focusing on dividends can be appropriate for almost any investor, especially if they are reinvested to purchase additional shares.

• Pick Your Plastic: Debit or Credit?

  Some pros and cons for the use of credit cards versus debit cards for purchases.

• Income for the Long Run

  A longevity annuity can bring some stability to a retirement strategy by providing a steady income late in life.

• Guard Against Growing Cybersecurity Threats

  A discussion of some specific cybersecurity threats and tips to help small businesses protect their interests from hackers.

March

• 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.

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.