Newsletters

May

• Advance Medical and Legal Directives

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

April

• HOT TOPIC: Trade Tactics: New Metal Tariffs Reflect Policy Shift

  An overview of recent changes in U.S. trade policies, and how they might affect international relations and the U.S. and global economies.

• 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.

• Monetary Policy Update

  How the Federal Reserve's monetary policies influence interest rates, economic growth, and inflation.

• Guard Against Growing Cybersecurity Threats

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

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.

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.

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.

November

• 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.

October

• 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.

September

• 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.

August

• Do You Have Enough Life Insurance?

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

• 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.

July

• Surprise! It’s Retirement Time

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

June

• Indexed Annuities

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