Newsletters

December

• HOT TOPIC: Dreaming of Retirement? Consider Maxing Out Your 401(k) in 2025

  This article covers the contribution and catch-up limits for workplace retirement plans, including the less-common opportunity to make larger after-tax contributions.

• Charitable Gifts of Life Insurance

  Life insurance offers a way to make a substantial gift to charity while also benefiting from favorable tax rules.

• Year-End 2024 Tax Tips

  Here are some things to consider when weighing potential tax moves before the end of the year.

• Eight Ideas for Smarter Holiday Shopping

  Whether shopping online or hitting the mall this holiday season, these tips might help save time and money.

• An Umbrella Policy Offers Extra Liability Coverage

  An umbrella personal liability insurance policy can provide additional coverage in the event of a high-dollar liability claim or legal judgment.

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

  Setting up a retirement plan provides a way to help shelter more income from taxes and save money for the future.

November

• HOT TOPIC: High Foreign Investment in the U.S. – Will It Last?

  The United States received almost one-third of all global foreign investment from 2021 to 2023. This article looks at how different types of foreign investment may impact the U.S. economy.

• Treasury Yields Off 17-Year Highs

  While yields are off highs not seen since before the Great Recession, investors might consider some of the Treasury security types and maturities outlined in this article.

• If You Don’t Have a Will Yet, Why Not?

  Although 64% of Americans think having a will is important, only 32% have one. This article looks at reasons people don’t have a will and why they need one regardless of the reason.

• FAFSA for 2025-2026 School Year Opens December 1

  Following a disastrous rollout last year, this article provides tips for submitting the redesigned Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the 2025–2026 school year.

• Do You Know Your Medicare Coverage Options?

  There are two ways to obtain Medicare coverage: Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage. Here’s how they work.

• Higher Rates Pressure Borrowers and Some Banks: Is Your Money Safe?

  In 2023, large bank failures brought renewed attention to the risks banks take to earn money, the role of the FDIC, and the insurance that covers customer deposits.

October

• HOT TOPIC: The Fed Finally Cut Interest Rates

  The Fed’s first rate cut of one-half percentage point in four years marks a critical juncture for the economy, with significant implications for consumers, businesses, and investors.

• Can You Put the Brakes on Rising Auto Insurance Premiums?

  Auto insurance premiums increased more than 18% between July 2023 and July 2024. This article outlines some steps that may help reduce premiums.

• Making the Most of Your Credit Card

  Credit cards are being used more than ever. This article offers suggestions for choosing and using a credit card.

• A Pension Strategy That May Boost Your Income

  A strategy called pension maximization may enable a married pensioner to elect the higher payments of a single-life annuity while also providing for the spouse’s financial future.

• What’s Your Real Return?

  While investors typically look at the nominal return on their investments, it’s important to understand the real return in order to target financial goals.