HOT TOPIC: Social Security’s Uncertain Future: What You Should Know
This article explores demographic trends that are dimming Social Security’s financial outlook and proposals to address the looming shortfall.
KRIS COBB, CFP, CDFA
Senior Vice President - Investment Officer, Financial Advisor
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Newsletters
Which are the most tax-advantaged ways to save for kids’ college costs? Will your income stream last through retirement? Is your investment portfolio aligned with the economic and market outlook?
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 an article in its entirety.
HOT TOPIC: Social Security’s Uncertain Future: What You Should Know
This article explores demographic trends that are dimming Social Security’s financial outlook and proposals to address the looming shortfall.
October
Previous Newsletters
October
Fund Retirement and Reward Workers with a Cash Balance Plan
Do you know how cash balance retirement plans can help small business owners reduce taxable income and catch up on their savings? Find out.
Credit Scores Reach Record High
This article discusses the components that determine your credit score and provides tips for maintaining a high score or raising a low one.
A Map for Your Family
A letter of instruction could be just as important as a will to help loved ones settle an estate. Do you know what information to include?
Grandparent 529 Plans Get a Boost Under New FAFSA Rules
Read how the FAFSA Simplification Act helps grandparents assist with college costs without impacting their grandchildren’s financial aid.
September
HOT TOPIC: Too Hot to Handle: What’s Ahead for the U.S. Housing Market?
Explore some key factors between the housing squeeze and recent signs that suggest it may be easing.
A More Affordable Life Insurance Solution
Thinking of letting your life insurance policy expire? Learn about survivorship life, which may be more affordable for older consumers.
Following the Inflation Debate
See how measures economists and Fed policymakers use to monitor inflation fuel the debate over how long 2021’s price increases will last.
Child Tax Credit for 2021: Will You Get More?
This article discusses substantial, temporary improvements to the child tax credit due to The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.
Signs of a Scam…and How to Resist It
Discover four common practices that might help you identify and avoid scams.
What a Relief! Congress Acts Against Surprise Medical Bills
Have you heard of the No Surprises Act? Taking effect in 2022, it helps protect consumers from large, unexpected medical bills. Learn more.
August
HOT TOPIC: Antitrust Crackdown Aims to Increase Competition
See how an executive order to curb excessive consolidation of industry might affect consumers, small businesses, investors, and the economy.
Crisis Averted? Financial Help for Struggling Renters and Landlords
Read about programs that help both landlords and tenants by providing direct housing assistance for eligible renters.
Concerned About Inflation? Consider TIPS
Do you understand how Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities can help mitigate inflation risk? This article provides an overview.
International Investing: Opportunity Overseas?
Some analysts believe foreign stocks may be poised for a comeback. Read about opportunities and risks involved with international stocks.
Don’t Let Debt Derail Your Retirement
This article looks at high debt levels among older Americans and why it’s important to analyze and address debt before retirement.
Company Stock and Your Retirement Strategy
This article addresses specific risks and tax implications when acquiring company stock inside or outside of a workplace retirement plan.
July
Pension or Lump Sum: Which Should You Choose?
Do you know the key factors to consider if offered an option to take a lump sum in lieu of a pension? Read this article to find out.
Bankruptcy Changes Throw a Lifeline to Sinking Small Businesses
Many requirements that made it difficult and expensive for small businesses to reorganize using Chapter 11 have been loosened. Learn more.
HOT TOPIC: Hostage Data: Ransomware and Protecting Your Digital Information
This article provides an overview of high-profile ransomware attacks and offers tips to help consumers protect their own data.
Stock Market Risks in the Spotlight
Find out how inflation and interest-rate fears, regulatory or legislative action, and other factors could influence stock prices in 2021.
A Steady Strategy
Discover how dollar-cost averaging may help alleviate some market concerns by making regular investments regardless of market movements.
Considerations When Making Gifts to Children
This article provides an overview of tax provisions and other issues to consider when making significant gifts to children or grandchildren.
June
How Well Do You Understand Retirement Plan Rules?
From IRAs to 401(k)s, qualified retirement plans can be complex. This short quiz tests readers’ knowledge of a few of the finer points.
New Changes to College Financial Aid and Education Tax Benefits
The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 included several provisions affecting financial aid and education. Learn more.
Corporate Debt: Are Juicier Yields Worth the Extra Risk?
This article discusses corporate credit ratings and some differences between investment-grade and speculative-grade bonds.
Your Business: New Rules for Writing Off Restaurant Meals
The December 2020 stimulus bill lets businesses deduct the full cost of restaurant meals in tax years 2021 and 2022. Get the details.
HOT TOPIC: Shortages and Bottlenecks Expose Weak Links in U.S. Supply Chains
As a consumer, have you noticed shortages? Here are some of the reasons behind supply-chain problems and how they might impact the economy.
May
HOT TOPIC: Rising Inflation: Where Will It Go from Here?
Read about the causes of the recent inflationary trend. Does it represent a short-term phase or the start of a longer-term acceleration in prices?
Social Security Spousal Benefits
This article offers an overview of spousal benefits, which could make a big difference in funding retirement for a married couple.
Portfolios Get Personal: Growing Interest in Socially Responsible Investing
This article discusses socially responsible investments that may enable the pursuit of financial returns and make a positive global impact.
Your Business: Minimum-Wage Laws in the Spotlight
As more states increase the minimum wage, small businesses may start feeling the economic impact. Read this article for some coping tips.
Real Estate for Income and Diversification
Are you familiar with REITs and why they can help diversify a portfolio? Read this article to learn more.
April
HOT TOPIC: High-Frequency Indicators: Where to Look for Signs of Recovery
This article discusses various high-frequency indicators economists use to monitor the pandemic’s impact and the economic recovery’s progress.
All-in-One Funds: Targeting Time or Risk?
This article discusses target-date funds and lifestyle funds, with the more common of the two based on time horizon rather than risk.
Working While Receiving Social Security Benefits
Do you understand the Social Security retirement earnings test and how it may affect your current and future Social Security benefits?
Four Things Investors Should Know About Stock Splits
If you’ve wondered what stock splits are and what effect they might have on your investment portfolio, this article covers the basics.
A Financial Wellness Plan Can Help Pave the Road to Retirement
This article outlines four elements of financial well-being and offers suggestions to strengthen financial wellness.
March
HOT TOPIC: GameStop, Reddit, and Market Mania: What Happened?
Learn the story behind the extreme volatility of “meme” stocks promoted through social media, including the risk for individual investors.
Is Your Home Office Also a Tax Shelter?
This article explains which taxpayers are eligible for the home office deduction and describes the two methods used to calculate it.
Key Retirement and Tax Numbers for 2021
IRS cost-of-living adjustments affect retirement plan contribution limits and certain tax considerations. Explore these 2021 adjustments.
February
When You Can’t Speak for Yourself
Discover how a living will and durable powers of attorney for health care and finances can help ensure your wishes are carried out.
Big Data for Smaller Players
Read how small businesses use software services to help streamline operations, understand customers, optimize websites, and find new markets.
January
Prepare Your Finances for the Next Emergency
The pandemic has underscored the importance of a well-stocked emergency fund. This article offers tips for building up a cash reserve.
Gift vs. Inheritance: Consider the Tax Difference
When deciding whether to gift assets now or transfer them to heirs at death, you need to understand step-up in basis and tax consequences.
Five Tips to Regain Your Retirement Savings Focus in 2021
This article presents five steps that could help focus and enhance a retirement savings strategy in 2021.
HOT TOPIC: Revisiting the 4% Rule
For years, the “4% rule” helped retirees make their savings last, but now a more aggressive withdrawal strategy might be the new norm.
Take Advantage of Deductions for Business Investments
A look at bonus depreciation and Section 179, plus CARES Act changes that may benefit companies that reconfigured spaces for safety reasons.
Money Market Funds in a Low Rate Environment
Did you know there still may be reasons to hold money market mutual funds despite low yields? Read this article to find out more.
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