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.
The O'Brien Group of Wells Fargo Advisors
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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.
Previous Newsletters
January
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.
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.
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.
December
Should You Pay Off Student Loans Early or Save More for Retirement?
Wondering whether you should pay off student loan debt today or save for the future? Here are some considerations to help make the decision.
Putting Your Nest Egg in Three Baskets
Find out how understanding sequence-of-returns risk could help you develop a three-prong distribution strategy for retirement.
Full House: Adult Children Coming Home
If your adult children have returned to your once-empty nest, these tips might help promote a peaceful and productive living situation.
Income Investors May Find Closed-End Funds on Sale
Do you know the differences between open-end and closed-end funds? This article compares the two.
Your Business: Could You Benefit from a Roth Conversion in 2020?
This article focuses on the potential short- and long-term tax ramifications of a Roth IRA conversion.
HOT TOPIC: How COVID-19 Has Changed Consumer Behavior and the Future of Retail
This article looks at the “new normal,” its effect on consumer behavior and the retail industry, and what that could mean for the economy.
November
Four Steps to Rebuilding Your Business
Small-business owners may need to think on their feet and visualize what a recovery might look like for their operations post COVID-19.
Your Estate: Have You Looked at These Legal Documents Lately?
This article looks at documents that should be kept up to date, including wills, trusts, advance medical directives, and beneficiary forms.
Passive, Active, or Both?
Passively managed index funds and actively managed funds can perform differently over different market cycles. Find out more about each.
HOT TOPIC: The Jobs Recovery: More Work to Be Done
This article looks at the pace, scope and potential future of the jobs recovery following the unprecedented job loss due to the pandemic.
Five Investment Tasks to Tackle by Year-End
2020 market turbulence underscores the importance of reviewing an investment portfolio. These five steps could help keep it on track.
Three Questions to Consider During Open Enrollment
Making benefit elections for next year? This article covers three key areas that require careful consideration during open enrollment.
October
Insurance to Help Protect Your Business from Lawsuits
Some businesses are exposed to risks that may call for a specialized type of liability policy. Does your business have appropriate coverage?
Business Cycle Basics: Recessions Begin and End Before We Know It
This article discusses how economists identify and measure economic contractions and compares some characteristics of past recessions.
Accumulating Funds for Short-Term Goals
Saving for short-term goals can require a conservative approach. This article explores some guidelines and potential investment vehicles.
Investing in UITs
A Unit Investment Trust is structured differently than a mutual fund or ETF. Could its unique features help you ladder your investments?
September
Consider Market Caps for Diversification
2020’s market volatility combined with holding stock in different-sized companies might help you diversify your equity portfolio at a discount.
Could You Be Responsible for Your Parents’ Nursing Home Bills?
Filial responsibility laws can hold children responsible for certain parental debts. This potential liability is one reason to plan for long-term care needs.
HOT TOPIC: The Bull Is Back...Will It Keep Charging?
The S&P 500 index recently saw the fastest recovery in its history following the COVID-19 bear market, but will the surge continue?
Student Loan Stress? These Plans Might Help
This article outlines the basic provisions of income-driven repayment plans than can help reduce the burden of federal student loans.
Survivor Benefits Provide a Financial Lifeline
Decisions made when claiming Social Security retirement benefits can make a big difference in spousal and other dependents’ survivor benefits.
August
Turbulent Times: Bear Markets Come and Go
A look at the economic conditions that triggered the 2020 bear market and why investors may benefit from having a longer-term perspective.
HOT TOPIC: College Disrupted: Students Face High Costs and Pandemic Impact
Paying for college can mean borrowing money or risking savings. This article focuses on financial aid and the importance of informed academic choices.
Consider a Roth Conversion for Tax-Free Income
Lower tax rates and asset values may make now the time to consider a Roth conversion. This article outlines the rules and potential benefits.
Debit or Credit? Pick a Card
Do you know the differences between debit and credit cards? This article discusses both and when it might be better to use a credit card.
July
HOT TOPIC: The Shape of Economic Recovery
This article looks at the potential shape of the COVID-19 economic recovery with some historical context and key factors that may affect the direction of the economy.
Quarterly Taxes: Deadlines Keep Coming for the Self-Employed
If you are self-employed, do you know how to calculate quarterly estimated tax payments in order to avoid underpayment penalties?
Read a Good Beige Book Lately?
The Federal Reserve’s “Beige Book” provides a broad overview of the economy that is often essential for making economic policy decisions.
Playing Defense: Three Portfolio Strategies to Help Control Risk
This article outlines three defensive strategies that may help during economic downturns: low-volatility, dividends, and defensive sectors.
Four Questions on the Roth Five-Year Rule
This article provides an overview of two versions of the Roth five-year rule and how they apply to various situations.
Mid-Year Is a Great Time to Fine-Tune Your Finances
The middle of the year is an ideal time to revisit financial resolutions and consider steps that may help develop a stronger financial position.
June
Why You Might Need Disability Income Insurance
This article explains how an individual disability income insurance policy can help provide income if a disability leaves you unable to work.
Managing Your Workplace Retirement Plan
This article presents some steps employees can take to get the most out of their employer-sponsored retirement plans.
Steps to Executing an Exit Strategy
Monetizing a closely held business can be a difficult process, so owners may want to plan an exit strategy before they really need one.
HOT TOPIC: Think Twice Before Speculating on a COVID-19 Cure
This article discusses risks involved in developing treatments and vaccines for COVID-19, and why discoveries might not benefit investors.
SECURE Act Changes That Matter to Small Employers
The SECURE Act could make it easier and more affordable for business owners to provide retirement plans and help their employees save for retirement.
Do ETFs Belong in Your Portfolio?
Do you know the potential benefits and risks of exchange-traded funds and how they differ from mutual funds?
Will vs. Trust: Know the Difference
Wills and trusts can each help in the distribution of assets at death. This article points out important differences between the two.
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