- HOT TOPIC: All Eyes on the U.S. Economy as It Caps Off Decade of Growth
This article compares the current economic expansion with prior business cycles and examines developments that could affect future growth.
- HOT TOPIC: How Geopolitical Tensions May Affect Oil Prices and the Economy
Explore the relationship between fuel prices and economic growth, factors that influence prices, and how U.S. production altered the global oil market.
- HOT TOPIC: Upside Down: What Does the Yield Curve Suggest About Growth?
An inverted yield curve can be an economic indicator along with other factors that contribute to an uncertain outlook for future growth.
- HOT TOPIC: Could a Health Savings Account Help Strengthen Your Retirement Plan?
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.
- HOT TOPIC: Manufacturing Slowdown. . .What Does It Mean for the Economy?
This article looks at some of the reasons behind the manufacturing slowdown and what it might mean for the broader U.S. economy.
- Hot Topic: The Ag Economy: Tough Times for Farmers in 2019
Farm bankruptcies rose in 2019, despite billions in federal support. This article discusses the effect on rural communities and regional economies.
- Online Shopping Tips
As web-based retail sales continue to grow, these tips may help ensure a safer online shopping experience.
- Three Regrets of Retirees
More than half of retirees surveyed had retirement planning regrets. Explore the three most common mistakes and how to avoid them.
- Protection to Help Your Family
Explore the benefits of individual life insurance versus work-based coverage, and compare term and permanent policies.
- Seeking Balance in a Mutual Fund
Balancing stocks and bonds can be a central part of building an investment portfolio. Find out how balanced funds follow a similar strategy.
- Sticker Shock May Drive Consumers to Used Cars
As new car prices skyrocket, these three trends could make 2019 a good year to buy a three-year-old vehicle.
- Caught in the Middle: The Sandwich Generation
Tips to help balance the competing demands of saving for retirement and providing financial support to adult children and aging parents.
- Consider REITs for Income and Diversification
Explore the basics of equity real estate investment trusts (REITs) including their potential benefits and risks.
- What’s the Real Return on Your Investments?
Tax rates, interest rates, and inflation can all cut into the value of investment dollars. This article looks at real return on investments.
- Risk Tolerance: Stress-Test Your Portfolio…and Yourself
Do you know your personal tolerance for market risk? Here are three key questions that may help you find out.
- Medicare Open Enrollment
This article explains the changes that Medicare beneficiaries can make during the annual open enrollment period from October 15 to December 7.
- Five Money Issues to Talk About Before the Wedding
Before saying “I do,” newly-engaged couples may want to discuss these five key financial topics.
- What’s Required of the Executor of an Estate?
Being named the executor of an estate can be an honor, but this overview shows why it can also be a difficult and time-consuming job.
- Prices and the Economy
Low inflation may seem like good news, but it has a darker side. See which factors might be driving down inflation in the United States.
- What Medicare Won’t Cover
See potentially expensive services Original Medicare doesn’t cover and how Medicare Advantage, Medigap or private insurance might help.
- Closed-End Funds May Offer Higher Income
Discover why closed-end funds may offer potentially higher income streams than traditional mutual funds holding similar securities.
- Steps to Help Lower Capital Gains Taxes
Discover how the step-up in basis provision may help reduce capital gains taxes and preserve the value of assets left to heirs.
- Indexed Annuities: Growth Potential with Downside Protection
Discover how indexed annuities work, including the risks and potential benefits of purchasing an indexed annuity contract.
- Life Insurance with Long-Term Care Benefits
Concerned about the costs of long-term care? Discover two strategies that combine life insurance coverage with LTC benefits.
- Qualified Longevity Annuity Contracts (QLACs)
Worried your retirement might outlast your savings? A qualified longevity annuity contract could provide an income stream later in life.
- New Study Finds Widespread Job Loss After 50
A job loss after age 50 can carry serious consequences. These tips may help you prepare professionally and financially for a late-career challenge.
- Life Insurance Strategies: Reasons Empty Nesters May Want Permanent Coverage
As policyholders age, life insurance could help supplement retirement income, support a surviving spouse, and/or leave a legacy.
- Index Update: Shifting Sectors Reflect Social Change
How do recent classification changes reflect shifts in the telecommunications sector, and what does that mean to investors?
- Taming Investment Taxes
Do you know how investments are taxed and which strategies can help improve a portfolio’s tax efficiency?
- Qualified Charitable Distributions
Discover how qualified charitable distributions work and why they may now be more valuable than taking a tax deduction.
- A New Option for Providing Health Coverage in 2020
Learn more about Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangements and how they may help small businesses offer employee health coverage.
- Retirement Plans for the Self-Employed Dangle Tax Benefits
Solo 401(k) plans and SEP IRAs may help small-business owners and the self-employed shelter more income from taxes and save for the future.
- Coping with a Labor Shortage
As small businesses struggle to recruit and retain employees in a tight job market, these tips may help owners meet staffing needs.
- Could Employee Ownership Be Part of Your Succession Plan?
An employee stock ownership plan may be a tax-friendly way for retiring small-business owners to pass the reins to employees.
- Calculating Key Financial Ratios
The financial ratios that help measure an organization’s performance may also be used by potential lenders and investors. Learn more.
- A Quick and Dirty Guide to Credit
Learn about four financing options that might help small businesses expand, pursue new opportunities, or cover operating expenses.
