Newsletters

January

• HOT TOPIC: The Fed Pivots to Fight Inflation

  This article looks at the strategy behind the Fed’s monetary policy shift and the potential consequences for consumers, investors, and the economy.

• Your Social Security Statement: What’s in It for You?

  This article explains some of the key information provided on a personalized Social Security Statement.

December

• HOT TOPIC: Supply-Chain Chaos: Holiday Edition

  Explore current economic conditions and retail trends, including sharply higher prices and the potential for sporadic product delays and shortages.

• Should You Speed Up Your Retirement Plans?

  The pandemic caused some Americans to file for Social Security earlier than planned. See four factors to consider before retiring early.

• Balancing Medicare and Work-Based Insurance

  Read about rules and other considerations faced by workers who are eligible for both Medicare and employer-based health insurance.

• Is Your Business Eligible for the Research and Development Tax Credit?

  U.S. business owners who spent money to develop new products or improve existing products or trade processes may qualify for the federal R&D tax credit.

• Catalytic Converter Thefts Are on the Rise: Here’s Why

  Find out why catalytic converters are targeted by thieves and how comprehensive auto insurance can help provide some financial protection.

November

• Net Price Calculators Help Gauge College Affordability

  Did you know a net price calculator can help measure a college’s true cost? Discover how it provides an estimate of how much grant aid a student might expect.

• Is a High-Deductible Health Plan Right for You?

  What distinguishes HDHPs from preferred provider organizations (PPOs)? Learn about some key differences between the plans.

October

• 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.

• Four Reasons to Review Your Life Insurance Needs

  This article looks at major life events and the need to review your life insurance coverage in light of changing circumstances.

• 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.

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.

• Signs of a Scam…and How to Resist It

  Discover four common practices that might help you identify and avoid scams.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

July

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

June

• 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.

• 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.

• Is the Medicare Donut Hole Really Closed?

  This article explains the four stages of Part D prescription drug coverage and how prices can vary in the coverage gap.

• 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.

May

• 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.

• 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.

April

• 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.

• 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?

• Your Business: Reasons to Keep Personal and Business Finances Separate

  Find out why it’s important to draw a line between business and personal finances, especially for credit, tax, and personal asset purposes.

March

• 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.

• 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.