Newsletters

Will you outlive your retirement income? Are your financial expectations for the coming year realistic?

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 the article in its entirety.

February

HOT TOPIC: SECURE 2.0 Aims to Brighten the Future for Retirement Savers

This article provides an overview of upcoming changes that could affect workplace retirement plan participants and IRA owners due to legislation passed by Congress at the end of 2022.
Balancing Stocks and Bonds in One Fund

Discover what to look for in a balanced mutual fund and learn how this type of fund might be used in a portfolio.
Fixed for Life: What Can an Annuity Do for You?

Do you know the difference between immediate and deferred annuities and options for annuitization? Read this article to find out.
Three Ways to Help Simplify Your Finances

Over time, finances can become complicated. Here are three ideas that might make them simpler and less stressful.
IRA Strategies: After-Tax Money and the Pro-Rata Rule

The pro-rata rule determines how much of a traditional IRA distribution is taxable. Read this article to learn how the rule is applied.
Small Businesses Should Prepare for Stronger Tax Enforcement

The IRS is receiving $80 billion to upgrade its technology and workforce. This article offers tips for business owners to help avoid a tax audit.

January

HOT TOPIC: Is the Yield Curve Signaling a Recession?

An inversion of two-year and 10-year Treasury notes has preceded each recession for 50 years. This article looks at the current yield curve and what it might mean for the economy.
Stretch IRA Alternatives

The 2019 SECURE Act effectively eliminated the stretch IRA. Explore three alternatives to help preserve wealth and pass it to beneficiaries.
A 529 Plan Can Help Jump Start Your College Fund

Do you know how a 529 savings plan can be instrumental in building a college fund? Read this article to find out.
Tips for Safe Online Shopping

This article offers ideas that could help online shoppers protect themselves from cyber criminals and scams.
Taking Control of Your Retirement Savings

Leaving a job? Discover four options that are often available for managing funds in an employer-sponsored retirement plan.
Naming a Trusted Contact

It may be wise to designate a trusted contact when opening or updating an account at a brokerage or other financial firm. Learn why.

December

HOT TOPIC: ‘Tis the Season for Tax-Friendly Giving Strategies

Donating to charity can make a difference at any time of the year. But taking a strategic approach, possibly as part of your year-end tax planning, could offer tax benefits and potentially increase your ability to give. This article provides an overview of various tax-advantaged giving strategies.
Sectors: Overweight, Underweight, or Just Right?

Did you know varying performance can change the balance of sectors in a portfolio? Learn how sector funds can be used to shift sector weighting.
Is It Time to Buy an Electric Vehicle?

The electric-vehicle market is evolving quickly. This article offers some ideas to consider before purchasing an electric vehicle.
IRA Distributions Can Benefit Your Favorite Cause … and Your Tax Bill

IRA owners who are 70½ or older can give to charity without itemizing and still get a tax break. Find out how.
Talk About These Money Matters Before the Wedding

Get an overview of financial topics couples should discuss to help keep surprises and disagreements from disrupting newlywed bliss.
Fraudsters and Scammers Pocket Nearly $6 Billion in 2021

This article discusses the most common and costly types of scams, and how would-be victims can spot them.

November

HOT TOPIC: What Does a Strong Dollar Mean for the U.S. Economy?

This article looks at why the dollar is surging and how the strong dollar may affect U.S. consumers, businesses, and the broader economy.
Famous People Who Died Without Proper Planning

Think celebrities are way ahead of the curve when it comes to planning their estates? Many have died with no or inadequate estate plans.
Retirement Savings in a Volatile Market

Emotional reactions can be an enemy of sound investing. This article offers perspective and strategies that may help investors stay the course.
New Life for Your Old Insurance Policy

Did you know that there are alternatives to abandoning or surrendering current life insurance coverage? Learn more in this article.
Virtual Health Care Is Here to Stay

Telehealth skyrocketed during the COVID-19 pandemic and continues to be popular. This article looks at the potential benefits of virtual health care.
How Funding an HSA Could Help Strengthen Your Retirement Strategy

Discover how a well-managed health savings account can help you pay current and future medical bills as well as prepare for retirement.

October

HOT TOPIC: CHIPS and Science Act Aims to Preserve U.S. Technology Edge

This article discusses the CHIPS and Science Act’s key provisions, as the U.S. strives to reduce its reliance on semiconductors produced overseas.
Passive, Active, or Both?

Index funds or traditional actively managed funds: Which approach, or both, is most effective?
How Much Life Insurance Do You Need?

Three approaches to help determine an appropriate amount of life insurance coverage that can help meet changing financial needs.
Building Financial Resilience

Steps to be better positioned for turbulent events such as inflation, roller-coaster markets, and global events — and hopefully emerge even stronger.
Donor-Advised Funds Combine Charitable Impact with Tax Benefits

This article discusses how a donor-advised fund might be used to time charitable contributions for tax purposes or to gift appreciated assets.
Small Businesses Are Short-Staffed and Overwhelmed

The pandemic kicked off a severe labor shortage. What can small-business owners do if they are struggling to meet staffing needs?

September

HOT TOPIC: Unpacking the Inflation Reduction Act: What’s in It?

This article provides an overview of provisions that could affect consumers and businesses, including clean energy tax credits, Medicare changes, and new corporate taxes.
Dividends for Income and Total Returns

Dividend investing can be a dependable source of income for retirees and others. This article provides an overview.
What the Red-Hot Job Market Means for Workers

A discussion of the dynamics of the current job market — one that is quite possibly the most worker-friendly in many years.
Preparing for a Natural Disaster

Here are some tips to help homeowners protect their properties and evacuate safely in the event of a natural disaster.
How Life Insurance Could Help Mitigate Taxes in Retirement

A permanent life policy can be used to help supplement retirement income, pay for long-term care services, or leave a tax-free legacy.
Diversifying Your Portfolio with International Flair

Do you know the benefits and risks of investing in foreign markets using international mutual funds or ETFs? Find out in this article.

August

HOT TOPIC: Is the U.S. Economy in a Recession?

This article looks at how a recession is officially determined and some current indicators that suggest strength or weakness in the U.S. economy.
Inflation Protection for Investment Dollars

Did you know that Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS) can help hedge a bond portfolio against inflation? This article explains how.
Uncle Sam Wants to Know About Your Gig Income

Discover how a 2022 IRS tax reporting change could affect people who are self-employed or whose side job pays through an app or online platform.
Sticker Shock Is No Joke for Car Buyers

This article discusses recent trends affecting the automotive market and includes suggestions for those who want to purchase a vehicle.
Six Steps to Starting a New Business

Have you thought about starting your own business? Here’s an overview of some important first steps in the entrepreneurial process.

July

A Wealth of Information: How to Read a Mutual Fund Prospectus

Did you know that a mutual fund prospectus provides key details about the fund? This article offers an overview of information in a prospectus.
Should You Consider Tapping the Equity in Your Home?

Using home equity to fund other financial objectives has potential benefits and risks. This article looks at various ways to tap home equity.
Adjusting Your Tax Withholding

Consider adjustments to income tax withholding after viewing the prior year’s tax results. See which situations might require special attention.
WEP and GPO Can Reduce Social Security Benefits

Explore how the windfall elimination provision and the government pension offset can affect Social Security benefits for people who earned a pension in noncovered employment.
How Long Should You Keep Financial Records?

The end of tax season might be a good time to organize financial records. Discover guidelines to help you decide what to keep and what to discard.

June

HOT TOPIC: Rising Rates Join Long List of Housing Dilemmas

This article explores how soaring housing costs, rising rates, and declining affordability could impact borrowers and the housing market.
Avoiding Probate

Probate can result in added expenses and delays when settling an estate. Read about four ways to avoid the probate process.
What’s Your Retirement Dream Elevator Pitch?

How do you see your retirement? This article provides some guidelines to help you develop a well-defined retirement vision.
Are You Ready to Cancel Your Cable TV?

Do streaming services make you contemplate cutting the cord? Read about some features, benefits, and limitations to consider before doing so.
Where to Look for Lost and Forgotten Money

States hold unclaimed property for about one in 10 Americans. Here are some online resources that may help you find out if you’re one of them.
Consider a Bond Ladder for Rising Interest Rates

A bond ladder can help mitigate the effect of rising rates, generate income, and dampen the effects of stock market volatility. Learn more.

May

Working While Receiving Social Security Benefits

Do you understand how working in retirement can affect your Social Security benefits? Read this article to find out.
Baseball Lessons That Might Help Change Up Your Finances

Learn some lessons from America’s favorite pastime that may inspire you to take a fresh look at your finances.
Planning to Quit Your Job? What to Know Before You Go

Millions of U.S. workers voluntarily left their jobs in 2021. Here are some things to keep in mind if you’re considering quitting.
Why Small Businesses Should Pay Attention to Accessibility

Find out more about how Americans with Disabilities Act requirements and guidelines may apply to your premises and websites.
Food Inflation: What’s Behind It and How to Cope

U.S. food prices were hit hard in 2021. This article includes seven tips to help consumers control their family’s grocery bills.

April

ETFs Are Gaining on Mutual Funds: Here’s Why

Are you familiar with the differences between mutual funds and exchange-traded funds? This article compares and contrasts the two.
Key Retirement and Tax Numbers for 2022

Explore some key retirement plan contribution limits and various tax deduction, exclusion, exemption, and threshold amounts for 2022.
Splurge or Save? Making the Most of Your Income-Tax Refund

Did you receive an income-tax refund this year? This article looks at some ways to use it.
Flood Insurance: Be Prepared for Rising Waters and Changing Rates

Read about a new flood risk-rating system that could help homeowners assess actual risk and set more appropriate insurance premiums.

March

When Two Goals Collide: Balancing College and Retirement Preparations

This article discusses college financial aid and some ideas that might help fund college while maintaining a solid retirement savings strategy.
Mutual Funds: Do You Know What’s in Your Portfolio?

It’s important for investors to understand the funds in their portfolios. This article provides an overview of different types of funds.
If You Don’t Have a Will, You Probably Should

Do you have a will? If not, this article offers three key reasons why you should.
Going Green: A Fast-Growing Corner of the Global Bond Market

This article looks at the types of projects funded by green bonds, some current trends, and the potential benefits and risks for investors.
When Buying Is Easy, Paying Later Can Be a Problem

Spreading out payments for online purchases may be tempting, but shoppers should think twice before committing to installment purchases.

Mark S. Mears, Agent

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