Newsletters

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

• 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.

• 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.

February

• Watch Out for These Financial Pitfalls in the New Year

  Financial opportunities and potential pitfalls can appear at any time. Here are common money mistakes to avoid at various stages of life.

• 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.

• 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.