Newsletters

December

• HOT TOPIC: A Cautiously Optimistic Economic Outlook for 2024

  The U.S. economy grew in the third quarter of 2023, despite high interest rates and unsettling geopolitical conflict. This article discusses market conditions and economic forecasts for 2024.

• Much Ado About RMDs

  This article provides an overview of the changes the SECURE 2.0 Act made and a brief explanation of how to calculate required minimum distributions from tax-advantaged retirement accounts.

• Medical Debt and Your Credit Report

  This article looks at changes in the way medical debt is handled on credit reports and offers tips to avoid having unpaid medical bills impact credit.

• ISM Indexes Watch for Trouble on Both Sides of the Economy

  Two different Purchasing Managers Indexes are generally considered to be leading economic indicators that can help businesses and investors make more informed decisions.

• Why the EPA is Focusing on “Forever” Chemicals

  In March 2023, the Environmental Protection Agency proposed the first federal limits for six types of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, in public drinking water.

• New Medicare Rules Tackle Prescription Drug Prices

  The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 included provisions intended to lower prescription drug costs for Medicare enrollees and slow drug spending by the federal government.

November

• HOT TOPIC: Can Consumers Keep Carrying the Economy?

  Consumer spending has bolstered the economy amid inflation, higher interest rates, and a cooling job market. This article looks at what may be driving spending and what might derail its momentum.

• HDHP/HSA Pairing May Help Control Medical Costs

  High-deductible health plans offer potential savings by encouraging cost-effective choices in medical spending, as well as eligibility for a health savings account with tax advantages.

• You’ve Received an Inheritance, Now What?

  Receiving an inheritance might promote spending without planning, but it’s not wise to make hasty decisions. This article provides suggestions that could help manage an inheritance.

• Bond Yields Are Up, but What Are the Risks?

  After years of low yields, bonds are offering higher yields that may be appealing to investors regardless of their risk tolerance. This article provides an overview of bond risks.

• Tax-Loss Harvesting Offers Chance at Silver Lining

  Stock market downturns can be rough on a portfolio’s bottom line, but selling losing investments may offer the potential to reduce an investor’s tax liability.

• Breaking Down Clean Vehicle Tax Credits for Business Owners

  Business owners may be able to claim one of two new federal tax credits to help offset the cost to purchase certain clean vehicles.

October

• HOT TOPIC: Rising Oil Prices Could Pose the Latest Threat to the Economy

  This article discusses the market dynamics that are impacting oil prices and adding to concerns about broader inflation and economic growth.

• Time to Bulk Up Your Emergency Fund

  A financial crisis can strike when least expected, so it’s important to have a sufficient emergency fund. This article offers some suggestions to help increase a fund before it’s needed.

• Four Key Objectives of a Sound Retirement Plan

  A sound retirement plan should be based on personal circumstances, and no one strategy is suitable for everyone. This article looks at four goals that a retirement strategy should address.

• Managing Medicare Out-of-Pocket Costs

  This article looks at the two different and mutually exclusive options Medicare beneficiaries have to help control retirement health-care spending: Medigap and Medicare Advantage.

• New FAFSA Favors Grandparent College Giving

  Changes to the 2024–2025 Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) allow grandparents to help with college expenses without affecting financial aid eligibility based on the FAFSA.

• Enriching a Teen with a Roth IRA

  A teen with a part-time job can contribute to a Roth IRA, which is a flexible way to accumulate funds for college, retirement, and other long-term needs.