Newsletters

Most Americans spend more time planning for vacations and holidays than planning for their retirement.^1
1 Employee Benefit Research Insitute, 2007

Will you outlive your retirement income?  How much liability insurance should you have? Should you add stocks to your portfolio?  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 to the side to read the article in its entirety.

• October

  HOT TOPIC: Moving Forward from the Credit Crisis
  On Monday, September 15, 2008, the country awoke to news that three of the nation's largest financial institutions were unable to survive without help. Now, more than a year after that fateful September day, the economy shows signs of stability.

  Making Moves to the Money Market
  Money market funds are mutual funds that invest solely in cash-equivalent assets that are categorized as low-risk, low-return investments.

  Estate Conservation You Can Trust
  Trusts are popular estate conservation tools that can help facilitate the smooth transfer of estate assets and maintain the family’s privacy.

  Retirement Countdown in a Down Market
  The process leading up to retirement should begin years beforehand to help protect portfolio assets in the event that the markets are affected by unfavorable economic conditions.

  Fixed Annuities May Offer Stability
  A source of guaranteed income may help remove some of the uncertainty associated with retiring when the financial markets are fluctuating.

  Get Ready for Earnings Season
  Earnings can provide a key to understanding the performance of an individual company and the behavior of the stock market in general.

   

• August

  HOT TOPIC: Michael Jackson's Eccentricities Did Not Extend to His Estate Plan
  Critics are calling Michael Jackson's estate plan a hit. What did the King of Pop do right?

  Municipal Haste
  Municipal bonds offer an opportunity to earn an income that may be free of federal income tax.

  The Long Road Ahead
  The stock market has had its share of roller-coaster thrills lately, but don’t be tempted to react emotionally.

  Note to Self: Check Beneficiary Designations
  Outdated beneficiary forms have the potential to cause needless grief and hardship for surviving loved ones who are your intended heirs.

  Still Time for Stimulus Benefits
  The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 offers some short-term tax benefits designed to encourage consumer activity and boost particular sectors of the economy.

  Looking for an End to the IPO Drought
  Even if you never expect to participate in an IPO, it’s wise to keep an eye on the pace of new listings.

   

• September

  HOT TOPIC: The Personal Saving Rate: What It Doesn't Mean to You
  The term "personal saving rate" can be misleading. It doesn't define "saving" in the same way that most people do. What should the personal saving rate mean to you?

  A New Way to Diversify
  Exchange-traded funds are unique investments that resemble mutual funds in some ways and behave like stock in other ways.

  One Final Letter
  A letter of instructions can help someone clearly state his or her preferences for many important issues such as organ donation, funeral arrangements, and other details not enumerated in a trust.

  Insurance for Your Whole Life
  If your situation calls for life insurance coverage that extends beyond your working years, it might be time to consider whether permanent life insurance would be appropriate.

  Variable Annuities Add Guarantees
  Investors who would rather not choose between a guaranteed income and above-average investment gains may want to consider variable annuities with living benefit guarantees.

  A Long Look at the National Debt
  To better comprehend the size and scope of the national debt, it helps to measure it against the size of the overall economy.

   

• July

   HOT TOPIC: Looking for a Recovery in Odd Places
  Are signs of an economic recovery showing up in hemlines and lipstick sales?

  Get Your Retirement Reality Check
  A retirement needs-calculation goes beyond the commonly suggested target to have 70% of pre-retirement income.

  Higher Education Pays, But So Will You
  It’s likely that admission to the nation’s top colleges and universities will remain competitive, but adequate college savings can help ensure that a student’s opportunity to attend his or her school of choice is not compromised by the lack of resources.

  It's Not Too Late to Consider Life Insurance
  Results from one survey suggest that confidence in financial security tends to increase as life insurance coverage increases..

  Good Care Begins Early
  Ironically, people who avoid important discussions because they don’t want to be a burden are sowing seeds for even greater troubles because they are forestalling preparation and ignoring the risks associated with aging, possibly until it’s too late.