Articles

Welcome to our research center! We've put together a library of information on important financial topics that we believe you'll find helpful.

Simply click on one of the general financial topics below and you'll find a selection of easy-to-understand information sheets about related financial concepts and strategies. This information is updated regularly to reflect the latest facts, figures, legislation, and economic trends.

Market Commentary

Estates & Trusts

What Key Estate Planning Tools Should I Know About?

Wills and trusts allow you to spell out how you would like your property distributed, but they also go beyond that.
How Will I Pay Estate Taxes?

If you believe your estate will be subject to estate taxes, consider how your heirs will pay the bill.
Can I Benefit from an A-B Trust?

An A-B trust can be an effective way to help reduce estate taxes and preserve family assets for heirs.

Retirement

Why Do People Buy Annuities?

Annuities, an insurance-based financial vehicle, can provide many benefits that retirement investors might want.
How Much Do I Need to Save?

Many realize it’s important to save for retirement, but knowing exactly how much to save is another issue altogether.
What Does the Changing Pension Landscape Mean for Retirement?

With the changing pension landscape, it is important to take charge of your own retirement security.
What Is a 1035 Exchange?

A Section 1035 exchange is a tax-free exchange of an existing annuity contract or life insurance policy for a new one.
Will Social Security Retire Before You Do?

Greater demand is being placed on the Social Security system as the baby boom generation has begun to retire.

Tax Planning

What Is the Capital Gain Tax?

Capital gains are profits realized from the sale of assets; a tax is triggered only when an asset is sold, not held.
What Is the Gift Tax?

The federal gift tax applies to gifts of property or money while the donor is living.
How Much Money Can I Put Into My IRA or Employer-Sponsored Retirement Plan?

IRAs and employer-sponsored retirement plans are subject to annual contribution limits set by the federal government.
What Is a Required Minimum Distribution?

Required minimum distribution is the annual amount that must be withdrawn from a qualified retirement plan/account.
What Are the Tax Benefits of Charitable Trusts?

For the grantor, there are a few potential tax benefits that can come with setting up a charitable trust.
When Must Taxes Be Paid on IRA and Employer-Sponsored Retirement Funds?

With traditional IRAs and most employer-sponsored retirement plans, taxes are not payable until funds are withdrawn.
What Happens If I Withdraw Money from My Tax-Deferred Investments Before Age 59½

Tax-deferred retirement account withdrawals before age 59½ generally triggers a 10% federal tax penalty.
What Tax-Advantaged Alternatives Are Available?

While stable, CDs can create an income tax bill. Fixed annuities and municipal bonds can offer tax advantages.
What Is the Most Tax-Efficient Way to Take a Distribution From a Retirement Plan

Consider a trustee-to-trustee transfer to an IRA versus a lump-sum distribution from a workplace retirement plan.
Is There Such a Thing as a Tax-Free Investment?

It's important to understand tax-exempt vehicles when establishing a comprehensive tax planning strategy.
How Can I Keep More of My Mutual Fund Profits?

Want to keep more of your mutual fund profits? You may be interested in strategies to help lower your tax liability.
How Can I Upgrade My Insurance — Tax-Free?

A 1035 exchange allows you to exchange your life insurance policy for one from another company without tax liability.

Investing

What Is a Bond?

A bond is simply evidence of a debt from a government entity or a corporation and represents a long-term IOU.
How Do Mutual Funds and Stocks Differ?

The difference between purchasing an individual stock versus shares in a mutual fund to potentially earn dividends.
What Is a Mutual Fund?

A mutual fund is a collection of stocks, bonds, and other securities with certain benefits and risks.
What Is the Difference Between a Fixed Annuity and a Variable Annuity?

Both fixed and variable annuities could be appropriate options for an individual interested in purchasing an annuity.
What Are the Different Classes of Assets?

There are five broad asset classes that you should take into consideration when constructing your investment portfolio.
What Is Asset Allocation?

Asset allocation is a method used to help manage investment risk; it does not guarantee a profit or protect against investment loss.
What Stock and Bond Investing Alternatives Do I Have?

There are other ways to invest in stocks and bonds besides owning individual shares or bonds.

Cash Management

How Long Will It Take to Double My Money?

Before making investment decisions, it is helpful to determine the real rate of return on the investment.
What Advantages Does a Biweekly Mortgage Offer?

Biweekly mortgage payments can have a dramatic effect on the amount of interest homeowners have to pay.
How Does Inflation Affect Me?

Historically, one of the best ways to fight the effects of inflation has been to utilize growth-oriented investments.
Is a Home Equity Loan or Line of Credit Right for Me?

Shifting some debt to a home equity loan, which typically allows interest payments to be tax deductible, could have its advantages.

Risk Management

Why Purchase Life Insurance?

If you have a family who relies on your income, it is important to have life insurance protection.
Why Are Annuities Considered an Insurance Product?

An annuity is a contract between you and an insurance company to pay you future income in exchange for premiums you pay.
Do I Need a Business Owner Policy?

A business owner policy is an insurance package that assembles the basic coverages required by a business owner in one bundle.
What Is Life Insurance for Business Owners?

Company-owned life insurance is one way to help protect a business from financial problems caused by the death of a key employee.
What Is Split-Dollar Life Insurance?

Split-dollar life insurance is an arrangement to purchase and fund life insurance between two parties.
What Is Last-Survivor Life Insurance?

Couples who want to help protect their legacy from estate taxes could consider last-survivor life insurance.
What Is Disability Income Insurance for Business Owners?

As a business owner, a disability can create an economic hardship putting both your personal finances and business at risk.
What Is Term Life Insurance?

Term life insurance differs from permanent forms of life insurance in that it offers temporary protection.
What Is Whole Life Insurance?

Some of the pros and cons of whole life insurance.
What Is Universal Life Insurance?

Consider a universal life insurance policy if you want the flexibility to change your premium or death benefit.
What Is Variable Life Insurance?

Variable life insurance gives you the control to allocate your account value among a variety of investment options.
What Types of Health Coverage Are Available?

There are three basic types of medical insurance plans: fee-for-service, managed care, and high-deductible health plan.
What Is the Difference Between an HMO and a PPO?

Selecting health insurance is often one of the most important decisions you will make. Do you know the different types?
How Can I Determine the Financial Strength of My Insurance Company?

Using a financially sound insurance company is an important part of ensuring your family’s financial security.
Am I Prepared for Long-Term Care Expenses?

The odds of needing long-term care increase as you age. Prior planning can help protect you from financial ruin.
What Are the Basic Types of Life Insurance?

When selecting a life insurance policy, examine all your options, as well as the positives and negatives of each type.

Weekly Market Commentary

Weekly Market Commentary | September 30, 2024

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