Newsletters

Fifty-four percent of American workers have saved less than $25,000 for retirement, and 43% have saved less than $10,000.1
Source: 1) Employee Benefit Research Institute, 2010

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 below to read the article in its entirety.

  • October

    New Opportunity Under the Federal Gift Tax
    The 2010 Tax Relief Act raised the lifetime gift-tax exclusion to $5 million. This means it could be a good time to make the most of tax-free gift transfers. If so, it's important to understand the annual and lifetime gift exemption limits, as well as which gifts might not be subject to them.

  • September

    Federal Estate Tax Is Much Lower — For Now
    The federal estate tax was repealed in 2010, then reinstated by the 2010 Tax Relief Act with new provisions for 2011 and 2012. This article discusses the temporary provisions, the options for estates of 2010 decedents, and potential changes in future years that could subject many more estates to the federal estate tax than under current law.

  • August

    When Key Players Can't Work
    If a company is a two-owner business or its success relies on a few key players, key-person life or disability insurance could possibly offset the risk that the premature disability or death of a major contributor could ruin its future prospects.

  • July

    Tips for Surviving the Estate Tax
    The federal estate tax was reinstated retroactively to January 1, 2010, by the 2010 Tax Relief Act. However, the favorable provisions are scheduled to expire at the end of 2012, when estates exceeding $1 million could be subject to the federal levy.

  • May

    Building a Business Versus Building Wealth
    The market for small businesses has been less than ideal over the past few years. Thus a business owner's efforts to build a successful business may not always translate to an increase in personal wealth. One way to insulate a business owner's personal financial situation from the fluctuating small-business market is by investing outside the company.

  • March

    HOT TOPIC: The Federal Estate Tax Is Back and May Be Here to Stay
    The estate tax has been reinstated after being allowed to lapse in 2010. The new estate tax provisions are the most generous in decades — but they are temporary. A far more stringent estate tax is slated to take effect after 2012. Fortunately, a properly structured trust may help some families reduce their potential exposure to the estate tax.

    Protecting What May Be Your Most Valuable Asset
    Statistics indicate 43% of 40-year-olds will suffer at least one long-term disability (lasting 90 days or longer) before age 65. Disability income insurance could help protect your most valuable asset: your ability to earn an income.