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.

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 Can I Build and Preserve My Estate?

Life insurance can be used to help preserve the value of your estate for your heirs.
How Can I Control the Distribution of My Estate?

If you haven't taken steps already, consider planning now for the distribution of the assets of your estate.
What Gifting Strategies Are Available to Me?

Compare the advantages and disadvantages of different gifting strategies available for planned giving.
What Is the Best Form of Property Ownership for Me?

Sole ownership, joint tenancy, tenancy in common, and community property have special benefits for property owners.

Retirement

What Is an IRA Rollover?

If you leave a job or retire, you should consider your options regarding your employer retirement plan assets.
What Is a Roth 401(k)?

A Roth 401(k) is funded with after-tax money, and allows for tax- and penalty-free withdrawal of earnings if requirements are met.
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.
Unforgettable Birthdays

There are key dates after you turn 59½ that can impact your taxes, Medicare eligibility, and retirement benefits.
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.
How Can I Estimate My Future Social Security Benefits?

The Social Security Administration’s retirement estimator gives estimates of your future benefits based on your actual Social Security earnings record.
Save Now or Save Later?

If you start saving for retirement sooner, the more money you are likely to accumulate and possibly retire sooner.
What Is a Roth IRA?

Qualified Roth IRA distributions in retirement are free of federal income tax and aren’t included in gross income.

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 a Required Minimum Distribution?

Required minimum distribution is the annual amount that must be withdrawn from a qualified retirement plan/account.
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 income tax penalty.
What Tax Deductions Are Still Available to Me?

Changes to the tax code have left a few key deductions for itemizers, like medical, dental and some business expenses.

Investing

How Are Annuities Taxed?

One attractive feature of an annuity is tax-deferral but qualified and non-qualified annuities are taxed differently.
What Are Dividends?

It is important to understand how dividends (taxable payments to shareholders) fit with your long-term goals.
How Are Growth and Value Stocks Different?

The labels growth and value reflect different approaches that can be used when making investment decisions.
What Is Stock?

Before investing in stocks, it is important to understand some of the basics and the risks involved in owning stocks.
What Investment Risks Should I Know About?

Understanding different types of investment risk can help investors manage their money more effectively.
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.

Cash Management

What Are Some Tips for Managing My Money?

A sound cash management program uses a disciplined approach: accounting, analysis, allocation, and adjustment.
What About Financial Aid for College?

It's important to understand the options, such as financial aid grant programs, when having to pay for college.
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

What Is Term Life Insurance?

Term life insurance differs from permanent forms of life insurance in that it offers temporary protection.
Do I Need Disability Income Insurance?

Knowing the basics of a disability income insurance policy is a good first step toward protecting your family.
How Can I Extend My Liability Coverage?

Consider additional liability insurance to help protect you from the potentially devastating effects of liability lawsuits.
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?
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 Does Medicare Cover?

Medicare is the federal health insurance program for those persons age 65 and over. But what does it cover?
How Likely Am I to Need Long-Term Care?

If you were to suffer an illness or disability that required long-term nursing care, would you be covered?
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.