MENU Kulch Financial Services, Inc. CONNECT Newsletters 47% OF AMERICAN WORKERS HAVE SAVED LESS THAN $25,000 FOR RETIREMENT, AND 24% HAVE SAVED LESS THAN $1,000. Source: Employee Benefit Research Institute, 2017 Will you outlive your retirement income? 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. MARCH HOT TOPIC: Correction Time: The Market Takes a Hit A look at some of the factors behind the recent market volatility and why investors should focus on long-term goals. Four Financial Numbers You Should Know Four financial numbers that you should understand (and that could potentially improve your financial situation). Phasing Out…or Practice Makes Perfect Here are some ideas for arranging a phased retirement program, as well as tips for trying a practice run. Do You Need an Umbrella? American society remains litigious — an umbrella insurance policy can provide additional coverage for personal liability. Going Public A discussion on the initial public offering (IPO) process, recent trends, and investment risks. Preparing to Withstand the Loss of Key Players How key-person insurance policies can benefit small businesses. FEBRUARY HOT TOPIC: Business Tax Breaks: Impact on Earnings and the Economy An overview of the tax changes affecting corporations and pass-through businesses and the potential implications for GDP growth. Options for Inherited IRAs Here is an overview of IRA distribution rules and options for surviving spouses and nonspouse beneficiaries. How Long Should You Keep Financial Records? The beginning of the year is a great time to organize records and discard old documents to make room for new ones. Why Hold Money Market Mutual Funds? Why investors still hold money market mutual funds despite low returns. Settling an Estate Settling an estate can be a difficult and time-consuming job as there are some specific duties that often fall on an executor. Disaster Insurance Can Help Your Company Stay Afloat It's important to identify the potential risks that threaten your business, create a disaster plan, and obtain adequate insurance. JANUARY HOT TOPIC: Tax Reform: How Will You Be Affected? In December 2017, Congress passed a sweeping tax-cut package that fundamentally changes the individual and business tax landscape. International Investing: Opportunities Overseas? Investing in emerging markets and developing economies has both risks and opportunities. An Introduction to Trusts A properly constructed trust can serve many purposes for families — and not just for the wealthy. Keeping Savings on Track with a Spousal IRA IRS rules allow a working spouse to contribute to an IRA for a spouse who earns little or no income. Illinois Highlights Credit Risk A look at the tax advantages and credit risks associated with municipal bond investments. No Shortage of Liability Risks Liability insurance can help offset unforeseen legal costs that could consume a business's profits. DECEMBER HOT TOPIC: Junk Jitters: What's Behind the Exodus from High-Yield Bonds? High-yield bond funds experienced a recent sell-off. What role do they play in the current investment climate? Consider a Roth for Tax-Free Retirement Income Roth IRA withdrawal and conversion rules and how they differ from other retirement plans. Market Measures: Beyond the Dow A description of the 5 market indexes that are often used as benchmarks to track various categories of investments. How a Pension Could Affect Social Security Benefits The potential impact on Social Security benefits by the Windfall Elimination Provision and the Government Pension Offset. Better Late Than Never Understand the rules and deadlines for the estates of recently deceased taxpayers when seeking portability relief. Two Tax-Friendly Retirement Plans for the Self-Employed Solo 401(k)s and SEP IRAs are relatively simple for small-business owners and self-employed individuals to set up. NOVEMBER HOT TOPIC: Spanish Showdown, Slow Brexit Geopolitical tensions, like the Spanish showdown and Brexit, can affect economies and move financial markets. PPO or HDHP? Making Health Insurance Choices The similarities and differences between an HDHP and a PPO plan and contribution limits for health savings accounts. FAFSA in the Fall for Lower Stress New rules enable families to begin the FAFSA earlier using tax returns from two years prior to the academic year. Medicare Open Enrollment The changes Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage plan beneficiaries can make during the annual enrollment periods. Required Minimum Distribution Rules When calculating RMDs for multiple accounts, it's important to understand which amounts can be combined and which accounts must distribute separate RMDs. Stacking Up Tax Breaks for Business Investments Tax code provisions may allow for larger, immediate deductions for businesses: bonus depreciation and IRC Section 179 expensing. OCTOBER HOT TOPIC: After the Storms: The Economic Impact of Harvey and Irma The potential economic impact of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma on a local and national level. Birthday Opportunities Test your knowledge of the financial benefits and responsibilities related to certain age milestones between 50 and 70½. New Life for Your Old Insurance Policy Consider options that could be more beneficial than surrendering a life insurance policy or letting it lapse. The State of State Pensions A look at some of the challenges facing state pension funds and steps that might help improve the long-term outlook. Bracing for Higher Rates Bond laddering is a time-tested strategy that can help manage interest rate risk. Insuring a Home-Based Business Operate a business out of your residence? Consider an in-home business insurance policy as homeowners insurance coverage may not be sufficient. SEPTEMBER HOT TOPIC: Brick-and-Mortar: The Precarious Fate of Traditional Retail How current trends in the retail industry could affect consumers, workers, and the broader economy. Buying and Selling: Trading Basics Investors should understand basic terms and types of trades, like bid and ask prices, market order and limit order. Insuring Your College Student Before leaving for college, be sure your student has his/her insurance needs (medical, auto, personal property) addressed. New Math for Social Security In 2017, Americans born in 1955 become eligible to claim Social Security benefits at the earliest claiming age of 62. Estate Planning: Life Insurance Options for Leaving a Legacy A whole life or survivorship life insurance policy can play an important role in a family’s estate plan. Keeping Up with Quarterly Taxes Making accurate quarterly payments on schedule can help taxpayers avoid interest penalties for underpayment to the IRS. AUGUST HOT TOPIC: Low Volatility: Calm Before the Storm? Several key factors have helped calm the U.S. stock markets, but consider the potential for future volatility. Do You Have Enough Life Insurance? The differences between term life insurance and permanent life insurance and the advantages of an individual policy. Deficit Trading: The Import/Export Imbalance Some facts to help understand the issues behind the trade deficit headlines, and how China factors into the story. ETFs or Mutual Funds: What's the Difference? The differences between ETFs and mutual funds, with an emphasis on the potential cost and risk factors of ETFs. Demographic Dilemma Some economists believe shifting demographics may be the primary reason GDP growth has been weak versus past recoveries. Social Media Marketing Strategies Social media is a convenient way for a small business to build customer relationships and gain market exposure. JULY HOT TOPIC: Volatility Puts Tech Sector in the Spotlight What can go wrong when investors chase performance and/or have a portfolio overly concentrated in one sector. When a Saver Marries a Spender, Every Penny Counts Guidelines to help facilitate financial discussions between spouses who have different points of view on spending. Surprise! It’s Retirement Time Consider these tips to prepare for the possibility that you might retire earlier than planned. Interested in Interest Rates? With interest rates expected to keep rising here is a short quiz to test one’s interest rate knowledge. Anticipating Inflation? One way to help protect a bond portfolio from a potential spike in inflation is by investing in Treasury inflation-protected securities. Offering Life Insurance as an Employee Benefit Making life insurance part of an employee benefit program could be a cost-effective way to recruit and retain valuable employees. JUNE HOT TOPIC: Full Employment: What Happens Now? The current employment picture and why the labor force may continue to hold back the U.S. economy. Investing in Your Values Investing based on principles of sustainable, responsible, and impact could have a positive social outcome. Do You Need Disability Insurance An individual disability income policy could provide much-needed income in the event of an accident or illness. Student Loans Meet Retirement Considering a higher-education loan for yourself or others? Here are some factors older adults should keep in mind. Indexed Annuities The benefits and risks of indexed annuities, including ways in which return rates are calculated. The Pros and Cons of Financing Options Common types of financing that might be available to help small businesses expand or cover operating expenses. MAY HOT TOPIC: Robos Have Arrived, But Life Often Calls for a Human Touch Understanding what robo advisors do, how they do it, and their limitations versus what a human advisor can offer. Mutual Benefits: Funds to Pursue Your Goals An overview of nine different types of mutual funds, ranging from lower risk to higher risk. The State of Social Security The current state of the Social Security program and possible solutions to address the program's projected shortfall. Use Sense with Student Loans Some guidelines before taking on student loan debt including steps students have taken to make college more affordable. Advance Medical and Legal Directives Expressing your wishes in advance could help loved ones feel more confident making medical or legal decisions. Consider Taxation When Setting Compensation The tax considerations involved in setting a small-business owner’s compensation. APRIL HOT TOPIC: Debt Ceiling: A Stop Sign for Federal Borrowing The debt ceiling may become a focal point during upcoming federal budget and tax reform negotiations. Here’s why. Are UITs for You? How unit investment trusts operate and potential investment risks. Is It Wise to Trade Your Pension for a Lump Sum? The pros and cons of keeping a pension versus accepting a lump-sum payout. Factor-Based Investing How smart-beta mutual funds and ETFs are constructed and the role they may play in an investor’s portfolio. Real Estate Markets on the Mend The U.S. tax code favors real estate ownership, allowing for tax savings that might help families build wealth over the long term. Cash Balance Plans Can Help Supercharge Retirement Savings Generous contribution limits for cash balance plans can help high-income business owners maximize retirement savings. Securities and investment advisory services offered through NEXT Financial Group, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC. Kulch Financial Services, Inc. is not an affiliate of NEXT Financial Group, Inc. To view NEXT Financial Group's privacy policy and other important information, visit the "Clients" section of www.nextfinancial.com. Investment products and services available only to residents of : Arizona, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Iowa, Massachusetts, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Texas, Washington. Site Map Back To Top Check the background of this financial professional on FINRA's BrokerCheck