Menu Mark E. Conard, CFP®, AIF®, RICP® connect Newsletters 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. December HOT TOPIC: Supply-Chain Chaos: Holiday Edition Explore current economic conditions and retail trends, including sharply higher prices and the potential for sporadic product delays and shortages. Should You Speed Up Your Retirement Plans? The pandemic caused some Americans to file for Social Security earlier than planned. See four factors to consider before retiring early. Year-End 2021 Tax Tips This article outlines various tax-related financial moves to consider before the end of the calendar year. Balancing Medicare and Work-Based Insurance Read about rules and other considerations faced by workers who are eligible for both Medicare and employer-based health insurance. Is Your Business Eligible for the Research and Development Tax Credit? U.S. business owners who spent money to develop new products or improve existing products or trade processes may qualify for the federal R&D tax credit. Catalytic Converter Thefts Are on the Rise: Here’s Why Find out why catalytic converters are targeted by thieves and how comprehensive auto insurance can help provide some financial protection. November HOT TOPIC: The Budget and the Debt Ceiling: Round 2 Read an overview of the budget, the debt ceiling, and the potential consequences if Congress doesn’t take timely action to fund federal government operations. Net Price Calculators Help Gauge College Affordability Did you know a net price calculator can help measure a college’s true cost? Discover how it provides an estimate of how much grant aid a student might expect. Is a High-Deductible Health Plan Right for You? What distinguishes HDHPs from preferred provider organizations (PPOs)? Learn about some key differences between the plans. Women Face Challenges in a Post-Pandemic World As the COVID-19 crisis eases its grip on the economy, here are some ideas to help women reexamine their retirement planning strategies. Do You Have a Tax-Smart Withdrawal Strategy? Explore the tax treatment of different types of retirement accounts and the tax consequences of withdrawals, especially from multiple accounts. October HOT TOPIC: Social Security’s Uncertain Future: What You Should Know This article explores demographic trends that are dimming Social Security’s financial outlook and proposals to address the looming shortfall. Four Reasons to Review Your Life Insurance Needs This article looks at major life events and the need to review your life insurance coverage in light of changing circumstances. Grandparent 529 Plans Get a Boost Under New FAFSA Rules Read how the FAFSA Simplification Act helps grandparents assist with college costs without impacting their grandchildren’s financial aid. A Map for Your Family A letter of instruction could be just as important as a will to help loved ones settle an estate. Do you know what information to include? Credit Scores Reach Record High This article discusses the components that determine your credit score and provides tips for maintaining a high score or raising a low one. Fund Retirement and Reward Workers with a Cash Balance Plan Do you know how cash balance retirement plans can help small business owners reduce taxable income and catch up on their savings? Find out. September HOT TOPIC: Too Hot to Handle: What’s Ahead for the U.S. Housing Market? Explore some key factors between the housing squeeze and recent signs that suggest it may be easing. Signs of a Scam…and How to Resist It Discover four common practices that might help you identify and avoid scams. Child Tax Credit for 2021: Will You Get More? This article discusses substantial, temporary improvements to the child tax credit due to The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. A More Affordable Life Insurance Solution Thinking of letting your life insurance policy expire? Learn about survivorship life, which may be more affordable for older consumers. Following the Inflation Debate See how measures economists and Fed policymakers use to monitor inflation fuel the debate over how long 2021’s price increases will last. What a Relief! Congress Acts Against Surprise Medical Bills Have you heard of the No Surprises Act? Taking effect in 2022, it helps protect consumers from large, unexpected medical bills. Learn more. August HOT TOPIC: Antitrust Crackdown Aims to Increase Competition See how an executive order to curb excessive consolidation of industry might affect consumers, small businesses, investors, and the economy. Don’t Let Debt Derail Your Retirement This article looks at high debt levels among older Americans and why it’s important to analyze and address debt before retirement. International Investing: Opportunity Overseas? Some analysts believe foreign stocks may be poised for a comeback. Read about opportunities and risks involved with international stocks. Concerned About Inflation? Consider TIPS Do you understand how Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities can help mitigate inflation risk? This article provides an overview. Company Stock and Your Retirement Strategy This article addresses specific risks and tax implications when acquiring company stock inside or outside of a workplace retirement plan. Crisis Averted? Financial Help for Struggling Renters and Landlords Read about programs that help both landlords and tenants by providing direct housing assistance for eligible renters. July HOT TOPIC: Hostage Data: Ransomware and Protecting Your Digital Information This article provides an overview of high-profile ransomware attacks and offers tips to help consumers protect their own data. Considerations When Making Gifts to Children This article provides an overview of tax provisions and other issues to consider when making significant gifts to children or grandchildren. A Steady Strategy Discover how dollar-cost averaging may help alleviate some market concerns by making regular investments regardless of market movements. Pension or Lump Sum: Which Should You Choose? Do you know the key factors to consider if offered an option to take a lump sum in lieu of a pension? Read this article to find out. Stock Market Risks in the Spotlight Find out how inflation and interest-rate fears, regulatory or legislative action, and other factors could influence stock prices in 2021. Bankruptcy Changes Throw a Lifeline to Sinking Small Businesses Many requirements that made it difficult and expensive for small businesses to reorganize using Chapter 11 have been loosened. Learn more. June HOT TOPIC: Shortages and Bottlenecks Expose Weak Links in U.S. Supply Chains As a consumer, have you noticed shortages? Here are some of the reasons behind supply-chain problems and how they might impact the economy. New Changes to College Financial Aid and Education Tax Benefits The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, included several provisions affecting financial aid and education. Learn more. How Well Do You Understand Retirement Plan Rules? From IRAs to 401(k)s, qualified retirement plans can be complex. This short quiz tests readers’ knowledge of a few of the finer points. Is the Medicare Donut Hole Really Closed? This article explains the four stages of Part D prescription drug coverage and how prices can vary in the coverage gap. Corporate Debt: Are Juicier Yields Worth the Extra Risk? This article discusses corporate credit ratings and some differences between investment-grade and speculative-grade bonds. Your Business: New Rules for Writing Off Restaurant Meals The December 2020 stimulus bill lets businesses deduct the full cost of restaurant meals in tax years 2021 and 2022. Get the details. May HOT TOPIC: Rising Inflation: Where Will It Go from Here? Read about the causes of the recent inflationary trend. Does it represent a short-term phase or the start of a longer-term acceleration in prices? Real Estate for Income and Diversification Are you familiar with REITs and why they can help diversify a portfolio? Read this article to learn more. Five Tips to Follow When Applying for a Mortgage Historically low interest rates have driven record homebuying. This article provides some ideas to consider when applying for a mortgage. Social Security Spousal Benefits This article offers an overview of spousal benefits, which could make a big difference in funding retirement for a married couple. Portfolios Get Personal: Growing Interest in Socially Responsible Investing This article discusses socially responsible investments that may enable the pursuit of financial returns and make a positive global impact. Your Business: Minimum-Wage Laws in the Spotlight As more states increase the minimum wage, small businesses may start feeling the economic impact. Read this article for some coping tips. April HOT TOPIC: High-Frequency Indicators: Where to Look for Signs of Recovery This article discusses various high-frequency indicators economists use to monitor the pandemic’s impact and the economic recovery’s progress. A Financial Wellness Plan Can Help Pave the Road to Retirement This article outlines four elements of financial well-being and offers suggestions to strengthen financial wellness. Four Things Investors Should Know About Stock Splits If you’ve wondered what stock splits are and what effect they might have on your investment portfolio, this article covers the basics. All-in-One Funds: Targeting Time or Risk? This article discusses target-date funds and lifestyle funds, with the more common of the two based on time horizon rather than risk. Working While Receiving Social Security Benefits Do you understand the Social Security retirement earnings test and how it may affect your current and future Social Security benefits? Your Business: Reasons to Keep Personal and Business Finances Separate Find out why it’s important to draw a line between business and personal finances, especially for credit, tax, and personal asset purposes. March Key Retirement and Tax Numbers for 2021 IRS cost-of-living adjustments affect retirement plan contribution limits and certain tax considerations. Explore these 2021 adjustments. Are Value Stocks Poised for a Comeback? Do you know the differences between growth and value stocks? Find out why value stocks may hold appeal during the economic recovery. Home Sweet Home Equity Owning a home or having substantial equity may offer financial benefits in retirement. Discover five ways to use or increase home equity. Asset Protection: Make Sure Your Umbrella Is Big Enough While standard home and auto insurance may cover personal liability, a personal umbrella policy can help add an extra layer of protection. Is Your Home Office Also a Tax Shelter? This article explains which taxpayers are eligible for the home office deduction and describes the two methods used to calculate it. February Sequence Risk: Preparing to Retire in a Down Market This article offers a strategy that may help address sequence risk — the danger of poor investment performance at the outset of retirement. Watch Out for These Financial Pitfalls in the New Year Financial opportunities and potential pitfalls can appear at any time. Here are common money mistakes to avoid at various stages of life. New Fed Policy Suggests Low Rates for the Long Term The Fed now seeks to control inflation through the benchmark federal funds rate. Find out what this means for investors and consumers. When You Can’t Speak for Yourself Discover how a living will and durable powers of attorney for health care and finances can help ensure your wishes are carried out. Big Data for Smaller Players Read how small businesses use software services to help streamline operations, understand customers, optimize websites, and find new markets. January HOT TOPIC: Revisiting the 4% Rule For years, the “4% rule” helped retirees make their savings last, but now a more aggressive withdrawal strategy might be the new norm. Five Tips to Regain Your Retirement Savings Focus in 2021 This article presents five steps that could help focus and enhance a retirement savings strategy in 2021. Money Market Funds in a Low Rate Environment Did you know there still may be reasons to hold money market mutual funds despite low yields? Read this article to find out more. Prepare Your Finances for the Next Emergency The pandemic has underscored the importance of a well-stocked emergency fund. This article offers tips for building up a cash reserve. Gift vs. Inheritance: Consider the Tax Difference When deciding whether to gift assets now or transfer them to heirs at death, you need to understand step-up in basis and tax consequences. Take Advantage of Deductions for Business Investments A look at bonus depreciation and Section 179, plus CARES Act changes that may benefit companies that reconfigured spaces for safety reasons. Cetera Wealth Partners is a region of Cetera Advisor Networks. Securities and advisory services offered through Cetera Advisor Networks LLC., member FINRA/SIPC, a broker/dealer and a Registered Investment Adviser. Cetera is under separate ownership from any other named entity. Individuals affiliated with this broker/dealer firm are either Registered Representatives who offer only brokerage services and receive transaction-based compensation (commissions), Investment Adviser Representatives who offer only investment advisory services and receive fees based on assets, or both Registered Representatives and Investment Adviser Representatives, who can offer both types of services. This site is published for residents of the United States only. 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