Learning Center

Personal Finance   /  Managing Your Money

As lawmakers and administrations change in Washington, the direction of the federal government and its tax policies change with them. Even if you can’t yet be certain what the final rules will be, you can easily tell the direction far ahead of time and prepare accordingly. So if increased taxes are on the way, in whatever form they take, what can you do to minimize the impact on your financial plan?

Personal Finance   /  Managing Your Money

Even with wills and careful estate planning, families can still be left with difficult problems after a loved one dies. A detail missed or vital account that can’t be accessed complicates their path forward during a sad and difficult time. A letter of last instruction isn't a legal document, but it can be the key to making sure everything is accounted for and accessible to the family members left behind. What should you include?

Articles   /  Managing Your Business

Thanks to the CARES Act and other regulatory updates, employers that offer cafeteria plans and flexible spending accounts can allow their associates a few temporary relief measures. These options were available to employers starting with plan year 2020, and plan year 2021 is the last chance to take advantage of them. What are the options, and what’s involved for companies that opt in?

Personal Finance   /  Managing Your Money

The U.S. Postal Service recently announced a cost-cutting plan that will slow down some first-class mail beginning Oct. 1. The changes are expected to affect long range deliveries most, especially those that have to be flown to their destination, but USPS has warned that it could take up to five days for any first-class mail to be delivered. What does this mean for your finances?

Articles   /  Managing Your Business

Businesses are competing for talent in a tight labor market, while workers continue to reevaluate what they expect from their employer. Competitive salaries will only go so far. People are attracted to much more than money. They want a loyal employer who invests in their associates’ present-day wellbeing and future growth and success. Savvy employers—even small ones—are realizing this comprehensive approach is a great way to recruit and retain associates for the long-term.

Fraud and Security   /  Safe Practices for Businesses

Financial fraud has surged, with crooks working banks and their clients. According to Banking Journal, fraud attempts have as much as tripled since early 2020, with an ever-widening variety of new scams. Human vigilance is your front-line protection, but it's not perfect. Better to have some block-and-tackle services to help tighten security and prevent fraudulent transactions. Here are five to consider.

Personal Finance   /  Retirement

Most people have a few different retirement accounts that are in essentially two buckets: tax-deferred vehicles like IRAs, 401(k)s or even a pension  and taxable investments in a brokerage or savings account. Many don’t know about the third leg of that stool: a Life Insurance Retirement Plan (LIRP). This is another option that can generate consistent income without a taxable event or capital gains. This would be a tax-free bucket.