Articles
79% of Americans agree they would benefit from having basic financial education and information.
Source: The 2018 Consumer Financial Literacy Survey, The National Foundation for Credit Counseling
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
-
Estate Planning
Wills and trusts allow you to spell out how you would like your property distributed, but they also go beyond that.
-
Avoiding Probate
The probate process can be lengthy and complex. There are strategies you can use to help avoid the probate process.
Retirement
-
Traditional IRAs
If you do not participate in an employer-sponsored retirement plan, you might consider a traditional IRA.
-
Roth IRAs
Qualified Roth IRA distributions in retirement are free of federal income tax and aren’t included in gross income.
Tax Planning
-
Tax Deferral
There can be a substantial benefit to deferring taxes as long as possible.
-
Tax Strategies for Retirement Plans
Consider a trustee-to-trustee transfer to an IRA versus a lump-sum distribution from a workplace retirement plan.
Investing
-
Mutual Funds vs. Stocks
The difference between purchasing an individual stock versus shares in a mutual fund to potentially earn dividends.
-
Fixed vs. Variable Annuities
Both fixed and variable annuities could be appropriate options for an individual interested in purchasing an annuity.
Cash Management
-
Cash Management Tools
Short-term cash management instruments can help you establish a sound cash management program.
-
College Financial Aid
It's important to understand the options, such as financial aid grant programs, when having to pay for college.
Risk Management
-
Term Life Insurance
Term life insurance differs from permanent forms of life insurance in that it offers temporary protection.
-
Long-Term-Care Needs
If you were to suffer an illness or disability that required long-term nursing care, would you be covered?