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

Estate Planning

Wills and trusts allow you to spell out how you would like your property distributed, but they also go beyond that.
Living Trusts

A living trust can help control the distribution of your estate upon death.
Charitable Giving

To retain the tax advantages associated with charitable giving, your gift must be made to a qualified organization.
Paying Estate Taxes

If you believe your estate will be subject to estate taxes, consider how your heirs will pay the bill.
Wealth Replacement Trusts

A wealth replacement trust could be used to gift appreciated assets to a charity as well as provide for heirs.

Retirement

IRA Rollover

If you leave a job or retire, you should consider your options regarding your employer retirement plan assets.
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.
Why Purchase Annuities

Annuities, an insurance-based financial vehicle, can provide many benefits that retirement investors might want.
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.
1035 Exchanges

A Section 1035 exchange is a tax-free exchange of an existing annuity contract or life insurance policy for a new one.
Planning Options

There are a variety of retirement planning options that could help meet your needs. Here are some of the most popular.
Social Security Income

The Social Security Administration’s retirement estimator gives estimates of your future benefits based on your actual Social Security earnings record.
Self-Employed Retirement Plans

Tax-deferred retirement plans for self-employed individuals have higher contribution limits than IRAs.
Traditional IRAs

If you do not participate in an employer-sponsored retirement plan, you might consider a traditional IRA.
401(k) Plans

401(k) employer-sponsored retirement plans have many benefits, including that the funds accumulate tax-deferred.
Managing Retirement Plans

Employer-sponsored retirement plans are more important than ever, but managing the assets can be confusing.

Tax Planning

Estate Tax

Everything you own, whatever the form of ownership, is subject to federal, and possibly state, estate taxes.
Retirement Plan Limits

IRAs and employer-sponsored retirement plans are subject to annual contribution limits set by the federal government.
Charitable Trust Tax Benefits

For the grantor, there are a few potential tax benefits that can come with setting up a charitable trust.
Retirement Plan Taxes

With traditional IRAs and most employer-sponsored retirement plans, taxes are not payable until funds are withdrawn.
Withdrawing Before Age 59.5

Tax-deferred retirement account withdrawals before age 59½ generally triggers a 10% federal income tax penalty.
Tax Strategies for Retirement Plans

Consider a trustee-to-trustee transfer to an IRA versus a lump-sum distribution from a workplace retirement plan.
Tax-Free Insurance Upgrades

A 1035 exchange allows you to exchange your life insurance policy for one from another company without tax liability.

Cash Management

Doubling Your Money

Before making investment decisions, it is helpful to determine the real rate of return on the investment.
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