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.

October

Index Funds: Traditional and Not-So-Traditional

While all index funds attempt to track the performance of a market index, there are hundreds of indexes and at least two alternate approaches to traditional indexing.
Making It Make Sense: The Roth 5-Year Rule

Understanding the Roth 5-year rule is essential to maintaining the tax advantaged treatment of Roth account assets.

September

HOT TOPIC: Trade Roundup: New Tariff Actions and Rates

This article explains newly implemented and upcoming tariffs and their potential economic impact.
Test Your Knowledge of Estate Planning

Taking this quiz may help increase understanding of estate planning.
Separately Managed Accounts: Tax-Efficiency and Tailored for You

With SMAs, investors have the flexibility to fine-tune their asset allocations for their own unique circumstances and better manage their tax liability.
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act Extends Tax Breaks for Small Businesses

Here are three important tax provisions from the OBBBA that should provide certainty and stability for small businesses.

August

Is It Time to Declare Your Financial Independence?

Here are some ideas to help pursue a life of financial freedom.
The Employment Situation: A Closely Watched Report

Among all the economic indicators released each month, the Employment Situation is one of the most highly anticipated and can move financial markets.
Strategies for Taking RMDs

This article provides an overview of rules, options, and strategies for taking required minimum distributions (RMDs).

July

HOT TOPIC: Social Security and Medicare: The Clock Is Ticking

According to this year’s Trustees report, Social Security recipients might face a benefit cut in 2034 unless Congress acts soon to strengthen the program.
Midyear Checkup: Can You Contribute More to Your Retirement Plan?

With traditional pensions in decline, it’s up to the individual employee to build retirement savings in a work-based account.
Taxing Social Security Benefits: Clearing the Confusion

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act did not change the rules for taxing Social Security benefits, but it did create a new deduction for seniors that could help reduce their tax burden.

June

HOT TOPIC: Pressure at the Pump: Will High Gas Prices Shake the U.S. Economy?

This article looks at why gas is so expensive, what it might take to stop the upward trend, and the potential effect of high gas prices on consumers and the broader economy.
What Is Asset-Based LTCI?

Hybrid long-term care insurance policies, also known as asset-based plans, combine the benefit of a life insurance policy or an annuity with the availability of long-term care benefits.
What Can You Learn from Your Tax Return?

Tax season may be over, but a completed tax return offers information that can help with financial strategy for the rest of the year.
Variable Annuities: Strategies to Help Counter Retirement Risks

Unlike retirement accounts, there are no federal contribution limits for variable annuities, and the investment gains won’t be taxed until they are withdrawn.
Goodbye Passwords, Hello Passkeys

As major tech companies, apps, and websites make passkeys their default security option, it’s likely you’ll be prompted to set them up to help secure your accounts.

May

The Evolution of Retirement Savings

The retirement savings landscape has changed dramatically over the past 50 years. How might these developments affect tomorrow’s retirees?
Don’t Overlook the Value of Social Security Survivor Benefits

While life insurance might play a central role after the death of a financial provider, Social Security could also offer another important source of income for survivors.
The Corporate World Is All-In on AI

As the race among large tech companies to monetize AI hits full throttle, it’s worth considering how adoption of AI-enabled technologies might affect the economic prospects of businesses and workers.

April

HOT TOPIC: The Iran War, the Economy, and Your Portfolio

This article looks at the economic impact of the war with Iran, including rising oil and gas prices and the potential effects on inflation, investments, and the broader economy.

March

HOT TOPIC: What Does a Weaker U.S. Dollar Mean for Your Money?

Consumers and investors might want to consider how the depreciating dollar could impact the economy and their own finances.
Key Retirement and Tax Numbers for 2026

This article provides 2026 contribution limits for retirement plans and various tax deduction, exclusion, exemption, and threshold amounts.
A Roadmap for Your Family

A letter of instruction could be just as important as a will in helping loved ones settle an estate and move forward with their lives.

February

HOT TOPIC: Geopolitics and the U.S. Financial Markets

This article looks at market reactions to previous global conflicts and emphasizes that long-term market movements are generally driven by corporate earnings, interest rates, and the broader economy.
Keeping Cool in Volatile Markets

Overreacting to market movements or trying to “time the market” by guessing its future direction can create additional risk that could negatively affect long-term portfolio performance.
Q&A on RMDs

Here are answers to some key questions about required minimum distributions.
Don’t Take the Bait: Top Tax Scams in 2025

As tax filing season approaches, the IRS warns taxpayers to watch for scams that can cause identity theft, financial loss, or criminal penalties.
Retroactive Social Security Benefits: A Chance to Turn Back Time

Beneficiaries who postpone claiming Social Security past full retirement age have the option of receiving a lump-sum payment for up to six months of benefits when they finally apply.
Location, Location, Location: The Premium Parents Pay for Top Schools

Homes in neighborhoods with access to top schools tend to cost significantly more than a typical home in the surrounding area.

January

HOT TOPIC: AI Expectations Underpin the Economic Outlook for 2026

This article discusses economic forecasts for 2026 and the trends that are influencing them, including surging AI investment.
Key Tax Law Changes to Higher Education Coming Soon

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act includes many provisions that affect higher education.
Strategies for Smarter Giving

In addition to advancing philanthropic goals, strategic charitable donations may offer tax advantages.
Surprise! It’s Retirement Time

Considering some important issues now could provide more options in the event of early retirement.
Tips to Help Preserve Your Inheritance

It’s important for heirs to consider how a windfall might be used to strengthen their finances now and over the long term.

December

Balancing Life in the Sandwich Generation

The day-to-day demands of supporting multiple generations can take a toll, but planning and support might help achieve a workable balance.
Beneficiary Designations: Who Gets the Money?

It’s a good idea to regularly review beneficiary designations to be sure they are complete and reflect current wishes.

November

HOT TOPIC: Will Tax Law Changes Impact Your Giving Strategy?

New tax rules will determine the deductibility of donations in 2026 for better or worse, which means taxpayers may want to rethink the timing and amount of their donations for 2025 and beyond.
Are You Prepared for the High Cost of Dying?

End-of-life care and the death of a loved one not only carry an emotional price tag, but they often impose a substantial financial strain on families.
What Happens to Your Time Horizon at Retirement?

When entering retirement, investment strategy typically shifts from a single, goal-based fixed time horizon to a multilayered, interrelated series of time periods.
Avoiding Probate with a TOD Deed and TOD Account

In many states, a transfer-on-death (TOD) deed and/or account can help avoid probate without the cost and complexity of a trust.

Barry Levine Financial Services, Inc.

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