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.
Wills and trusts allow you to spell out how you would like your property distributed, but they also go beyond that.
A living trust can help control the distribution of your estate upon death.
The probate process can be lengthy and complex. There are strategies you can use to help avoid the probate process.
Life insurance can be used to help preserve the value of your estate for your heirs.
Careful estate planning is still one of the most important ways to manage and protect your assets for your heirs.
Employer-sponsored retirement plans are more important than ever, but managing the assets can be confusing.
If you start saving for retirement sooner, the more money you are likely to accumulate and possibly retire sooner.
There can be a substantial benefit to deferring taxes as long as possible.
Want to keep more of your mutual fund profits? You may be interested in strategies to help lower your tax liability.
United States tax law is a constantly changing landscape. The latest major piece of tax legislation is the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017.
An important element to successful investing is to manage investment risk while maintaining the potential for growth.
Bonds are issued by many entities and share many characteristics, each type of bond has certain benefits and risks.
The difference between purchasing an individual stock versus shares in a mutual fund to potentially earn dividends.
A mutual fund is a collection of stocks, bonds, and other securities with certain benefits and risks.
An annuity is a flexible financial vehicle that can help protect against the risk of living a long time because it provides an option for a lifetime income.
Both fixed and variable annuities could be appropriate options for an individual interested in purchasing an annuity.
Asset allocation is a method used to help manage investment risk; it does not guarantee a profit or protect against investment loss.
There are other ways to invest in stocks and bonds besides owning individual shares or bonds.
529 plans are tax-advantaged savings plans that generally allow people of any income level to contribute.
A sound cash management program uses a disciplined approach: accounting, analysis, allocation, and adjustment.
Before making investment decisions, it is helpful to determine the real rate of return on the investment.
There are a number of savings alternatives that could help you earn a reasonable rate of return.
Historically, one of the best ways to fight the effects of inflation has been to utilize growth-oriented investments.
Term life insurance differs from permanent forms of life insurance in that it offers temporary protection.
Consider a universal life insurance policy if you want the flexibility to change your premium or death benefit.
The odds of needing long-term care increase as you age. Prior planning can help protect you from financial ruin.
If you were to suffer an illness or disability that required long-term nursing care, would you be covered?