Articles

Eighty percent of Americans agree they would benefit from having basic financial education and information.^1
1 The 2009 Consumer Financial Literacy Survey, Harris Interactive, Inc., 2009

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.

• Small Business Owners

  Building a Team of Professionals for Independent Business Owners
  Key Employee Protection
  Threat and Opportunities for Entrepreneurs
  

  Retirement Planning

  10 Things You Need to Know about Income Annuities
  Charitable Gift Annuities
  Charity Can Begin with the Gift of Life Insurance
  Designing a Safer, Smarter Retirement Strategy
  Don't count on Social Security Increases
  Generate Retirement Income more efficiently
  How Will You Cover Your Expenses in Retirement
  Leaving a Legacy and Enjoy More Income
  What is Guaranteed Lifetime Income?
  What Life Expectancy Means to Retirement Planning
  What To Do with Rollover Funds
  Don’t Rely Solely on ‘Uncle Sam’s’ Help During Retirement
  

• Current Environment

  Even During Tough Times Retirement Offers Peace of Mind
  Protecting Assets During Challenging Business Times
  

  Family Living

  The Sandwich Generation: Caught Between Duty and Goals
  

  Advanced Planning Library

  Estate Planning for Single Individuals
  Opportunity Knocks: Roth IRA Conversions Available to All
  The Flexible ILIT: Drafting Escape Hatches
  Creating a Special Needs Trust
  

  Life Insurance

  How Life Insurance Can Protect Your Home
  Life Insurance Can You Afford to Wait
  Protecting the Stay at Home Spouse
  Six Tips for First-Time Life Insurance Buyers
  The Tax Advantages of Cash Value Life Insurance
  When You Can't Pay Your Life Insurance Premium
  

  Estates & Trusts

  Estate Planning
  Living Trusts
  Family Limited Partnerships
  Property Ownership
  

• Retirement

  Self-Employed Retirement Plans
  Traditional IRAs
  401(k) Plans
  Roth IRAs
  

  Tax Planning

  Mutual Fund Profits
  

  Investing

  529 Plans
  

  Cash Management

  Cash Management Basics
  Managing Cash
  Smart Financing Ideas
  College Financial Aid
  

  Risk Management

  Maximizing Your Insurance Benefits
  Insuring Your Future