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Print Only Financial Ink – Editorial CalendarA Newsletter for General AudiencesJuly 2012
SnapSHOTS
Participation in 401(k)s is greatest among workers in their 20s and 30s, but asset holdings are highest among participants in their 50s.
Up FRONT
23%: Percentage of husbands whose wives make more money than they do, compared with only 4% in 1970.
Quick HITS
A round-up of facts and figures about the financial world.
Is a Roth Right for You?
Roth investments have grown substantially since the Roth IRA was introduced in 1998. About two out of five IRA owners have a Roth account, and more employers are offering a Roth option in employer-sponsored retirement plans. This article compares Roth and traditional accounts and describes some potential tax advantages with the Roth.
A Look Inside the Federal Reserve
The Federal Reserve used to be known for its secrecy, but Chairman Ben Bernanke has steered the organization toward becoming more transparent in its communications with the public. This article explains the Fed’s monetary objectives and some of the actions it uses to influence the U.S. economy.
Demographics May Affect Social Security
Because of changing workforce dynamics, more married women today are likely to receive Social Security benefits based on their own earnings history rather than their husbands’ earnings, which could result in higher benefit amounts. This article explains key demographic changes and some options that spouses have when claiming Social Security benefits.
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June 2012
SnapSHOTS
Forty-one percent of workers consider their current debt levels to be a “minor problem”; 22% consider their debt to be a “major problem.”
Up FRONT
53%: Percentage of Americans who report that they are financially underprotected considering their savings, emergency funds, and insurance coverage.
Quick HITS
A round-up of facts and figures about the financial world.
What’s Your Retirement Vision?
It would be disappointing to dream about a comfortable retirement and then find yourself with limited financial resources, unable to enjoy travel or hobbies because of underestimated retirement expenses and the rising cost of living. This article encourages workers of all ages to factor in anticipated expenses, the cost of living, where they want to live, and what they want to do with their lives when developing a solid retirement strategy.
Investing with Your Conscience
In 2010, more than $3 trillion was invested according to sustainable and socially responsible criteria, representing growth of almost 400% since 1995. This article helps readers understand some of the opportunities and pitfalls that might be encountered with socially responsible investing.
The Benefits of Giving
A recent international survey suggests that spending money for the benefit of others may promote a feeling of happiness in the giver. Almost three-fourths of charitable giving in the United States comes from individuals. This article offers tips that could help readers derive tax benefits as they provide help to others.
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May 2012
SnapSHOTS
Although 68% of current retirees left the workforce before age 65, only 49% of workers expect to retire before age 66.
Up FRONT
56%: Percentage of Americans who say they do not have a household budget or track their expenses.
Quick HITS
A round-up of facts and figures about the financial world.
Building Your Own “Pension”
Most people would like a steady income stream during retirement, but the number of companies offering traditional pensions has declined dramatically over the last 25 years. This article describes how a variable annuity might be used to provide a future income stream and how payouts can be structured to provide a lifetime income or one that lasts for a specific number of years.
Time to Evaluate Your Portfolio
Many investors check their portfolios at tax time, but it’s also important to evaluate whether their investments are working to help pursue their long-term goals. This article focuses on a sound strategy using asset allocation and factoring in the tax efficiency of investments.
Keeping Current with Currency
Despite the popularity of electronic payments, cash is likely to play a role in everyday finances for a while. Readers can test their knowledge of U.S. currency with this multiple-choice quiz.
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April 2012
SnapSHOTS
What Would You Do with a Tax Refund?
A graphical look at how Americans planned to use their tax refunds in 2011.
Up FRONT
21%: Percentage of Americans who think it is “very likely” or “fairly likely” that they will become millionaires in the next 10 years, up from 16% a decade ago.
Quick HITS
A round-up of facts and figures about the financial world.
How Much Life Insurance Do You Need?
A recent study indicates that 40% of consumers believe they do not have enough life insurance to meet their families’ long-term needs. But how much is enough? This article presents guidelines to determine how much life insurance is appropriate.
Investing in the Future
Studies continue to show that college graduates earn more money over their careers and are more likely to remain employed during tough economic times. But paying for college becomes more challenging every year as tuition and fees continue to outpace the rate of general inflation. A Section 529 plan can be a helpful savings vehicle for accumulating money for higher-education costs.
Averaging Ups and Downs
Stock market volatility seemed to be the norm in 2011, and that can be hard on investors’ nerves. A dollar-cost averaging strategy may help even out a portfolio’s ups and downs and help investors avoid emotional reactions when the market rises and falls.
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March 2012
SnapSHOTS
After decades of modest growth, middle-class income reversed course after 2000, falling 7% in the last 10 years.
Up FRONT
52 million: Number of American adults with household incomes between $50,000 and $250,000 who do not have life insurance coverage.
Quick HITS
A round-up of facts and figures about the financial world.
Keeping an Eye on ETFs
In a recent poll of investors, 44% of respondents said they plan to buy exchange traded funds over the next year. However, the same study indicated that many investors do not understand ETF costs or how to use ETFs in their portfolios. Here is an overview of how ETFs function and their potential benefits and risks.
Protection When You Can’t Work
Research indicates that three out of 10 workers will become disabled for three months or more during their careers, and one out of seven will be disabled for five years or more. Even a short period of disability could be financially challenging. This article describes how an individual disability income policy could provide supplementary income and help workers avoid life-altering insurance gaps.
Tax Changes for 2012
Mandatory annual inflation adjustments generally affect federal income tax brackets, retirement plan contribution limits, and estate tax exemption levels. Here are some of the major changes that could affect readers in 2012, with a table showing 2012 income thresholds for the six federal income tax brackets.
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February 2012
SnapSHOTS
Percentage of U.S. households saving for college, by age of head of household.
Up FRONT
$19,393: Annual cost of health care for a typical family of four in 2011 (including employer and employee expenses) — more than double the cost in 2002.
Quick HITS
A round-up of facts and figures about the financial world.
Diving into Dividends
Dividends have traditionally been considered a source of income, but they also can be a powerful way to help build savings. A recent study found that dividends contributed 44% of S&P 500 total returns from 1930 through September 2010. This article explains how dividends work and the role that dividends could play in an investor’s savings strategy.
Where There’s a Will, There’s a Way
Only 35% of Americans have a will, yet it’s a relatively simple legal document that every adult should have, regardless of wealth or age. Dying without a will can lead to unwanted outcomes and potential problems for heirs. This article discusses the importance of a will and other estate conservation documents.
Made in the USA
Although it’s common to see the label “Made in China” on goods in American stores, Chinese imports accounted for only 2.7% of personal expenditures by U.S. consumers in 2010. In fact, 88.5% of U.S. consumer spending was on goods and services produced in the United States. This article offers insights on the balance of imported versus domestic goods and its impact on the U.S. economy.
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