Economic downturns and turbulent investment markets can make people nervous. You should recognize these events as a normal, although undesirable, part of the economic and investment cycles. In this issue of "Speaking Of" we provide some tips for investors during unpredictable times. In this issue we also discuss staying ahead of life events through financial plan adjustments.

Did you ever consider a volunteer vacation: You take the trip, you help make the difference for others, and perhaps you see the world differently as a byproduct. In this issue of "Speaking Of" we provide you with some things you should consider when combining travel with volunteerism. In this issue you'll also learn about aging in place, e.g., a person living in the home of their choice, for as long as they are able, as they age.

The Social Security Administration has stopped mailing out most yearly statements, but you can estimate your retirement benefit online. In this issue of "Speaking Of" we offer the tools to help you estimate your Social Security benefits. For newlyweds, we'd like you to think about how you'll manage family finances after the wedding, and for those with wealth, we discuss liability protection, and why some may wish to consider larger umbrella liability policies.

As just about every investor knows, it's not what your investments earn, but what they earn after taxes that counts. After factoring in federal income and capital gains taxes, the alternative minimum tax, and any applicable state and local taxes, your investments' returns in any given year may be reduced by 40% or more. In this issue of "Speaking Of" we offer five strategies for tax-efficient investing to potentially help lower your tax bill.

If you don't have a financial plan, you may not know if you're "financially fit." To achieve financial wellness, you need to define your goals and set a time frame for reaching them. In this issue of "Speaking Of" we offer steps that can help you take control of your finances. We also help you explore market cycles...the ups and downs and what they might mean to you.

Part of your legacy is ensuring that your financial gifts to your children and grandchildren stay intact and grow over the years so that each new generation can enjoy the fruits of your labor. However, many studies show that between 70% to 90% of transferred wealth is lost from generation to generation. In this issue of "Speaking Of" we discuss how you can avoid that loss by understanding the next generations' fears, goals, and values. We also help you explore how to prioritize your savings goals between retirement for you or college for your kids, and we recap the importance of knowing your net worth.