5 Financial Blog Ideas for August
August 22, 2024
What should financial marketers and advisors talk about this month? Our monthly roundup has you covered with timely topics for blog posts, social media campaigns, and other marketing ideas.
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Topic #1: Fall financial planning
As we head into the last quarter of the year, now is a great time to talk about end-of-year planning with your clients.
The angle
- Retirement account contributions: Discuss the importance of maximizing contributions to retirement accounts like 401(k)s, IRAs, and SEP-IRAs before the end of the year. It is coming up fast!
- Open enrollment and benefits: Guide readers through the process of open enrollment for employer-sponsored benefits like health insurance, flexible spending accounts, and retirement plans.
- Charitable giving and tax deductions: Discuss the benefits of charitable giving, including tax deductions, and explore different methods of philanthropic contributions.
Blog inspiration
- 9 Essential Fall Financial Planning Tips (DSB Rock Island)
- 9 Fall Financial Planning Tips (MoneyNav)
- 18 To-Dos for Your Year-End Financial Planning Checklist (Ellevest)
Topic #2: College savings tips
College doesn’t come cheap and planning is key to ensuring your finances are all lined up when the time comes. Since the new semester is starting, many parents of soon-to-be college-age children have this topic on their minds right now.
The angle
- Savings strategies for college: Provide actionable tips on effective college savings strategies, including setting up automatic contributions, allocating windfalls, and involving family members.
- Choosing the right 529 plan: Guide readers on how to select the most suitable 529 plan based on their state of residence, investment options, fees, and other factors.
- Understanding financial aid packages: Explain the components of a financial aid package, including grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study opportunities.
Blog inspiration
- What Are 529 College Savings Plans And How They Work (Wealth Enhancement Group)
- What I Did Wrong Saving for Kids (Divvi Wealth Management)
- A Quick Guide to 529 Plans and College Savings (Laine Wealth Management)
Topic #3: National Black Business Month
National Black Business Month is an opportunity to celebrate the contributions of Black entrepreneurs and business owners to the economy and showcase the importance of supporting these enterprises.
The angle
- Celebrate Black entrepreneurs: Begin by acknowledging the significance of National Black Business Month and celebrating the innovation, resilience, and impact of Black entrepreneurs in various industries.
- Financial challenges and opportunities: Address the unique challenges faced by Black entrepreneurs, such as limited access to capital and resources, and discuss ways financial institutions can play a role in addressing these challenges.
- Access to capital and funding: Talk about various funding options available to Black-owned businesses, such as small business loans, grants, and community investment initiatives.
- Spotlight Black-owned financial institutions: Recognize and highlight Black-owned financial institutions that play a crucial role in providing banking services and supporting economic empowerment in their communities.
Blog inspiration
- National Black Business Month (Forrest Solutions)
- Supporting Black Business This August is More Important Than Ever (Clover)
- Black in Business (Goldman Sachs)
Topic #4: Highlight sustainable investing
After a hot summer, high utility bills, and extreme weather patterns, many investors look toward sustainable investment options. Help your audience out by addressing some of the common concerns people have with these investment vehicles.
The angle
- Performance considerations: Address the misconceptions that sustainable investing leads to inferior financial returns. Present evidence and studies that demonstrate how incorporating ESG factors can enhance risk management and potentially lead to competitive returns.
- Showcase positive impact: Illustrate real-life examples of companies and projects that have positively contributed to sustainability efforts, showcasing how sustainable investments can drive positive change.
- Addressing skepticism: Acknowledge and address any skepticism or concerns about greenwashing, ensuring that investments claiming to be sustainable genuinely adhere to ESG principles.
Blog inspiration
- Sustainable Investing: Creating a Greener Portfolio for the Future (Compare Wealth Managers)
- My Journey to Sustainable Investing (Merriman)
- Introduction to Sustainable Investing (Aspiriant)
Topic #5: The great wealth transfer
One of the primary concerns for high-net-worth individuals is the impact of taxes on their estates. Effective estate planning can help minimize the tax burden on their heirs and ensure that more of their wealth is preserved for future generations.
The angle
- Understand the estate tax exemption: The current federal estate tax exemption is high, but your clients need to stay informed about potential changes in tax laws.
- Lifetime gifting: Explain how to take advantage of the annual gift tax exclusion to transfer wealth tax-free. This can be done directly to beneficiaries or through vehicles like 529 plans for educational expenses.
- Charitable giving: Establishing a charitable trust or donating to charitable organizations can reduce the size of their taxable estate while supporting causes that matter to them. Charitable remainder trusts (CRTs) and charitable lead trusts (CLTs) are popular options that offer tax benefits and a means to give back.
Blog inspiration
- Guide to Wealth Transfer Planning (Halbert Hargrove)
- Essential Steps for Estate Planning: Wealth Transfer Plans to Empower Your Family Legacy (Citywide Banks)
- Preparing For The Great Wealth Transfer (Agemy Financial Strategies)
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