5 Financial Blog Ideas for September 2022
August 19, 2022
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: Recession obsession
Recession – is it just around the corner, are we already in it, or is the anxiety overblown?
It’s a burning question these days as the likelihood mounts, stoked by high inflation, increasing layoffs, rising interest rates, and a volatile stock market. Focus on the facts and temper investor anxiety via an explainer piece or Q&A with advice that holds true now and in any uncertain climate.
The angle:
- Answer common questions with cold, hard facts. What are the common signs of recession? How do we know we’re in one? How could this one differ from past recessions? What can I do to prepare my finances?
- Consider framing wise financial decisions amid turmoil as turning the scarcity mindset on its head – by making fear productive.
Blog inspiration:
- Don’t Panic: What to Do During a Recession (Chime)
- Recession Watch for Fall 2022 (The Street)
- How to prepare for a recession (Stash)
- A Scarcity Mindset Can Cost You Mentally and Financially (NerdWallet)
Topic #2: The Inflation Reduction Act
President Biden recently signed the Inflation Reduction Act, a sweeping energy, tax and healthcare law. What does it mean for your investments – and your wallet?
Initial reactions are mixed, but many observers are bullish, arguing that new opportunities are on the way to invest in clean energy, electric vehicles, commodities and mitigation technology. The law also gives the green light to Medicare drug-pricing negotiation and expense limits. Consider outlining key elements, with a focus on changes, enhancements and savings that affect your target audience the most.
The angle:
- With $386 billion of climate change subsidies, rebates and tax credits, the clean energy scene will be the big beneficiary of trends to come. What’s more, going green will mean saving some green, as consumers can expect new and enhanced tax breaks for eco-friendly purchases.
- Point to the money-saving positives of expanded healthcare benefits for pre-retirees and retirees – from lower drug prices to capped out-of-pocket spending.
Blog inspiration:
- Save More on Green Home Improvements Under the Inflation Reduction Act (Kiplinger)
- Inflation Reduction Act: 5 Ways Retirees Can Save on Healthcare (SmartAsset)
Topic #3: The back-to-school cost creep
Now that the first semester of a new school year is underway, it’s a great time to check in on the reality of student expenses vs. the budget.
It’s common for both students and parents to underestimate some costs – or vice versa – so some course correction may be in order. Typical spending for books and supplies can run $1,240 a year, according to College Board data, and transportation adds another $1,230 annually. But what about all the other incidentals, like food beyond the dining plan, entertainment, fraternity/sorority dues, tech services, parking fees and dorm life?
The angle:
- For the younger set, focus on budgeting tips for college students. Learning to track and manage spending responsibly helps build an early financial foundation.
- For parents, consider a checklist of typical ancillary expenses, plus a wrap-up of frequently forgotten costs that often miss the budget plan. Or, offer guidance on having a helpful money conversation with your college student.
Blog inspiration:
- College Expenses List: Make Sure You Budget for These 11 Hidden Costs (Student Loan Hero)
- Don’t learn about money the hard way — get ahead with this guide for college students (Yahoo! Finance)
- The Student’s Guide to Budgeting in College (BestColleges.com)
- Money Talks to Have with Your College Student (Personal Capital)
Topic #4: Credits and rebates and stimulus checks, oh my!
As high inflation continues to strain family budgets, give your audience some good news by making them aware of a slew of state stimulus checks, child tax credits and supplemental tax refunds. At least 21 states are offering residents financial relief to help offset higher household costs like housing, gas and groceries. And 16 states intend to make various levels of child tax credits available to eligible families.
The angle:
- Give your audience a heads up on potential financial relief, which in some states is slated to roll out this month and throughout the fall.
- Offer a list of states’ current relief and tax credit plans and eligibility rules that may apply.
Blog inspiration:
- State Stimulus Payment Update: These States Are Sending Out Checks This Week (CNET)
- Is your state offering hero pay, stimulus or rebate checks? (CBS Moneywatch)
Topic #5: Spotlight on the Backdoor Roth IRA
Roth IRA conversions have become more appealing this year as sharp stock market declines mean you may be able to convert more of existing investments for the same tax bill. Plus, thanks to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, low tax rates will continue until the end of 2025, at which point they will increase to 2017 rates. The upshot? Converting assets to a Roth now may offer a rare chance to pay taxes up front at a discount.
Still, Roth conversions can be complex strategies, so it’s important that your audience understands the pros and cons – and how their individual financial situation and preferences should guide the decision to make the switch. And reminding clients that a review with a financial or tax advisor is always a must when weighing this strategy – as Roth conversions aren’t reversible.
The angle:
- Roths can make sense for younger investors, who are probably taxed at a lower rate now and can look forward to tax-free withdrawals from the account during retirement – when their tax bracket is likely to be higher.
- But Roths are not just for young people. With a Roth, there are no required minimum distributions during the life of the original owner, and beneficiaries can take withdrawals tax-free – which may make them intriguing estate-planning options.
Blog inspiration:
- Is a Roth Conversion Right for Me? (Wealthfront)
- When Roth Conversions Go ‘On Sale’: Discounted Roth Conversions During A Bear Market Decline (Kitces.com)
- Why Your Younger Years Are the Best Time to Open a Roth IRA (Motley Fool)
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