Mining Maelstrom: Why Rare Earths Are Making Headlines

Over the past several years, news reports have grown more intense about the precarious global supply of rare earth minerals. Yet outside scientific and national security arenas, many people may not fully understand the importance of rare earths. What are these mysterious materials and why are they receiving so much attention?

Surprises May Be in Store for Online Shoppers in the Tariff Era

On April 2, 2025, an executive order was issued eliminating the de minimis exemption for low-value imports from China, which previously allowed U.S. consumers to buy goods worth up to $800 directly from online marketplaces based outside of the United States without paying duties. Since the order took effect on May 2, some U.S. shoppers have been surprised by notices from shipping carriers requesting duties that in some cases surpassed the value of the items that were ordered.1

One Big Beautiful Bill Act

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) was signed into law on July 4, 2025, after months of deliberation in the House and Senate. The legislation includes multiple tax provisions that will guide individuals, business owners, and investors in planning their finances for many years to come. It makes permanent most of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) tax provisions that were set to expire this year, while delivering some new deductions and changes.

Buffett Takes a Bow: 7 Lessons from an Iconic Investor

Buffett’s investment strategy evolved into a blend of quality and value — which means he identifies well-run companies with solid balance sheets that are priced fairly based on their intrinsic value (the earnings and cash flow that the underlying business produces for shareholders). Having bought his first stock at age 11, he became known for diligent research and diving deep into the financial statements of his businesses and acquisition targets.

New Tax Legislation: What’s on the Table

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act

H.R. 1, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, narrowly passed the House of Representatives on May 22, 2025. The legislation is now being deliberated in the Senate, after the Senate Committee on Finance released its own version of proposed tax provisions on June 16, 2025.

Six Keys to More Successful Investing

A successful investor maximizes gain and minimizes loss. Though there can be no guarantee that any investment strategy will be successful and all investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal, here are six basic principles that may help you invest more successfully.

Buying Supplemental Health Insurance: Medigap

Medicare won’t cover all of your health-care costs during retirement, so you may want to buy a supplemental medical insurance policy known as Medigap. Offered by private insurance companies, Medigap policies are designed to cover costs not paid by Original Medicare (Parts A and B), helping you fill the gaps in your Medicare coverage. You’ll pay the private insurance company a monthly premium in addition to the monthly Part B premium you pay to Medicare